Born and raised in Brussels, Belgium, Niara studied classical ballet at the Conservatory of Brussels and spent 2 summers as a full scholarship student at the Chicago City Ballet. 

 

At 18, Niara relocated to the U.S to attend Boston University where she earned her B.A in Psychology.  She then spent time living and working in Paris and Hawaii before settling in NYC.  It was there while taking classes at Broadway Dance Center and Manhattan Motion that her passion for dance was reignited.  After a move to Boulder, Colorado , she continued her training at Motion Underground and soon began leading a variety of performance hip hop troupes of all ages and levels. 

 

While in Colorado, Niara joined  the Nuggets NBA hip hop dance team, "Mob Squad" , led by Kenny Jimenez.  She was also fortunate to have toured nationally and abroad with Gary Kendell's Monster Shop Bumpin' Tour.  The opportunity to work with the legendary Jabbawockeez founder has had a lasting impact on her.

 

Her next venture was as a founder and co-owner of StreetSide Studios – a performance based dance studio in Boulder. She spent 2 years managing the studio, directing hip hop performance troupes, and teaching a mix of dance styles for youth and teen students.

 

Her dynamic classes are influenced by a myriad of styles including hip hop, dancehall, street jazz, burlesque, breakin', house and contemporary jazz.  Since moving to San Diego in 2012, Niara has taught her style of movement to students at the Academy of Performing Arts , Del Mar Ballet , The Facility , San Diego Circus Center, Darkside Fitness, Fitness West and Volare Pole Studio.  Her classes have been featured in 'The Beach & Bay Press", abc's t.v show "The List" and  'San Diego Magazine'.  

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In 2017 Niara took her first pole class and immediately fell in love.  Her vast dance background allowed her to advance quickly in this beautiful art form and offered her a new platform for self expression. She has won medals at prestigious competitions including New York's Uspdf, Pole Art Italy, and Pole theatre Iceland where she took first place.  She is currently teaching and performing pole and is continually inspired by the many artists she admires within this style of dance.  Niara and her family of 5 just returned to San Diego after a year and a half living in Siena,  Italy .  She is excited to be back and reconnecting with her students.

 

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