Meet Simon Nikan | Movement artist (Dancer)

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

Hi Simon, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
At the beginning of my career as a dancer, I was extremely motivated and worked nonstop. I wanted to grow, to be seen, and to achieve as much as possible, so work always came first.

With time and experience, I realized how real burnout can be. I learned that constant work without rest isn’t sustainable creatively or physically. Now I’m much more intentional about balance. Rest, recovery, and spending time with family help me stay inspired, grounded, and present in my work.

For me, work-life balance isn’t about doing less it’s about working smarter, protecting my energy, and understanding that taking care of myself actually makes me a better artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me, developing my own style has always been more important than simply training harder. Especially in a creative field, your individuality is what makes you visible and memorable. Over the years, I’ve been able to develop my own feeling, texture, and approach to movement, something that feels honest and true to who I am.

The journey was not easy. Any creative industry comes with intense competition, self-doubt, and constant comparison. There were moments of uncertainty, but I was fortunate to meet many inspiring people along the way who supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow into the artist I am today.

What truly carried me through was my deep love for dance and music. That passion kept me going during difficult moments and reminded me why I started in the first place. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to simplify things, stop overthinking, stay present, and just keep moving forward.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that growth takes time, patience, and honesty. I believe in consistency, individuality, and staying connected to the joy of creation. There is still so much ahead of me, and I’m excited to continue evolving, learning, and sharing my journey through movement.

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.
Los Angeles is an incredible city with so many different sides to it. If my best friend were visiting for a week and I wanted to give them the best experience possible, I’d mix culture, nature, energy, and a little spontaneity.

We’d definitely start with a concert or a live sporting event that energy is a big part of LA. Then we’d spend quality time by the ocean, whether it’s a beach day, a sunset walk, or just grabbing food near the water and taking it all in.

One of my favorite things to do is a road trip down the coast. I’d drive from LA to San Francisco and back, taking the Pacific Coast Highway if it’s open.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I was just starting out, it was difficult to find the right information on how to grow and develop properly as a dancer. I was lucky to meet someone who truly impacted my journey his name is Fred Realness. He helped lay the foundation of my dance, my mindset, and my understanding of the industry. His guidance played a huge role in shaping who I am as an artist today.

Of course, my family deserves a massive shoutout as well. Their constant support, belief, and encouragement have been incredibly important throughout my journey. Knowing they’re always there for me makes everything possible.

Another defining moment for me was my first major international competition HHI World Finals in Las Vegas, where I traveled with my team to represent our country in the Varsity division. That experience changed my perspective completely. I saw an incredibly high level of dancing and met artists from all over the world. It inspired me to dream bigger, work harder, and truly understand the global scale of this industry.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/simonnikan