Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanika Griffith
Hi Shanika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started dancing when I was very young, and continued to pursue dance as an adult. Studying dance in college truly kicked off my dream of starting a company. Coming from a small town in Mississippi, I was still able to travel to perform on different stages, teach dance in multiple states and build my portfolio as a professional dancer. Before moving to Florida I was living Texas where I truly embraced my gift as a dance teacher/educator. I didn’t realize how much of an impact I made on my students until I announced to them that I was moving. That move brought me to Florida in 2017. This was a big move for me. I was practically starting over branding myself as a professional dancer & teacher. Thank god my now Hubby, family, and friends continued to motivate me. I started out teaching and taking class here in Orlando to have a sense of community, which introduced new friendships that blossomed into my team for SGP Movement Dance Company.
SGP Movement was established in 2020 teaching adult dance classes. Definitely had my ups and downs starting out being a new business but I had to keep going in order to achieve my goal. And that goal was my dance company SGP Movement Dance Company. It’s so crazy how that transpired, literally from a major injury that required surgery. I tore my left ACL! 2021 I tore my ACL which wasn’t even a thought but it was definitely confirmed after receiving the results from my MRI. I had a lot of downtime during the healing process. I kept wondering if I was going to be able to truly dance again, cause I’m so passionate about it. Like how can I keep something that I’ve lived and worked so hard for in me. God said “It is time….. Start your dance company Shanika.” And there I was in January of 2022 mid-recovery planning the first meeting about the company. I got those who are close to my heart together and gave them the vision and mission. They were completely on board and ask when are we starting. I thought to myself oh my goodness, I’m really doing this!!! And here we are going into our 4th Season. It has truly been a beautiful journey. Words can’t express how grateful I am.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since starting SGP Movement Dance Company, we have definitely had our trying times. Lots of trial and error, which also provided growth along the way. Making adjustments each season to improve & enhance the overall experience of being apart of the company.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the Artistic Director of SGP Movement Dance Company and I enjoy every bit of it. From pouring into dancers to bring the absolute best out of them, to creating and choreographing pieces in connection to life. I’m most proud of the community within the company. It’s truly like a family. Accepting all love for dance, no matter how dancers are built or their ethnicity/race. We all are in this for love of the arts and dance. And that I can say truly sets us apart. We bring diversity to the table with a statement.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My view on Risk- Taking is that it can be challenging. I say that because starting up anything new and continuing it will most likely take a lot of your personal time, especially if you have a growing family. All can be affected in a sense of feeling neglected. Spouses, children, family and friends, even pets are affected by the risk-taker. But love, reassurance, and transparency is key, along with time management; though time management isn’t always on your side. Taking that risk can also be scary, because you’re putting you and your craft out there for world to see. Not all will accept what an individual has to offer, but it’s truly up to you to make this risk worth wild and not let other options discourage you and your purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sgpmovement.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgpmovement?igsh=ZjFpdDBqbDhvMTJy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18o1dxduMF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sgpmovement?si=NTERH54RQIKQMCKh
Image Credits
Headshot taken by- acallephotography
