May 18, 2020

Meet Kiari Kirk of Kiarilk in Westside

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiari Kirk.

Kiari, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My training began at the age of 15. I joined a competitive Hip Hop team called “Sac All Stars” and I fell in love with dance. Up to this point, I knew every move Michael Jackson had ever done, and none of that prepared me for what I was to experience with Ms. Tee. She taught me how to work hard, focus, and believe in myself. She helped me find my purpose in life. To inspire health, love, and confidence through the art of dance.

Before dance, I was a very timid child. Video games, Funyuns, frozen Whoppers and a cup of strawberry milk was all I needed to survive. Dance transformed me in ways I never thought possible. Which brings me to where I am today. Ever since HS graduation, I’ve taught to all sorts of people from 4 1/2 to 82 years of age. Watching as they have fun, and push their way through class feeling accomplished and confident at the end. It’s a beautiful experience and I have to admit. I am addicted to it.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Good question! There have been a few things that have happened along the way, but I have to say my biggest issue is my own self-worth and self-talk. Many times I’ve felt paralyzed by the negative thoughts in my head. Telling me I am not good enough, haven’t trained enough, not enough muscles. It’s amazing how critical we can be on ourselves and believe it.

Point is I’ve told myself a lot of lies, but with the help of a lot of positive people, and self-care practices like yoga/meditation. I’ve managed to move to LA where all of my dreams are manifesting.

Kiarilk – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I teach Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, and Cardio Hip Hop to all levels and ages.

I am proud of my ability to teach all levels and work with children. I’ve partnered with schools, fundraisers, studios, and events in an effort to share the benefits of dance and inspire children to follow their dreams. I believe what sets me apart is the energy I bring to all of my classes. I understand that when a person takes my class, they are trusting me to introduce something to them in a manner they can understand and enjoy. I am proud to say I can do that.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Choreographing music videos and providing jobs for the dancers in my community. Those experiences can’t be beat. I am able to create with artist and employ the people I love. Also giving them a platform to showcase all of their hard work and talent. Giving back always feels good.

Working with Todrick Hall was also a very fun highlight for me. Meeting your idols always has a way of putting things in perspective. I knew from that moment that I could achieve all of my dreams. He inspired me to move to LA. Thank you Todrick 🙂

Contact Info:

Website: www.kiarilk.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kiarilk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kiarilk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kiarilk
Other: www.youtube.com/kiarilk

Image Credit:
Steve Cooper, Aj Calloway, Sean Hazen

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