Meet Nikolas Mafabi | Choreographer

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

Hi Nikolas, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Its mine be “on time” habit 100% it always carried me anywhere I go. Helped me to build relationship based on respect and eventually it demands other be on time too. I feel like it’s not only affects me but people around me as well

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Dancehall. This word means to me everything. I wake up to reggae ringtone, I take my first bite listening to some Chronixx, I drive around listening to Vybz Kartel, teach my class and of course I’ll play dancehall too, even going to bed I listen to this music. I think this explains how I feel about this. Something truly magical happens when I’m in it.

But it wasn’t easy. Success comes to you with time and with work we put in. I’m not Caribbean born which made for me harder to get used to the culture and for culture to accept me. I love how Jamaican people protect they culture, it is truly unique to have dance style with so much knowledge. Iit’s takes not only practice in front of motor but a lot of practice meditating and learning the roots. To be in this culture and represent it I had to deep dive from the get go. Learning 1000s of steps and moves in short period of time not very fun, very challenging but also gave me incredible power. Knowledge will be always most important part of living, dancing and just everything for me.
I moved to Atlanta in 2012. All the way from Moscow(Russia) and began to run around to find my place in a new whole new world. Language was my challenge here. I remember when I just landed in NYC and walked up to Customs booth. All excited about “American Dream” and I got pulled back Earth really quick. I was asked why I came to this place without knowing language. It haunted me for years. Mentally. I’d always apologize to people for my English before conversation even starts. Confidence was gone, hard reality hit me in the face that I have a long way to go before this life will become what I’ve pictured. It took me around 4 years to finally get rid of old this feeling of not being understood. Good thing I’m a dancer, my movements speak better than I can ever put this together. It connected to with a lot of incredible people who saw my talent and my love for dance.
I’ve learned that no matter how low we feel sometimes. There are ways to find peace through things we love.
I want people to know that my journey could be anyone else’s and only thing is there to stop you is YOU.
Fun fact, I started to show my dance skills only around 18-19. Working as a front desk at Fitness Center. I’d never stop dancing during my work hours after I was offered instructor position, maybe cause they were tired of me dancing, joking. It worked out just fine. Until this day I cannot believe that it’s all it takes is a believe. Power of it goes beyond our understanding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I think I’d make a terrible guide here in Atlanta. I wish I can take to Hermitage but not long time ago I visited aquarium and I was absolutely stunned. I’m pieces, I have big passion for water. Being there felt like home. It’s incredible place that all of us should visit. I’m a dancer so most thing I know around here is related to that. I think lately is different, after the pandemic. A lot isla studios are closed or functioning differently from before but I definitely would recommend I-Inspire studios. Great instructor and amazing atmosphere. If I took you guys for a food, I can’t lie to you I’d rather cook myself. I think I’m actually good at eat. As well as all my friends who cannot wait for next party at my house. I guess this sums up that I’m lowkey home buddy who enjoys home more than anything. But of course we like to go out and daaaaaaance. Fridays it’s Like Glue, it’s like a tradition. Shout out to my boys from NUE for bringing hottest Dancehall Experience weekly. As well shout out to Werc crew for they incredible Afro-Caribbean events in town, by far the best DJ’s. Dance floor is alive when Xavier BLK spinning. Atlanta is a spot to visit even if I’m home bud I still can say with all honesty that no one will get bored here in the A.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really can’t count all people who truly made the resin I’m today. My family shaped the person I’m today and my friends and closed once shaped an instructor and choreographer I’m now.

I want to give special shout-out to my friend and mentor Jackson Pierre, Haitian born and Russian living choreographer. He gave me new purpose in life I never knew I had. He gave me confidence and I’m forever grateful .

Website: www.twitch.tv/nmafabi

Instagram: @niko_mafabi

Linkedin: Nikolas Mafabi

Twitter: @NicholasHawk

Facebook: Niko Mafabi

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@NicholasMafabi