Interview with Meika Powells, owner of 'MoveLikeMeika LLC'

MoveLikeMeika LLC has been spreading the joy of dance fitness for a couple of years in Houston. The owner, Meika Powells, has a tremendous positive vibe that accentuates her dance style and makes her classes fun and enjoyable. It's this positivity found in many dance teachers that we are addicted to and why we want to share dance with everyone. We recently interviewed her and got to learn a little bit more about her story and the path she is on to achieve her dance goals of becoming a prominent high school dance team choreographer.

"I grew up in a dancing family so dance has always been apart of my life, but when I knew I wanted to fully pursue a career was in Middle School. A friend of mine, who was also a dancer, and I were both put in charge to choreograph one of our schools musicals, "The Wizard of Oz". I can fully recall how “right” it felt being a choreographer and dancer." -Meika

We asked what her typical day was like, Meika revealed that "By day I’m a full time nanny. Most of my families have toddlers so I get to let my inner child out and just enjoy life’s little joys. In the evening is when I do most of my dancing/teaching. I usually get home around 9pm and begin working on promoting my business, making reels, business flyers, sending out emails, etc..."

You might wonder, what must a dance teacher do to stay in good dancing shape while working a separate full time job and planning out their future aspirations. Meika states that she excercises 10-20 times a week and when asked what the best thing is that she does for herself each week, she stated "I read and I listen to positive podcasts that pour into me on a mental and spiritual level so that I can be prepared for my day/week."

This is seeming like a full plate, work, dance, reading, etc. How do you feel when life gets too busy and you miss your normal dance routine? "I feel like a part of me is missing. I can honestly say I dance everyday. I dance in my car, at home, at studios, at events. I’ll always make time to move my body and get lost in the beautiful sounds of music."

Ok, we've learned that she comes from a dancing family, but she also shared with us the mentors who influenced her life and art the most.

"Dominique Baxter, My High School dance teacher that was a walking role model for me as a black girl. Everything about her was Royal and she carried herself in the highest manner. Seeing her from a student pov I was so mesmerized. From her teaching to her discipline I was and will always be inspired."

"Denisea Woodard gave me my first professional job as a dance teacher. All I needed was a chance to prove myself and she saw something in me and took a chance. I worked for her studio for 5 years and I’m still in contact with them. She taught me the business side of dance. Teaching at her studio taught me patient and how to handle large group performances. Also, made me a better choreographer because my work would be judged at competitions so I would get feedback from the judges and take it as corrections to learn and grow."

"Adrienne Rowe, My aunt and God-mom taught me that my gift was given from God and taught me that I have a purpose. She has taught me so many different skills that I know today. My time under her mentorship really pushed me passed what I thought I was capable of. It taught me that I’ll always be a student, I can always improve, and there’s always more to accomplish."

We truly love that the culture of dance training is as much the facet of creativity, artistry, and technique as it is the priveledge to be inspired by mentors who pass down from generation to generation the joy and passion inherent in dance and the value within the learning and knowledge sharing processes themselves.

Our final question for Meika was a simple curiousity that we all share....What is in your dance bag besides shoes? - her answer: "...a book, chapstick, water, snacks, headphones, deodorant, perfume, dance notebook (with formations and counts written down), and a speaker." - Wow! Impressive, a notebook with actual formations written down!

We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Meika better and we all hope that you have been inspired to continue on your dance journey and continue to stay tuned for future interviews that reveal inspiration.

#DanceLifeBetterLife

Founder & CEO

Jennifer San Miguel