We recently connected with Nadia Karim and have shared our conversation below.

Nadia, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Life as a creative is incredibly fulfilling. It does not, however, come without its own set of doubts and struggles. When I was a contracted dancer with a contemporary dance company, I thought, “This is it! I made it.” when in reality, it was really hard to constantly be critiqued and corrected day in and day out. I had started to contemplate another path that might still allow me to tap into my creative spirit, a part of me that I wouldn’t feel complete without. I had been teaching dance since I was 19 and knew that I really liked working with children, so I went on to earn my M.Ed in Montessori Education and am also an elementary teacher. I am not the only creative with this narrative. Being an artist full-time isn’t always sustainable nor does it always pay the bills (something I hope changes in coming years) and I know several other artists who have “day jobs” in order to keep working as a creative. I think all creatives should know that just because you don’t practice your craft 40 hours a week doesn’t make you any less of an artist.

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 back background and context?

I knew I wanted to pursue dance professionally when I was 15. That is typically the age (if not earlier) that dancers decide to take their craft seriously as a pre-professional. I earned my BFA in Dance Performance from Wichita State University where I worked with choreographers such as Darrell Grand Moultrie, Charlotte Boye-christensen, and Jammie Walker. Upon graduating, I danced with Regina Klenjoski Dance Company and now freelance and continue teaching dance in addition to being a new mom! Lately, my work has been seen around the New York/New Jersey area in both traditional settings as well as site-specific settings. As I’ve gotten older I love the idea of creating works that are relevant to current events and that all humans can relate to and have been enjoying performing them in intimate settings. I think its important for the audience to witness vulnerability from the performers and being physically close to the audience certainly helps with that.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think its incredibly important for art (ALL art) to be accessible! You don’t have to go and see the biggest name on broadway in order to receive a fulfilling experience. No matter what medium you enjoy (visual, theater, musical theater, opera, dance, etc.), I can guarantee your local galleries and theaters have something affordable for everyone to enjoy and you will leave feeling more in touch with your soul and spirit.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal point in my career was when I decided to pursue my M.Ed in Montessori Education. I sometimes still find myself wondering if I made the right decision, but I always remind myself that the artist in me won’t ever walk out the door. For any artist contemplating a career change OR career addition, be open to it! You may find that it enhances and inspires your work as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/nadiakarim
• Instagram: @nadiakhalidikarim @movementandmontessori
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiakarimmed

Image Credits

Ingrid K Photography