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

Hi Kiari, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This is huge! 13 out of the 14 years I’ve been teaching, there wasn’t any balance. The only solution I had to reach my dreams was to work, work hard, and work harder. It’s all that I knew from the people I grew up with, and the individuals I met in my adult life. It wasn’t until the pandemic of Covid-19 and the aching pain in my right knee that I had to take a step back and re-organize my time. Now I have more time off for myself, to rest, socialize, eat, and also explore other art forms. I come back to work energized and capable of helping others the way I want to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art in general for me is an opportunity to share my energy with others, especially during a performance. I grew up a very timid, shy child. You couldn’t get me to do much outside of playing video games, however if Michael Jackson came on the tv screen, then you couldn’t get me to sit down. So my biggest challenge has been fighting the negative thoughts that overwhelm my mind. I’ve had a lot of help along the way, from people that have acted like mirrors. They took the time to show me who I truly am and the power I have as a person and when as an entertainer. It takes a village. In my case it feels like a city. The point is we all need help. We all fight with insecurities and sometimes it feels like we do it alone. You are not alone. Talk to the people you trust and allow them to show you, the light you have inside.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Lol! This is why people don’t want to visit me because all I want to do is hike.

Hikes:

Hollywood sign – Because we have to. Like duh lol

Griffith Park – It’s classic. The trails are challenging, we burn calories and at the end we see the city in one of the best views ever!

Angeles National Forest – Now this hike is not for the weak. The views though are amazing and it feels like you are disconnected from the city. So I love it.

Shopping:

3rd St Promenade – One of my favorite places to shop. You get to spend money and catch performances in between.

Century City Mall – The places makes you feel like a superstar and you might see one there so be prepared. Also lets test drive a Tesla just to experience it. Right lol?

Americano – Glendale has a really cool vibe. I’d move there if it wasn’t so far. But I love the tram and Barne’s & Noble. Something about book stores.

Food:
Bachi Yaki – This food truck is one of the best! Habachi baby.

Kazu Nori – You want good sushi, say no more.

Cinnaholic – I have a big sweet tooth, but I like to feel like I am being healthy. So I eat here often. (psst it’s not healthy)

Mr. Chow – The vibe is to die for. I say come dressed to impress though. They don’t play out there.

Bossanova – The meat there is like heaven.

Randy’s Donuts – I feel like all these suggestions are revealing how bad I eat.

Grand Central Market – The place is stacked with a whole bunch of options. I like Ramen Hood 100% vegan

The Dolly Llama – Be prepared to wake because the waffles take awhile to cool down. But its good!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tamaira Sandifer – CEO – Life Coach – Friend and all the above. Ms. Tee (as she likes to be called) has put in a lot of the groundwork that has made me the dancer/teacher I am today. She is passionate woman with big dreams to help the youth around the world find they’re creative spirit, happiness, and purpose in life. I hope that all of her dreams come true.

Studio T
www.studiotdance.com

Website: www.kiarilk.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kiarilk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kiarilk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kiarilk

Youtube: www.youtube.com/kiarilk

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.