Born and raised in Camden, NJ has been dancing since the age of 3. She began her training at Sydney King School Of Dance, Girls On The Move and Dance Sensations of NJ. Nyemah went on to attend Creative Arts High School where she majored in Dance. During her four years she had traveled and performed throughout the tri-state area for several artist, politicians, newscasters and more. She was also a member of Eleone Connection in Philadelphia training under Shawn Lamere Williams, Wayne St. David, Laceda Nelson and Dara Stevens-Meredith. In her senior year she had the privilege of traveling to Ghana, West Africa to perform for several churches, schools and community centers. She also developed a relationship with Jill Scott and performed numerous times for her Blues Babe Foundation. She was awarded the Coca Cola Scholarship for best performance in Dance in 2006. Nyemah went on to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where she continued her passion for dance. She was a member and leader of the Magnificent Marching Machine's Foxxy Ladies and the Modern Dance Ensemble. She was awarded scholarships yearly and attended Dallas Black Dance Theatre's Summer Intensives. With the exposure from performances, she was fortunate enough to be offered a position with the Atlanta Dance Connection in Atlanta, Georgia. There she performed with such greats as Allyne D. Gartrell, Juanita Bynum and T.C Carson
Upon returning to Camden, Nyemah found there was no place in the city to share her talents. She began giving back with her commitment to Creative Arts High School by organizing and directing a successful Alumni Benefit Concert for the class of 2012, so they could attend the International Association Of Blacks In Dance Conference. She continued to give back by teaching at summer and fall programs sponsored by the Police Athletic League and teaching Zumba/Fitness at Malandra Hall to the cities Senior Citizens to keep them fit and active. She was the coordinator of the award winning dance line for the Camden High Schools Marching Panthers, Where Her purpose was to give the young ladies a positive role model, examples of college level dance routines, etiquette, self respect and dedication to a craft.
NYEMAH GILLESPIE
Owner/ Director/ Instructor
Today, Nyemah is the Owner & Director of Dare 2 Dance, LLC in Camden, NJ; a dance school catered to stars ages 3-18 interested in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop. It has always been her goal to "Bring Dance Back To Camden!" Nyemah and Dare 2 Dance are very much involved in the community; hosting Back to School giveaways, Coat Drives, Hygiene Tours For Local High Schools & Community Clean ups, as well as, Mentoring Young Women, Feeding The Homeless, Motivational Speaking and so much more. In June 2019, Dare 2 Dance expanded to Dare 2 Flip, Camden’s first gymnastics academy in the city.
Nyemah is a recipient of former Mayor Dana Redd's Women Of Purpose Award, the National Hook-Up Of Black Women Cherry Hill Chapter's Outstanding Woman In The Arts Award, The Camden Chapters D.I.V.A Award, I Dare To Care Association's Outstanding Service Award, NCNW’s Tri County Sections 2019 Harambee Award Recipient and Starlet Rose Creation's Angel Award for making a difference. She was also featured as a Ballerific Woman on the popular blog Baller Alert. Nyemah Gillespie has been blessed with a gift that she wants to share with the youth of Camden. She's a firm believer in “Be The Change & Not The Chatter”.
Now embarking on a new journey as the Co-Owner Of Dare Academy, Nyemah & her partner Anthony Ways has collaborated with other leaders and organizations to create a campus atmosphere with a plethora of programs where they plan to heal, excite, prepare and educate our youth and community. A space to encourage people to follow their passion, nurture their talent and believe in their truth!
Truly mastering balance, Nyemah finds pleasure in being a Daughter, Mother, Friend, Businesswoman, School Board Member and Community Leader! Whether it be through a performance or just a kind word, She "Dares YOU 2 Be Great, Be Different & Give Back!"