Check out Niamey Thomas’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niamey Thomas.

Niamey, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I started dancing when I was in third grade. At my elementary school a teacher who was a professional dancer before teaching decided to host a flash mob and that is how I got started. Dancing in crews and on teams then eventually on my high school cheer and pom team. After entering college, I stopped dancing, for four years I focused on building up myself as a public speaker and an advocate for higher education and for communities of color. After I graduated college in 2015 I started dancing again, I begin teaching, joined a crew, and started to retrain my body. I then made the WNBA Mercury team in 2017 and am now teaching at multiple studios, host residencies around the valley, and captain of Anomalous dance crew.

After I graduated college is when I wanted to mix my love for dance and community together, focusing on Arts activism, creating spaces in art for people of color and providing opportunities by hosting shows and events where artists can grow in their art, the community, and find teaching opportunities.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a creative, dancer, and choreographer. I create pieces that stirs up conversations, that cause people to question the status quo and I specifically work on building up the Black and Latino community. Providing opportunities, seeking leadership opportunities for these communities. My work focuses on Passion, purpose and identity, finding yourself in your art is important, especially in the idea of dance where dance can connect different people regardless of background, ethnicity, ideas, and gender. Dance can bring people together and exchange relationships cross lines. I want people to see themselves in my work, I want to inspire people to strive towards greatness and find ways to bring communities together.

How can artists connect with other artists?
Network and be open. Go to other events and make friends. Sometimes it can be hard because naturally we as humans like clicks but invite yourself into spaces. I believe I belong anywhere I want to even if from the outside it may not make sense. Show up into spaces and be the best you and people will receive that. It is okay to be fans of artists/creatives and let them know of your admiration. Seek to connect!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am hosting a show on Nov 15 at Tempe History Museum called, “The Show” where we explore Inter-generational Trauma in families of color through Dance, poetry and Music. Follow me on Instagram: nniiamey, YouTube Niamey Thomas and I am working on a website which will be up soon and will host all my work on.

Artists for Change Vol 2 which focuses on building up Community Artists/Creatives in their art, in the community, and creating Social Transformation. It is on Sep. 29 and they can click the link to find more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/1935382526762674/

People can support me by coming to events I host and sending encouraging words are always welcome as well as critiques. My old pastor used to say, “give me my flowers while I can smell them.” Let me know if I am doing something that impacts you or that you like!

Contact Info:

• Email: ayoungrealistic@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nniiamey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/niamey.thomas
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/NNIIAMEY

Image Credit:
Alexander Fridge
Akin Akinwande
Amie Johnson

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.