Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Nikeata Thompson
Photo: © Kevin Gonzalez
the agency, my vision was to bring more structure into the initially very chaotic dancer booking process. I wanted to achieve reasonable salaries for my colleagues and I, and that we get taken seriously. Just like people accepted music as art, dance should also be an important part of TV and music video productions. Even though we are nowhere near achieving what I would like to achieve, much has changed in the last seven years since the agency’s formation. And when I was able to contribute just a little bit towards this, I’m very happy about it.” Another project that Nikeata Thompson brought to life is the Urban Dance School – an online coaching platform that teaches Germany how to dance.“After Got To Dance, many people asked me whether I had my own dance school. Back then, I gave workshops all across Germany and I taught up to six classes on the weekends which simply wasn’t doable in the long-run. I never wanted a dance school because my personal expectations were too high. I would have wanted to give courses there myself often, but with so many other jobs on the side this simply wouldn’t have been possible. So we thought about an online platform. I simply 20 | Issue 60 | March 2018
loved the thought that everyone, regardless of previous experience or location, would be able to train with me! Dancing might not be a big part of German culture, but wouldn’t it be great if it would become a part sometime in the future?” To further achieve this, Nikeata also has some tips and tricks for aspiring dancers: “Always stay in motion. Dare to try different styles, push your boundaries, visit different countries and courses and most of all, create your own style! Be your own brand. Don’t try to perfectly copy every dance but rather dance freely and observe yourself and your body. If you want to successfully and professionally dance then this is probably the best tip I can give.”She adds: “However, first and foremost, you need to understand that you won’t always have a rosy life as a dancer. It’s difficult to be noticed and taken seriously. You really need to work hard to make a living. But regardless, dance is one of the world’s most beautiful art forms.” On fitness tips and future plans Adorning the covers of the likes of Women’s Health magazine and trying to
push at least three to four workout sessions that include endurance, strength and dance training into her busy weekly schedule, Nikeata is the go-to person when it comes to fitness tips. “I believe that every person has their own valve – one likes to box, the next prefers meditating – finding the most suitable for oneself is important,” she smiles and adds: “We actually know that we should eat well and start doing some sport. This is only a question of attitude. Everyone can achieve this with a small portion of willpower!” And what does Nikeata want to achieve in 2018? “I want to plan more time for rest, I want to travel more and get to know the world. Giving something back to people that might not have as much and putting the focus back onto my own well-being which I myself determine and not others.” She concludes: “Furthermore, I’m currently seen in the new season of Germany’s Next Topmodel and I’m still the brand ambassador for PUMA which is exciting. But what you guys can expect beyond that is a small secret. I definitely want to develop myself further and I will do that this year!”