Kimiko Miller is not your average dancer.

She is an entrepreneur, mother, and a passionate supporter of dancehall, who tirelessly promotes the art form locally and internationally.

Her love affair with dancing began when she was a child.

Her mother noticed that whenever Kimiko heard music, she would start moving to the beat. She placed her in dance competitions at various events, and she always won.

Kimiko is now a recognised dancehall dance ambassador.

Her work as a dancer, and choreographer is featured in numerous music videos, as well as in the Netflix docuseries, Move.

Her passion for dance has taken her across the globe where she instructs others on dancehall routines while sharing the Jamaican culture.

Yello caught up with the busy dancer and entrepreneur, who shared her experiences with promoting dance and Jamaican culture.

Tell us the top five things that you love most about Jamaican culture.

The top five things I love about Jamaican culture are:

1. It’s vibrant and natural communication through music, dance, theatre and arts.

2. Our ethnically diverse society.

3. There is an abundance of hearty foods and herbs.

4. The dynamic and expressive sounds of our dialect.

5. Our sense of humour.

What made you want to pursue dancing professionally? 

After joining Ashe in 2006, I realised that my dance technique was improving tremendously. The Founder and Artistic Director of Ashe, Joseph Robinson, persuaded me to apply to the School of Dance at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. He also wrote me a letter of recommendation to support my application.

I now have a diploma in Dance Theatre and Production and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography.

What areas of dance are you formally trained in?

I am trained in ballet, modern contemporary, jazz, traditional Jamaican forms, and traditional African dances.

What has your journey as a professional dancer on the local scene been like?

It has been challenging but worthwhile. Dancing is not often viewed as a career, so the support for dancers is often lacking. This is one of the reasons that I gear my craft mainly towards tourists abroad who appreciate our Jamaican dance culture.

On the other hand, I’ve managed to promote myself and my work locally. I’m constantly booked to choreograph music videos, perform on live stage shows and to do promotions for well-established businesses.

How did you break into the international scene?

I broke into the international scene by investing time in Jamaican dance culture. I was noticed because of my passion and love for dancehall, my attitude and energy towards this genre.

Being a part of dance in Jamaica allowed me to share my talent with the world. In 2013, after having my son, I received an opportunity to do my first European tour. Since then, I’ve been touring Europe.

In February 2020, I did my sixth European tour.

What has the response been like in some of the countries that you’ve toured?

I’ve been to several European countries and cities. These include Italy, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Budapest, Holland, Spain, France, Greece and Portugal.

In Asia, I’ve been to China, Japan and Taiwan.

I’ve also been to Australia, Canada, Columbia, Chile, Argentina and Mexico. In the United States, I’ve been to several states and cities including New York, Chicago, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, California, Florida, Atlanta and Washington DC.

The feedback has been positive since my first tour. My clients have expressed that I inspire and motivate them. They’ve also shared that I made them look at dancehall more positively and that they feel empowered as women when executing the dance moves, I’ve created.

 
What genres of dance are your favourites?

My favourite genres are dancehall, Jamaican traditional folk forms and African dances. These forms are ways that I can express myself freely.

How do you stay updated on what’s happening in your industry?

I stay updated on what’s happening by attending dancehall parties and cultural events. I also connect with others in my industry via social media, which is an efficient platform for sharing content.

Who are some of your dance inspirations?

One of my inspiration in dancehall is Mad Michelle. In dance and African technique, it is Dr L’Antoinette Stines, Founder of L’Acadco. I’m also inspired by some of my closest friends and relatives. I appreciate all the people who’ve helped me to become the performer that I am today.

You are also the owner of Versatile Studioz. What made you branch off into business?

I’ve always wanted to have my own dance space where I can create freely.

I had a lot of dancers coming to Jamaica and requesting dance classes from me. I also started a female dance group called VersatileOnes. We were rehearsing twice weekly in other dance spaces.

These factors motivated me to find a place where I could attract all the activities that came with my success. I opened Versatile in April of 2018, and it was one of the best moments of my life! I offer a variety of services that include dance, fitness and beauty.

Some of the services provided include dance classes, artiste development, dance aerobics, kids classes, natural hair services, locs maintenance, make-up services, and promotions for dancers and video vixens.

Share an important lesson that you learnt since you started your business.

There’s always going to be room for improvement to make you a better leader and entrepreneur. By maintaining a course of constant improvement will allow you to be your best for as long as possible.

What advice would you give to others who are interested in pursuing a career in dance?

If you want to pursue a career in dance, you need to possess an inexhaustible resilience that is fuelled by determination and passion. It’s about having raw talent and honing it. You’ve got to be mentally prepared to work hard, be persistent and consistent. As you grow in the industry, there will be distractions and naysayers, but be true to yourself and stay strong!

To connect with Kimiko, check out her Instagram @kimikoversatile.official and via her YouTube channel, Kimiko Versatile.

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Related content: Kimiko Miller, Jamaican Dancehall Ambassador, Dancer and Choreographer Featured in Move on Netflix!

*All images by Soumoya Mattis at Soneik Entertainment Ltd.