Getting to Know DWC Ambassador Niki Kothari
By Samantha Weissbach
Samantha Weissbach is a dancer, choreographer, and business professional born & raised in the Pacific Northwest. She has been dancing since the age of 2, and continues to dance and teach ballet and pointe professionally in the Greater Seattle Area. Samantha has trained at numerous establishments and programs; however, her primary training was received at Cornerstone Studio, Ballet Bellevue, and Emerald Ballet Theatre.
Currently, she serves as Executive Director of Intrepidus Dance, and is a company member with Intrepidus Dance and Forthun+Rome Dance Theater.
PICTURED: Niki Kothari, DWC Ambassador
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By Samantha Weissbach
DWC Ambassador Niki Kothari’s dancing journey might sound familiar to a lot of fellow dancers. “I started dancing when I was 3,” Niki tells us. “I was in Tap, Ballet, and Bollywood, and I was a little tomboy and I decided that I hated it. I hated the hair, the makeup…” Niki hated every single part of it. Shortly after expressing her great distaste for dance, Niki’s family signed her up for every sport imaginable. “I did Soccer, Basketball, Softball, Badminton, Tennis… I did everything!” says Niki with a smile.
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Allison Misty Blue Leotard by Eleve Dancewear | Delia Skirt in White by WearMoi | Joule Shock in Nude 1 by Apolla Performance
However, in 3rd grade, Niki became enraptured with hip-hop. “I thought hip-hop was the coolest thing in the world, and the very next year started taking every single class I could take.” At her old studio (which is no longer) Niki found herself in Musical Theater, Jazz, Acro, Ballet, and also as a part of the competition team. While she learned a lot, she unfortunately did not enjoy herself socially, but stuck it out for a few years. Finally, in 7th grade, Niki moved to Glass House Dance, where “she’s the most happy.”
At Glass House, Niki has become a part of a thriving community of dancers. She takes as many classes as she can, competes, and is a teacher’s assistant. One of her favorite things about dance (and dancing at Glass House specifically) is the friends and general connections she’s made. Last year, Niki sustained an injury to her feet, and the support she felt from her ballet teacher was overwhelmingly positive. She feels that the community she is a part of is truly invaluable.
When asked what her biggest challenge has been in the sphere of dance, Niki shared that even though she’s in advanced classes, has a competition solo, duo, and 2 group numbers, she can’t accept that people think she’s a good dancer. “[It’s] the one thing I can’t tell myself. If we’re doing improv or a new combination across the floor and my teacher says ‘wow that was awesome, go again’ I just think it’s all from pity.” So what helps Niki break through the quagmire of negative self-talk? “Remember that you’re doing it for you. You’re not dancing for every other person. You’re not dancing for the judge, you’re not dancing for the teacher, you’re dancing for yourself because you like it.” This is something all of her teachers have said to her in the past, and she hopes to pass this on to other dancers who may be struggling with their self-worth.
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What’s something Niki would like to see change in the dance world? “I don’t have a generic ‘perfect ballet body’, and it always stressed me out when it came around to costume time.” At previously attended studios, Niki recalls all of the dancers in her class putting on their costumes when they arrived, being lined up, and then evaluated one by one based on the fit of the costume. She was told often that her costume was too tight or didn’t look good on her arms. “It was never something super bad or outright mean, but it still hurt.” Niki feels that being mindful of the language we use surrounding how an article of clothing fits ensures that we are prioritizing the dancer as a sovereign human being over a piece of clothing which is inanimate and holds no bearing on our self-worth.
Another thing that Niki has found isn’t always considered is how a costume’s color is going to pair with her complexion, being of Indian heritage. “There are just certain colors that don’t look good with my skin tone.” She feels that there is a huge opportunity for teachers and studio owners alike to consider their costume choices in the context of all bodies being represented in their classroom, including size and skin tone.
She also wants to encourage dancers of all different sizes, colors, and abilities to bravely and boldly show up. “Be brave and step out of your comfort zone. Literally anyone can dance. I don’t care what you say, anybody can dance. Anybody who wants to and is putting in all their best effort can.”
To read more about Niki, check out the links below!