Meet Nicole Gil

 

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

Nicole, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a combination of dance and exposure therapy. Dance was especially transformative, as I once struggled with a terribly low body image and found it difficult to find any confidence in my appearance. However, discovering the joy of movement and allowing myself to feel sexy as I danced helped me break free from those insecurities. Through dance, I learned to appreciate my body not just for how it looks but for what it can do, helping me build a deeper sense of self-assurance.

Additionally, exposure therapy significantly shaped my confidence in public speaking. As someone who used to be very shy, I was repeatedly put in situations where I had to stand in front of classrooms and speak to large groups of people when I started to teach Salsa. Over time, what once felt intimidating became empowering and brought me joy. These experiences taught me how to manage my nerves, project my voice, and connect with my audience, ultimately helping me grow into a more self-assured version of myself.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Nicole Gil, as the owner of Dancer University, wears many hats, but her overarching mission revolves around creating a vibrant, supportive space where Salsa and Bachata serve as catalysts for personal growth and joy. She is deeply committed to building a strong sense of community, fostering an environment where students feel welcomed, connected, and encouraged to support one another on their dance journeys.

Nicole empowers her students to feel confident on the dance floor, whether they are complete beginners or seasoned dancers looking to refine their skills. Through her classes, she encourages them to embrace their unique expression and trust their abilities, helping them radiate self-assurance both in and out of the studio.

Beyond teaching technique, Nicole inspires her students to relish a little joy in their day. She believes that dance is not just about steps but about celebrating life and finding moments of happiness even in the midst of a busy routine.

Additionally, Nicole emphasizes the importance of staying healthy through movement. She sees dance as a powerful way to nurture both physical fitness and mental well-being, creating a holistic experience that leaves her students feeling energized, grounded, and more in tune with themselves.

Through her passion and dedication, Nicole has made Dancer University a haven for transformation, connection, and pure, unfiltered joy.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The journey to becoming a successful dance studio owner and event organizer has been shaped profoundly by three key qualities: my love of salsa and bachata dancing, persistence in navigating the challenges of club life, and resilience in overcoming sexism in the workplace.

My deep love for salsa and bachata dancing has been the foundation of everything I do. These dance styles are more than just movement—they are expressions of culture, connection, and joy. This passion drives my work, infusing every class, event, and interaction with genuine enthusiasm. It inspires me to share the beauty and energy of these dances with others, helping to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive dance community.

Persistence has been another critical quality, particularly when faced with the unpredictable ebbs and flows of club life. From managing fluctuations in club management’s expectations to dealing with the ever-changing nightlife landscape, I’ve learned the importance of staying focused and adaptable. Each challenge has taught me to be resourceful and innovative, ensuring that my events and studio offerings remain fresh, engaging, and relevant.

Finally, learning not to let sexism in the workplace hold me back has been transformative. As a woman navigating male-dominated spaces, I’ve faced biases and challenges that could have deterred me. Instead, I’ve used these experiences to fuel my determination, proving my capabilities and advocating for myself and others.

Together, these qualities have not only shaped my personal growth but have also laid the groundwork for the success and impact of my dance studio and events.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to the classroom. They’re the type of person who sees dance not just as a skill to master but as an opportunity to connect with others and build meaningful friendships. Whether they’re stepping into the studio for the first time or returning to hone their skills, they’re excited to meet new people and become part of a supportive community.

They’re also committed to working toward real improvement. My ideal client values growth and understands that progress comes from consistent effort and practice. They’re willing to embrace challenges, celebrate small victories along the way, and stay open to feedback as they refine their movement and technique.

Most importantly, they have a sense of humor. They don’t take themselves too seriously and can laugh at the occasional misstep or awkward moment on the dance floor. Their lightheartedness not only makes learning more enjoyable but also brings a contagious energy to the studio, creating an environment where everyone feels relaxed, motivated, and eager to dance.

This combination of openness, dedication, and humor makes them a joy to work with and a perfect fit for the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere I strive to cultivate.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Connie Edwards Photography

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