Carolyn Tavares

Nikki began her dance training at just two years old, studying at top Southern California studios including San Diego Dance Center and Rising Star Dance Company. After dedicating her childhood to competitive dance, she pursued a professional career and performed with companies such as Unity Dance. While her passion for performing remained strong, she discovered her true calling in teaching and choreography. Drawing from her extensive experience as a competitive dancer, Nikki naturally transitioned into cultivating her own award-winning choreography and competitive teams.

Technically trained in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, tumbling, and acrobatics, Nikki has been teaching and directing competitive dance for over 15 years. As a competition director, she has developed strong, technically trained, and passionate dancers who consistently achieve success. Her choreography—particularly in jazz, tap, and contemporary—has earned numerous accolades, including Industry Dance Awards, Top Choreographer Awards, Overall High Scores, Best in the West titles, and many special judges’ awards.

In 2018, Nikki fulfilled her dream of opening her own studio, Notion Dance Concepts, in Carlsbad, CA. As Owner and Director, she inspired and trained her company of dancers across multiple styles, creating a space that blended technical excellence with creativity and passion. In 2022, she relocated to the Bay Area and evolved Notion into a versatile training program that allows her to share her artistry and expertise with a broader community of dancers nationwide.

Beyond her work as a director and choreographer, Nikki is thrilled to continue as a seasoned adjudicator KAR. She has collaborated with leading dance brands such as DanceOne and Capezio, further solidifying her role as a respected figure in the dance industry.