Meet Nika Roman | Creator of BurHop

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nika Roman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nika, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Imagine how you feel when you’re having a great day; whether you just got fantastic news, or you finally accomplished a goal- or the way you feel when everything seems to be working in your favor. Now think about how that effects your mood, your patience, your compassion. If we all walked around feeling like our best selves, then that is what we would offer one another; our very best. BurHop is about building a genuine confidence that goes beyond an 8 count. A confidence that’s carried into careers, relationships, friendships, but most of all the relationship we have with ourselves. Somewhere along the way we have normalized taking ourselves for granted, picking ourselves apart, comparing ourselves to others, and giving ourselves value based on someone else’s opinion. Along the way, some of us have forgotten how to love ourselves. For many BurHop is an opportunity to fall in love with themselves all over again and for some- for the first time ever. If we were all aware of what we have to offer this world and owned it, then everyday would be that “great day”. Leading us to a world filled with more smiles, more ease, more patience, more happiness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Many people try to categorize BurHop- they ask “is it like a heels class” , “is it jazz funk?”, “is it soft hip hop?” which to all I say- absolutely not. By definition BurHop is a burlesque hiphop fusion, it blends the sensuality of burlesque and the explicity of hip hop together to create something that has a unique esthetic and feels really good moving through. BurHop stands on its own because it was created with a different intention and that intention stays at the center of everything that is choreographed, discussed, and introduced throughout a workshop. BurHop was created with a certain dancer in mind, it was created for those that feel out of place in a room filled with dancers, for those that struggle to hear the bass, the snare, or high hats over the negativity in their heads, for those that question what they have to offer when they walk into a room. Although BurHop is for everyone- it was created for people that struggle with mental health issues, whether it be depression, low self esteem, issues with self worth, anxiety, survivors of abuse, survivors of traumatic experiences- all of it. I use my experiences with my own demons to help people face theirs- it takes effort and consistency- but is very much so worth it. I keep the workshops intimate because I want to create a community within BurHop- I want to create an experience.
It hasn’t always been clear and will never be easy because when you’re passionate about something you will always strive to do more and want more. There were times I’d question if BurHop will help people the way I’ve intended it to, sometimes i’d compare my work to others and feel inadequate, sometimes dare I say it- I contemplated stopping. But then the next workshop or project will come along and I’d see it in peoples faces- a spark of happy, confidence, I’d see their growth, their energy shifted- and then I remember who I am and why I do this. I do this for the version of me years ago that hated herself, the version of me that wanted to disappear-i remember what I needed but couldn’t find the courage to ask for- because I didn’t think I was worth it. I know I’m not the only who has ever felt that way, I know I can help- and so I do my very best.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Luckily the people that visit me are family, or like family and enjoy good food, getting artsy, taking photos, walking, shopping, and just spending time making memories. I am very much so a home body- give me good music, food, and a show to binge and I’m good to go. When I do venture out- I enjoy just walking and taking in the city- Pilsen especially. I feel like I take for granted that I live in the dopest part of Chicago, when people visit and see all it has to offer they wonder why I don’t explore it more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
BurHop wouldn’t be the experience it is without the individuals that show up with open minds, open hearts, and positive energy. The people that show up ready to put in the effort to work through the issues we tackle. So thank you to every person that has ever taken a workshop, watched a video, repped the brand, and/or had a conversation with me- you are appreciated. A very special thank you to my vixens: Lina, Maria, and Marisa who remind me why I do this-and keep it fun. And of course to my biggest supporter, my videographer, my motivator, my voice of reason, my love- Casey.

Instagram: @burhop_