Meet Danni Gee | Dancer, Vocalist, and Presenter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danni Gee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danni, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in SW Philadelphia with my Mom who raised my sister and myself alone after she and my Dad divorced when I was around 2 years old. My Mom was always very smart and extremely resourceful. She was also interested in the arts and around the time I turned 7, she took us to New York see our first Broadway show which happened to be “The Wiz” which piqued my interest in singing and dancing. A few years later, she enrolled us in a private performing arts school where I began my first formal dance training. My Mom worked a lot of long hours for many years at Philly’s main Post Office at 30th Street, in order to provide us with the things we needed and the occasional splurges like family vacations. It taught me the value of hard work and sometimes you have to go the extra mile to achieve your dreams. Whenever I feel really tired or dejected, I think about her, and it reminds me to take a deep breath and to not give up. I have gone through so many transitions in my life and career and she is always the first person I call to lean on for advice or to celebrate, whether it’s landing a new gig like dancing with Alvin Ailey, singing with Cher, or my new role at New York City’s The Joyce Theater. To this day, we still talk every day and I am thankful I have her with me to witness and enjoy this exciting next chapter of my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have spent most of my life as an Artist. I began professionally as a dancer, performing with both the Philadelphia Dance Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I suffered an injury and had to retire from dance prematurely at the age of 28, but I was able to change course and focus on my singing. I took a chance and moved back to New York, started writing music, joined a band led by the late Greg Tate, and even started my own rock and soul band, Suga Bush. I loved performing and it was definitely hard at times when money was tight between gigs. I worked different day jobs in order to support my music and even though we had some local success, and even with me singing backgrounds for several top music artists, it became difficult to keep the music going. During this time, I was still tapped in to my dance community and when the opportunity arose to interview as the dance curator for one of New York’s largest free arts festival, I took a leap and said yes. This was an entirely new field for me, being an administrator, but I am still thankful to this day, that the then-director, Alexa Birdsong, saw my potential and offered me the position. I learned so much and was happy and proud to be in a position that I could give opportunities to other aspiring dancers and choreographers. I was truly terrified when I started the job. But my excitement outweighed my fear. Sometimes you have to listen to the universe and accept the gift that’s being delivered to you. I still have a lot to learn but the what I do know is that a good attitude and a great reputation goes a long way. Also, good communication skills and professionalism. People respond when they feel seen and heard. And hey, you’re never too old to try something new.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow, there are so many great things to do in New York. Since the pandemic, I’ve found amazing outdoor spaces like the Hudson River Greenway in Upper Manhattan that features a picturesque view of a little red lighthouse beneath the George Washington Bridge and a cool stretch of rock sculptures. The Cloisters and Fort Tryon are also a great place to visit. And now that the arts and nightlife are making a comeback, of course there would be an evening of dance at The Joyce Theater in Chelsea; a tantalizing talk-back at the 92nd St Y; a movie at the famous Paris Theater; jazz music at the Blue Note; alternative music at Music Hall in Williamsburg; maybe see “Funny Girl” and “Death of a Salesman” on Broadway or the new “Kinky Boots” Off-Broadway; some soul food at Melba’s in Harlem followed by Amateur Night at The Apollo! So many choices!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mom, Karen, of course!! But also, my dear friend, Monique Martin. She is an independent producer and curator who is working on her very first contemporary circus called “Minty Fresh” which honors the legacy of Harriet Tubman. Stay tuned!!

Website: www.dannigeetv.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannigeenyc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danni-gee-live/

Twitter: dannigeenyc

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanniGeeTV