Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanika Griffith.
Hi Shanika, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing when I was very young and continued dancing throughout Jr High, High School, College, and currently still is today. I decided that at I love dance so much that I wanted to major in Performing Arts. My experience at Hinds has led me to many great opportunities. I have performed in many productions carrying lead roles, traveling throughout the States for other performances, and have traveled overseas for the dance departments Europe Tour. The Europe Tour was specifically dedicated to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England; however, we also performed in Upsala, Sweden, and Paris, France. In the midst of dancing almost 7 days a week and keeping up academics. I was working non-stop. I started teaching dance at age 17 and was teaching at 2 different studios and working other jobs while managing school. Once completing college in 2013, I ventured off into building my resume as professional dancer. I have performed with 4 professional dance companies, 1 in Louisiana and 2 in Texas, and I am currently a dancer for Rhythmic Creations in Orlando, FL. I have been on set as a dancer for the movie “Bolden” and also for the artist J. Cole music video “G.O.M.D.,” which was shot all in Louisiana. I moved to Texas for a different scenery and to really find myself and gift. I started training and teaching soon after I arrived in Dallas. My experience in Dallas was a humbling experience; though I was looking for performance gigs, I was most happy when I was teaching. I soon realized what my gift was in the performing arts world, and that was teaching. My students made me realize that what I had to offer as teacher was something special and how passionate I am about teaching. Once I was finished with my last show in Dallas in 2016, I changed my focus on being a better teacher and then moved to Florida where I met my love, my husband and where SGP Movement was created. The mission to SGP Movement is to mold, inspire, and educate pre-professional dancers for growth as an artist and create an artistic mind through dance. I absolutely love seeing dancers tap into their artistic minds and create magic with dance. It’s a beautiful language.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Establishing SGP Movement in 2020, maintaining it, and life has not been the smoothest. Dance in general is a competitive industry, whether is intentional or not. For me, the struggle has been about patience. With starting a new business, not having my own space, and being patient in gaining clientele has been quite of a challenge. But as the time go on, I did notice the growth in my business, my students, and gaining new clientele each year. I always remind myself that I have to crawl before I walk, and that is a fact.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dance teacher/educator/creative director for SGP Movement, specializing in choreography for entertainment, competition, concert dance, and commercial dance. I also teach adult classes regularly, along with hosting master classes and workshops for different dance teams and studios. I am known for educating dancers on terminology, technique classes, and Stretch and Conditioning classes, and having an inviting personality. I am mostly proud of myself for simply not giving up on my dream of starting up a business that is revolved around my first love “DANCE”! When it comes to what sets me apart from others is that I am so passionate about helping other dancers evolve in their technique and artistry, whether it’s for commercial or concert dance. I love to challenge dancers to think outside the box and outside of their comfort zone.
Any big plans?
I’ve had some minor setbacks earlier this year, but I am looking forward to putting out a few new creative projects that I have on my agenda. I’m also planning to up a creative space/dance studio in the future, and I can’t wait to see what that will turn into.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgpmovement/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChRerT1OxEzR3wP3AQu7U8A
