Brown Ballerina Ambassador Nyla Aikens Discusses the Power of Being Surrounded by Talent
Nyla Aikens is a 15-year-old dancer in Dallas, TX. She started dancing when she was 3 years old, studying classical ballet at Dallas Black Dance Academy (DBDA). Along with studying the American Ballet Theater Curriculum, Nyla also received private lessons from two members of DBDA’s company.
Since then, Nyla has participated in various summer intensives with Dance Theater of Harlem, Dance Up Dallas, Dallas Conservatory of Dance, and more. Today, Nyla dances at the Destiny Devoted Dance studio and is a Brown Ballerina Ambassador. In her interview below Nyla shares how access to resources and gaining adequate exposure are essential to her purpose as a dancer.
Related: Brown Ballerina Ambassador DianaStarr Robinson on Fulfilling Your Destiny
Photo: Nyla Aikens; shot by Esther Huynh
Nyla’s Dance Inspiration
Growing up, I was always surrounded by the arts. My dad can play drums and taught me piano. My mom danced as a child and still does (in the kitchen)! There is always singing and dancing in my house!
The Power of Dance Exposure
I want to be exposed to as many opportunities as I can. I want to meet people who dance, hear their stories, and witness their experiences. The more networking, the better. I also appreciate the exposure to various dance experiences like performances and photoshoot opportunities.
I am thankful for the resources I have today, like being an ambassador for Brown Girls Do Ballet, attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, my mentors, and my parents. Being exposed to so much talent daily is so inspiring to me! I enjoy being in this environment because I am surrounded by peers that share the same passion as me.
Related: Brown Ballerina Ambassador Jaivyn Beauford Discusses The Importance of Having a Dance Mentor
The Importance of Purpose
Having a purpose keeps you motivated, helps your self-image, and ignites your passion! It takes trial and error to find your purpose, but it is well worth the journey. When it comes to my purpose in dance, I want to serve as a positive role model to others both in and out of the dance studio.
A Thought for Dancers
Stay true to yourself! Do not put yourself in a box. Try new forms of dance. Where there is discomfort, there is an opportunity for growth. Explore every aspect of dance, which is the same journey I am on.
Follow Nyla’s dance journey on Instagram.
Our Brown Ballerina Ambassador program is designed to create opportunities for young dancers in training to be seen as leaders and to eventually become mentors to other Brown Ballerinas in Training. To find out more about our ambassador program and how you can support it, visit our Ambassador/Mentorship Program page.
Be sure to check out our Brown Ballerina Blog, where we feature spotlights on our Brown Ballerina Ambassadors, updates from our organization, useful tips for ballerinas, interviews with dance professionals, and more!
Note: This interview has been edited for concision and clarity.