Nigel Teamer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Nigel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
In the first 90 minutes of my day, I focus on setting myself up both physically and mentally. I start by showering and freshening up so I feel energized, then I move into stretching to wake up my body and maintain flexibility, which is essential for me as a dancer. I always make time for breakfast to fuel myself for rehearsals or training. And if I have extra time, I like to create at least one piece of content—whether it’s choreography or a short video—so I’m consistently building my creative portfolio and staying connected with my audience.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m 25 years old and proudly from both the North and South side of Chicago. I come from a very supportive family, with three younger siblings—two brothers and a sister—who constantly inspire me to keep pushing forward. I’m a professional dancer and creative artist, as well as a gymnastics coach where I teach recreational gymnastics and ninja classes. My love for movement started young—I actually taught myself how to flip on a mattress in my living room, which is a funny but true beginning to my journey.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with artists and brands like Blueface, Jayden Alexis, Diamond The Body, DaBaby, Blameitonkway, Doc Martens, Stars from HBO Legendary, and many others. What makes my path unique is the balance I’ve built between being a performer, a coach, and a creator. I’m passionate about inspiring others through my art, while also giving back by teaching and mentoring the next generation.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother saw me clearly before I could even see myself. She’s always been the one to push me toward my full potential and encourage me to try new things. Because of her support, I was inspired to take opportunities that shaped me early on, like interning at Joffrey Ballet and Joel Hall Dancers & Center—two of my favorite studios growing up. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue dance seriously and trust in my own talent.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience in a way that success never could. When things don’t go as planned, you’re forced to dig deeper, stay disciplined, and find strength within yourself. Success feels great, but it can sometimes make you comfortable. Struggle, on the other hand, taught me patience, humility, and how to keep going even when no one is watching. Those lessons shaped my character and gave me the drive to keep creating and performing no matter what obstacles I face.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that everyone has to fit into a specific mold. There’s often this ‘cookie-cutter’ expectation of what a dancer or creative should look like, move like, or even represent. The reality is, the very things that make you different are usually your greatest strengths. But in this industry, standing out can sometimes be seen as a problem instead of an asset. I think that mindset holds a lot of talent back, and it’s something I try to challenge through my work and individuality.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m being creative—whether that’s dancing, choreographing, or releasing content. There’s something grounding about putting energy into my work and expressing myself through movement and art. That’s when I feel the most aligned and centered.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nigelteamer?igsh=NnlrZDFqNjJtamZl
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nigelteamer?si=AYuagQwKQ0bXFf07
Image Credits
@_Jimmygotsoul_ , HudsonPaletthrope, @redllama.media, @thereeltjay_
