Today we’d like to introduce you to Nika Kljun.
Hi Nika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born into a true dance family! My parents are very well-known and respected dancers and cultural figures in my country, Slovenia. They established an amazing dance education studio, “Bolero”, when I was three years old. So of course, when I was already in my mom’s tummy, I was already dancing! We truly “get” each other. I grew up training and competing successfully in many different styles, and by the time I was 15, I was choreographing for and coaching students from Bolero, leading them to become world champions. At a very young age, I had a passion for teaching and educating dancers – I just knew that it was a big part of my destiny. I worked professionally, gaining a lot of experience in London and Paris for a while before I ultimately made the big move to Los Angeles. When I got here, I hit the ground running!
I started performing with some of the biggest stars in the world, like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber and more, and on TV and award shows like the X-Factor and the MTV Video Music Awards. I transitioned into choreography and since I’ve created for superstars like Britney Spears, Paula Abdul, J. Balvin, and more was a part of the choreography team from Britney Spears and Paula Abdul Las Vegas residencies, and choreographed for TV programs like The Billboard Awards, Latin Grammy’s, So You Think You Can Dance, etc… But when I’m not choreographing for an industry job, I’m teaching. I’ve made a name for myself as a positive, effective educator, teaching sold-out classes of professional and aspiring professional dancers in Los Angeles and in dozens of countries – and counting! I’m truly grateful to do what I love every day and to sprinkle a little love and passion wherever I go.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced in my career has been the sacrifice of being so far away from my family. Even though I’ve lived in LA for many years now, it’s still a challenge. I’ve had conversations with myself to remind inner Nika to keep on going and that I’m doing this because I truly love it. It means so much to have a family who understands my journey and who loves and supports me while I live my dreams so far away. Plus, of course, the LA industry has its own challenges and can be harsh. In this world, you have to stay true to who you are. There are so many “No’s”, and when you get a “Yes”, you cannot let it define you – you have to know better than that and remember that YOU define yourself. So I always return to myself and remember why I’m here: because dance truly is my best friend.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a dancer, the feedback I’ve gotten has always been that when I show up to dance, there’s a sparkle in my eye. There’s an energy that I carry that is very present and passionate, and that carries over into my work as a choreographer and teacher, too. I focus on creating a positive class atmosphere while also prioritizing hard work, and I’m known for bringing the best out of students. Because genuinely connecting with them is so important to me, I quickly understand exactly what it is that they need in order to learn and grow, which is a skill that always helps me take dancers, artists and performers to the next level. I’m also known for being not only a versatile dancer, but teacher as well. I did everything from ballet to jazz, to ballroom and more growing up, and I’m a big advocate for a full dance education. So I like to switch it up in my class pretty often. Some days you may get jazz funk, others you may get Latin fusion, hip hop, or an industry commercial masterclass!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom and my dad, Janja Pušl and Zoran Kljun, have always guided and supported me so lovingly as I pursued my dreams. They’ve dedicated their lives to dance, Slovenian dance culture, and dance education and have changed a lot of lives. It is awesome to have such strong fiery roots that catapulted me toward the life I’ve worked hard for and live now. I’m grateful for my fiancé Sonny Pedersen who’s been standing right next to me for over 13 years and always been my rock to lean on. I’m also grateful to all of the educators who have believed in me for many years, from my Slovenian main dance teacher Nataša Lovše Pepelnak to my international teachers like Brian Friedman, Nappytabs, Sisco Gomez, Kimberly Taylor, Kevin Maher, and more. My journey to where I am now wouldn’t have been the same without the presence and support of the people I respect and admire.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikakljun.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nikakljun
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officialnikakljun
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/nkljun
Image Credits
Photographer: Alissa Roseborough Make up: Larke Hasstedt Hair style: Desireé (Desirvbeauty) Stylist: Laurien Decibel
