Shapeshifter. Storyteller. Self. Nick Miami Benz moved to New York City to attend dance school studying Afro, Latinx, Indigenous dances. They worked as an equestrian for The Metropolitan Opera between studying, auditions and gigs. Nick decided to broaden their ability to tell stories studying Method and Meisner technique, pursuing acting for film. Nick is currently working on Lurch with Mascall Dance, Axis Theatre and other arts organizations in Vancouver. They are also pursuing film, tv and voice over with Principals Talent. Nick Miami Benz is also a certified Gyrotonic(R)/Pilates instructor with a special interest in physical therapy.

I am a dancer at heart, it is my identity and my work comes from a place of understanding the physical senses of the body. I see stories as medicine that elevate our consciousness and heal lost parts of ourselves. Most of my work is influenced by Black, Indigenous and Latin dances and how they have moved through the world to influence popular culture today. Acknowledging BIPOC contributions through my movement practice is my foundation. Acknowledging the land and how it has informed me, creates the character choices in my work. I’ve grown to tell stories through acting, voice and writing, embodying characters and representing a demographic that is rarely seen in the media.

Photo: Tom Hsu