28-Year-Old Camden Native Gives Back to the City Through the Art of Dance

For several years, #Camden, New Jersey has been documented as the one of most dangerous cities in the country. While, the city has made tremendous progress over the years, it still holds the top spot for crime in New Jersey.

Aside from the crime rate, the city, just across the #Delaware River from #Philadelphia, has seen its share of disappointment. From political corruption, leading to the imprisonment of three former mayors, to poverty, with 40% of its residents living below the national poverty line. However, amid the bad, there is always some good. Such as this week’s #ballerificwoman, #NyemahGillespie.  

Born and raised in the city, Gillespie, 28, has used her talent and passion for dance to give back to her community. She had been dancing since the age of three, training and performing throughout the tristate area for different artists, politicians, newscasters and more. In her late teens, Gillespie had the opportunity to travel to #Ghana, West Africa to perform in several churches, different schools and even community centers. During that time, she developed a relationship with singer #JillScott, later being awarded the opportunity to perform for the North Philly based organization, #BlueBabeFoundation.

In her adult life, realizing the lack of performing arts opportunities in Camden, Gillespie dedicated her time and talents to teach classes sponsored by the Police Athletic League, in addition to coordinating and organizing the award winning dance line for the #CamdenHighSchool Marching #Panthers.

The 28-year-old #ballerificwoman is also the owner and director of her own dance company called, #Dare2Dance. In an effort to “bring dance back to Camden,” Gillespie has used her company to get further involved within the community by hosting back to school giveaways, coat drives, hygiene tours for local high schools and community clean ups. If that wasn’t enough, she also spends her quiet time mentoring young women and feeding the homeless.

In light of the negativity that has been connected to the city of Camden over the years, Gillespie has made a conscious effort to offer some much needed positivity to the city’s youth and residents. If you ever find yourself in Camden, NJ, stop by #Yorkship road, otherwise known Dare 2 Dance LLC, and always remember, in the words of #JenniferHudson, “it’s more to life than the block you live on.” #BlackExcellence