We had the good fortune of connecting with Dwan Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dwan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business was conjured by a passion; over 20 years of learning, teaching, performing and producing choreography & entertainment events. Those experiences allowed me to structure performances and programs that allow people to explore through movement.
Dancing With A Notion Productions; abbreviated from my name Dwan, undoubtedly helped me establish my WHY! I grew up having the outlet of dance to express all of my feelings throughout life’s challenges and circumstances. Dancing is my form of therapy. It’s the most fluid way for me to bring a concept to life, and convey a message to the world most effectively – nonverbally. As an advocate for mental health, and knowing how to use movement as a tool to help with manifesting a true connection of mind, body, and spirit, I’ve become inspired to blend my passions.
Through DWAN Productions, I’ve had the gift of watching so many others find themselves through movement. Being a part of the transformation always inspires me. Witnessing their self-consciousness disappear as they reveal their true confidence and personal growth will never get old for me.
Creating content that provokes conversation of socialism and self-consciousness inspires my mission to unite people that want to make this world a better place. Why not dance our way there?
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Where should I start? I incorporate movement with self awareness practices by using meditation, breath work, journaling, exercises to improve confidence, and exercises that help with emotional security. I think this has been really effective because it’s not just dancing- it’s connecting with your inner self to allow full expression of self. The tools I’ve implemented personally in overcoming life’s challenges play a major role in the structure of my programs. I’m super excited about the next play that I’m writing. I am a part of SoulKiss Theatre’s Playwright Workshop, and I’ll be presenting my second play at the Old Globe Theatre in August 2021. I’m also launching my online course- Rhythmic Stretch. It teaches body awareness, stretching, conditioning, dancing, breath work, and meditation all in one six week course. Step by step it allows my clients to go through the journey of self discovery on their own. I also have my online dance class, Lyrical Hip Hop where I teach a contemporary (ballet/jazz/technique/hip hop) fusion. I’m also launching a Pop up Class with various locations that is going to get the festival scene involved with other genres of music. I will also be using a very special prop during these Pop Up classes that’s going to really add to the experience. I’ll be announcing the details of all of these things very soon. Make sure you have my socials locked in.
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?
A week long trip gives me so much to play with. We would probably start each day with yoga and roller skating in Venice Beach. We would then grab a quick smoothie from Fruit Gallery, my favorite is the Venice Peach smoothie. We love food so of course we would hit up our favorite spots like Poppy + Rose, Wi Jammin’ Caribbean, The Rooftop Restaurant and Bar on S. Olive Street, Bernadette’s, and Bacari Silver Lake. My friends and I love Whiskey and cigars, so stopping by Sassafras, Seven Grand, The Debonair Cigar Lounge, and Cuban Leaf Cigar Lounge is a must. There are always cool exhibits at the Getty Museum, and we would most likely go hiking at the Getty View Park, and the Mt Hollywood Trail.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Much shoutouts given to Charleston County School of the Arts Magnet School for the room to explore all art forms while honing my passion (dance) and giving me insight of all spectrums of entertainment. Tisha Marina Bernard for being my angel guide; introducing me to my inner self. My mom Stephenia Griffin and brother Edward Miller, my consultants and motivators. Books The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield and The Silent Power by Stuart Wilde. To all my students/clients that allow me to play, and all the experiences that have offered opportunities to learn. Mostly, many thanks to all those that have shared paths and shared stories, thank you for your perceptions and understandings of life that expanded my mind to dig deep.
Instagram: @dwanproductions
Facebook: @dwanproductions
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtGdZEAPtb9FRtcvbaE-Mug
Image Credits
Ari Kristenson Chris Young Tiff Artis