Frederick's Child Magazine
Nikka Campbell didn’t start dancing until she was about 12 years old—at first as an after-school activity.
Later, she became more invested the more classes she took.
“Dance has always been an outlet for me to express myself,” she says.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in dance performance and dance education, she taught dance at Baltimore County Public Schools, as well as several area dance studios. Campbell had talked about opening a dance and music studio since she was in high school. “I think as I’ve gotten older, it’s been more about wanting to create a safe place for students to explore their artistry and individuality,” she says.
Last fall, she and Kevin Burns partnered together to begin the first recital season of All Things Music & Dance Company. The Frederick studio offers beginners to professionals a space to explore and learn about dance and music.
“We wanted to be able to offer something different,” Campbell says. “We have students who take our dance classes and then train under our music program, too. It’s the best of both worlds! As we continue to grow, we will be providing more opportunities in both our dance and music program. We started this with one of our goals being making the arts accessible to everyone, whether that be dance or music.”
The studio’s dance curriculum includes individual and group instruction on a variety of different styles including hip hop, contemporary, jazz, ballet and tap. It also has four company dance teams that compete in competitions throughout the region. The music curriculum includes individual and group lessons in guitar, piano, musical theory and composition.
Campbell notes the studio’s uniqueness in training and artistry sets it apart from other dance and music studios. “We understand every student that walks through our doors may have a different goal or reason for being with us,” she says. “It’s our job to offer programs for all. Whether it’s the dancers who want to compete, dancers who want to dance professionally or those who just want to learn and have a special love for dance. Regardless of their future goals, our commitment is to our students. We focus strongly on teamwork, especially for those dancers who compete with us, but we also make a point to focus on every dancer individually and will work with them on their specific needs and goals.”
As a co-owner and artistic director, Campbell “truly enjoys being a part of a family. Because that’s what we are. It’s bigger than dance. Being a part of the students’ journey, seeing their hard work, watching them achieve their goals is what makes it all worth it. The students come first—and making sure they are receiving
the best training and feel supported in our space. We have the right staff who share the same values and only want what’s best for our students, so working with the instructors has been amazing, too.”
Whatever brings a student to the studio, Campbell hopes they can walk away with a sense of achievement, self-confidence and lessons that will last a lifetime. “I hope because of the environment we provide, it will help positively shape their futures, both in the studio and in life,” she says.
