Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Ekwerekwu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a very creative household. My dad is a successful comedian, writer, and director, so from a very early age I was exposed to the rigors and rewards of the entertainment community. After stints with cheerleading and basketball, I begin dancing at Carver Magnet High School for Engineering and Performing Arts. Creative influences there during my formative years planted seeds that will last a lifetime. After high school, I received my bachelor’s degree in communications/PR, aspiring to be a news anchor. I think this is where passion for being in front of a camera and influencing large audiences began. While in college, I danced for two NBA teams. The San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets. After realizing dance would forever be a part of my life, I decided to pursue a career in the arts. On a whim, I moved to New York City and received my master’s in dance education from New York University (NYU), while working at the Alvin Ailey studios. After graduation, I moved back home to Houston and taught in public education for 6 years.
I am currently the owner of Danni’s Dance, a dance company that offers classes, choreography, and one on one training around the Houston area. Over the years, I have learned just how important it is to stay true to your passions. It’s sustaining.
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride at all. As a wife and mom of two beautiful children, I always wanted to make sure I was able to help my husband provide for our family. It’s how I grew up. My mother is a very strong and supportive woman. However, a career in the arts can be an up and down proposition. I’ve gone through several career changes in the process, always battling between stability and passion. I’m grateful to have such a supportive husband who understands my itch for the arts and creation on the daily. My passions range from choreography to managing brand relationships to content creating for social media. The road is extremely twisty, but it’s also extremely gratifying. I’m so grateful God gave me a true passion that allows me to express myself and maintain full control of my happiness.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I teach dance through my dance company, Danni’s Dance. I am currently choreographing for the Houston Urban Nutcracker that will be held in December. I’m also choreographing for several High Schools in preparation for their competition season. I teach the History of Jazz dance and Dance Appreciation at Lone Star College. Lastly, I am a content creator! This is my most relaxed “job”. I began about 8 months ago after an innocuous (albeit funny) video of our daughter went viral. I’ve found a true passion in building a community online through my following.
I’m most proud of being able to make a name for myself that’s not associated with corporate or attached to a previously established entity. Danni’s Dance was built from the ground up and has been a true success for almost a decade. I am also proud of myself for not being afraid to try new things. I want to show my children that you can do anything you put your mind to, and it’s okay to put yourself out there. Being uncomfortable is where growth and change happens. What I once ran from, I now embrace.
I think what fortifies me and my journey is my family. It’s difficult, from my personal encounters, to meet people who have their hands in so many pots but also have a strong family foundation. I have been married for 8 years, and I have a 1 yr. old daughter and 4-year-old son. We are in the thick of it, to say the least. Despite our busy schedules, we make sure to spend quality family time, prioritize our family values and that includes our faith. It’s an everyday struggle, but it’s helped me become a woman of appreciation first, then everything else seems to fall into place. I’m so grateful for my tribe.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a huge fan of “The Moth” podcast, many self-help/relationship publications (The Celestine Prophecy was a revelation) and the Bible provides me fundamental answers for foundational issues.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Danni_Ek (personal blog) @DannisDance (business account)
- Twitter: TikTok: Danielleekwerekwu
