Its been said that Nikki Marzula was practically born on a stage. Having and older sister that was a passionate local dance teacher, it was practically inescapable.
Growing up in the heart of the south, Monroe Louisiana, Nicolle started her dance training in 1977, at the age of 3. She received training in ballet, tap and jazz under certified teachers: Mary Lou Sheppard, her sister, Julia Marzula, as well as Linda Lavender. After entering middle school at age 11, it was by her own decision that she would focus on her school dance team. During her 3 years on the West Monroe High School Rebel Raiders Drill Team, they won multiple awards with the Universal Dance Team Association Competitions. Keeping up in her sisters footsteps, she continued dance line all the way up in to her 3rd year of college.
In 1997 Nicolle moved to New Orleans and took a 3 year hiatus to focus on her career as a dental hygienist.
After moving to Shreveport, La in 2000, she had a feeling that something was missing in her life, she slowly tried to find her niche by dabbling in ballroom dance, modern ballet, hip hop, and participating in local musicals. Nicolles energy and love for dance was recognized by her favorite dental patient, Kathy Fontaine. Kathy is the leader of the Port Belly Project, established to educate the Louisiana public about the beautiful womens art form of belly dance. It was at this time that the belly dance seed was placed for Nicolle, but it just wasnt the right time.
It wasnt until Nicolle relocated to Las Vegas in 2006, that she decided to let that seed grow. After taking her first belly dance class at the gym, it was love at first shimmy!! Feeling that she was a natural, she went immediately to enroll at a local dance studio. For her first 1 ½ years she studied with various local belly dance instructors as well as danced with a local tribal fusion belly dance troupe.
In 2009, Nicolle and her best friend Missy decided to form a duet, named Tesori. They performed alongside good friends and members of the Flamenco Gypsy band, Latcho Drom.
Today, Nicolle is still dancing with Latcho and Tesori as well with her Dea Sisters! She also is a guest performer with Cabernet Dance Company. She continues her training with Raven Sumner in American Tribal Style, as well as privates from many local dancers including Mandy Gallegos . Nicolle can also be found attending many workshops studying with Rachel Brice, Fredrique, Sharron Kihara, and Suhail Kaspar.
Her future goals are earning her American Tribal Style and Suhaila Salimpour format certification.
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