Today we’d like to introduce you to Nkeiruka Igbonagwam also known as NK.
Hi Nkeiruka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and partially raised in Nigeria for 13 years. I’ve always loved dancing and acting since I was a little girl. I was part of the dance team and drama club in Nigeria. I felt the most happy whenever I had a chance to entertain people around me. I am known as the life of the party. In 2009, at the age of 13, I relocated to Los Angeles, California to continue my education. After high school, I started college in 2013 which I found to be quite challenging choosing a major because of what I wanted versus what my parents wanted for me. My parents, being your typical African parents wanted me to pursue a career in medicine, law or engineering while I wanted to dance. Therefore, all that, coupled with the fear of pursuing entertainment in LA and possibly being a “starving artist” and the thought of whether or not I’ll make it, scared me.
In order to leave my options open, I chose to major in International Business with emphasis in Entertainment Marketing. However, I was still involved with dance. At the age of 22, I went to London to complete my final year in college where I discovered a much deeper passion for dance. However, after I graduated college in 2017 from Cal Poly Pomona, I decided to work at a sales company because it was the “responsible” thing to do while pursuing dance on the side. After five miserable months, I knew the corporate world wasn’t for me because I wasn’t happy and craved more flexibility with dance. I came to the realization that the entertainment industry is my calling, so I quit the sales job. I overcame my fears and took the leap of faith to pursue dance full-time, self-taught. I’ve learned that consistency, hard work & believing in yourself, as well as your craft is the key to success. I can’t wait to see what life has instore for me this year as well as moving forward.
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?
Life is full of ups and downs, it all depends on how you handle it. I’ve learned to accept “no” as well as rejection since being in this business. I see it as a chance to try harder and be better in my craft as well as believing that everything happens for a reason; because not every job is meant for you. In conclusion, know your worth and don’t ever settle for less. Everyone has a turn, just wait for yours.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a choreographer, dance instructor, casting director, brand ambassador, and a versatile dancer although, I specialize in the Afrobeat style of dance. I’m best known for my creativity as a content creator, vibrant personality, fluid moves, cooking and styling my own hair. I am a proud Nigerian, as everything I do revolves around my culture. With my various performances around the country, I am also proud of gracing many stages, as well as the opportunity to work with so many amazing artists, companies and brands. I’ve also been featured on TV shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Let’s Make A Deal”. As a casting director, I find joy giving back to the community and providing opportunities for hidden talents around the world. My most powerful weapon that sets me apart from the others is being myself.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry expanding because entertainment is very essential. Not only is dancing fun and makes us happy, it is also a form of fitness for a healthier lifestyle. Let’s be honest, majority of people would rather take a dance class for fitness over going to the gym. Also, in the next 5-10 years, I would love to have my own studio, not just for dance but for overall entertainment such as photography, acting and music.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nksogorgeous
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Nksogorgeouss/
Image Credits:
Kizi photography77 @kizi_photography77 Ammar Thomas @manmeetsstyle Vanessa Nweze @vanessanweze
