Owner/Artistic Director

As a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Nykisha has always attributed her passion to the culturally rich heritage of her hometown. Nykisha is the owner & director of In the Key of Dance. She is a classically trained dancer that has served the dance community for 25 years by way of helping dancers reach their full potential mind & body. She has also invested her time in helping grow other dance studio portfolios. 

Our mission is to provide a highly structured atmosphere that fosters supportive, positive, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. The dance studio is successfully known for “Progress over Perfection,” and “Positive Vibes only.” In the Key of Dance provides fun and discipline dance classes that enforces professional behaviors, dance education, emphasis on technique being the key to grace and excellence, and accountability to themselves (and others).

She also holds a BS in Marketing and a MS in Business Management. Her dance training began at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). She also studied ballet & pointe at Ballet Hysell. Nykisha has auditioned & performed with dance companies, the nutcracker, productions, musicals, and also landed a role as a band member's girlfriend in the movie, "Ray."  

Not only does In the Key of Dance provides a safe enhancement for the students’ physical & emotional well-being, Nykisha currently holds a Mental Health Youth First-Aid Certification and has partnered with mental health organizations that provides great resources for dancers that need therapy and aid beyond dance. Nykisha teaches all of her dancers not only the important value of human kindness inside of the dance studio towards their peers and their teachers, but life-long lessons and success to take with them even, if dance isn’t a chosen profession. 

Nykisha is known for strongly giving back to the community. After losing her home & community during the height of Hurricane Katrina, Nykisha still honored her commitment to serve & give back through dance and the arts. As an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author, Nykisha’s book, “A Dancer’s Leap into Accountability, has also poured additionally into the lives of her dancers by allowing 100% of the proceeds from her book through her 501c3 to help provide funding for costumes, dance shoes, class dance wear, and sponsorships to families with expressed financial barriers. 

The goal is to create a new generation of dancers who will develop a positive level of respect, self-confidence, and a strong commitment to themselves and others.