We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cai Janelle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cai below.

Hi Cai, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I lost my father when I was three months old, so my mother took on the responsibilities of both parents. One of the most impactful things she did was introduce me to dance at the age of three. From the beginning, we had an agreement: I could take any dance classes I wanted as long as I also took ballet and jazz. As a former dancer herself, she understood the importance of technique, discipline, and building a strong foundation. When I was younger, I didn’t understand or appreciate why those classes were required, but looking back, I’m extremely grateful. Ballet and jazz taught me discipline, consistency, attention to detail, and the value of mastering the fundamentals before branching out into other areas. Those lessons have carried over into every aspect of my life.
My mother was also incredibly supportive and involved. No matter how many hours she worked, she always found a way for my brother and me to participate in extracurricular activities that interested us. At the same time, she encouraged us to explore new opportunities and discover our own passions.
In sixth grade, I decided to try marching band and auditioned for the dance team, which became a major part of my life for the rest of middle school and my last three years of high school. I even had the opportunity to perform as Dorothy in a rendition of *The Wiz* when I was twelve. Through all of these experiences, my mother supported me while also teaching me the importance of commitment, preparation, and perseverance.
The biggest impact she had on me was showing me that success comes from a combination of strong fundamentals, hard work, and the confidence to try new things. Those values continue to influence how I approach challenges, learn new skills, and contribute in both my personal life and professional career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Caira J. Walker, professionally known as Cai Janelle, and I am a professional dancer, model, choreographer, and heels instructor. I currently teach intermediate heels classes on Monday nights at Skillset Movement Studios in Southfield, Michigan, and I also offer private lessons for people who are interested in learning how to dance in heels or developing their skills further. In addition to my dance background, I am certified in strength and mobility training and am currently pursuing certifications in wellness coaching and yoga to strengthen my ability to support my students both physically and mentally.
My professional dance career began in 2022 when I started training in heels under professional dancer and choreographer Hillary Marie. That experience helped me develop not only my heel technique but also my confidence as a performer and choreographer. Shortly afterward, I began my teaching career in 2023 at Wayne State University’s Mort Harris Recreation Center, where I taught beginner heels classes to students and faculty members for two years.
One thing that sets me apart is the way I intentionally incorporate mental wellness into my classes. As a psychology major, I understand the importance of the mind-body connection and how movement can impact our emotional well-being. At the beginning of every class, we take time to meditate, ground ourselves, and set intentions before we move. I want my students to feel like they are entering a safe space where they can release stress, build confidence, and connect with themselves on a deeper level.
Many people come to my classes thinking they are simply learning choreography, but what they often gain is much more. I help people overcome self-doubt, become more comfortable in their bodies, and develop confidence that extends beyond the dance studio. Whether someone is stepping into heels for the first time or looking to elevate their performance skills, my goal is to create an experience that leaves them feeling empowered and inspired.
What I am most proud of is the impact I have on my students. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone walk into class feeling nervous or unsure of themselves and then watching them leave standing taller, moving with confidence, and believing in their abilities. Those moments remind me why I do what I do.
The most important thing I want people to know about me and my brand is that it is about more than dance. It is about empowerment, healing, confidence, and community. Through movement, I strive to help people reconnect with themselves, embrace their individuality, and realize that they are capable of far more than they think.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a dancer and choreographer is witnessing the impact that my work has on both the audiences and the dancers I collaborate with. Creating has always been a passion of mine, so it’s very fulfilling to bring an idea to life and see others connect with it. Whether it’s the audience’s reaction to a performance or watching dancers fully embody and enjoy the choreography, it’s rewarding to see something that once existed only in my imagination resonate with others in a meaningful way.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Looking back, I wish I had understood earlier how valuable free online resources could be for my growth as a dancer. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok offer an incredible amount of educational content, especially for dancers interested in heels. From technique tutorials and training tips to choreography breakdowns and performance advice, there are countless opportunities to learn from experienced professionals around the world. Those resources have made dance education more accessible than ever, and I encourage all dancers to take advantage of them. Pursuing a dance career can be expensive, especially when you factor in classes, workshops, training programs, travel, performance opportunities, and dance attire. Because of that, it’s important to take advantage of as many free learning resources as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/caij
• Instagram: caii.j or caijchoreography