Meet Kia Danielle Silliman | Dancer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kia Danielle Silliman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kia Danielle, how do you think about risk?

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “calculated risk”; in the entertainment industry, this becomes an essential part of your life as an artist. There are many factors that can deter me from my path and scare me into stagnation but evaluating how opportunities align with my goals and dreams allows me to make decisions that allow me to progress in my desired direction. There is no growth without risk.

In 2016, I moved to LA from Las Vegas to pursue a commercial dancing career. After some success, I was ready to return home to pursue dance in New York, where I felt my talents could be better utilized. 

Being raised right outside of NYC, I have always imagined that I would be based here for the majority of my career, but I felt that LA was the best preparation for working with major music artists. I had planned to give LA a try for at least 5 years but in 2018, after 2.5 years, I was ready to move back home to find my way as a dancer in NYC. I feared that leaving LA would undo all the work I’d just done and that the people I had connected with would no longer consider me for the incredible opportunities I was training for once I moved. I feared that “starting over” would set me back even further than before but I have been reminded time and time again that God’s got a plan for everything and that nobody can take from you what is already yours! I have been back on the East Coast for 3 years now and I am proud to say that I am a full-time professional dancer and model in NYC!

My favorite Bible verse, John 11:40 says, “did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” That verse resonates with me as I put myself out there every day to be critiqued, criticized, and celebrated all while doing what I love and enjoy, which poses risk. You cannot be 100% risk averse in this industry, it will get you nowhere; having faith in God, myself, and the process helps me navigate all things that are meant for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m a certified Personal Trainer and I am in my 3rd season as a dancer for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. I am also a working model and dancer for music videos, private events, and I recently performed in this year’s VMA’s with Kim Petras!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would advise them to visit during the milder seasons (late Spring/early Summer or early Fall) b/c that’s when the East Coast is at its most beautiful. First, I would take them to my favorite bagel spot to enjoy some of the best bagels in the NY/NJ area then bring them up to my favorite park to see the view of NYC from where I live. The park is also a 9/11 Memorial and has sculptures dedicated to the brave first responders and civilians that lost their lives on that day. I often come up here to reflect on life, show gratitude for where I am and take in the view of the greatest city in the entire world. I love sharing that space with the people I love. We would go on walks around the neighborhood to admire the incredible houses and I’d share stories and legends of the neighborhood, like the one horse that lived at the house on the corner. 

After a chill agenda, it’s time for the multi-day adventure and food tour – it’s time to be immersed in NY. This go ‘round, I would take them to two boroughs and save the others for their next trip.

Here are my top things to do and places to eat by borough:

Manhattan:

• Sensory overload in Times Square
• Movies on the Lawn in Bryant Park
• Visit a museum – My favorites are: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The MoMA
• Stuff our faces at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza  
• Enjoy some gelato in Central Park

Brooklyn: 

• Grab breakfast at Brooklyn Crepe & Juice
• Visit the boutiques and small businesses in Park Slope, Crown Heights and Bed Stuy
• Watch a Nets Game
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
• Try a bit of everything at Smorgasburg

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to shout out my family, of course! Saundra, David & Cameron Silliman, I LOVE YOU! I come from a family of performers, so I was blessed to be raised in a home where we were encouraged to be ourselves and discover the many layers of what makes us unique. I am thankful for all the support –  rides to and from dance lessons and gymnastics practices, the sing-a-long car drives, and attending every performance you can! Thank you for taking an interest and investing in my passions with me, supporting my decisions, giving practical feedback when it’s necessary, and for trusting me. Thank you for your love! 

Instagram: kiadanielle713

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kia.silliman

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNWFpzaUo5tUYtTiWeL9K1g

Image Credits
Carl E. Simmons; Razzaq Manley; Lamont Richardson; Theik Smith