Interview: Simon Nikandrov — Dancer, Choreographer, Educator
Background
Can you tell me where you come from and how dance became your life?
I’m a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, now based in Los Angeles. Dance has been my passion for more than fifteen years, and throughout my career I’ve focused on Hip-Hop, House, and especially Locking—a style and culture that continues to inspire everything I create.
What did you build in Russia before moving to the United States?
Before moving to the United States, I built my career in Russia, where I founded my own dance company, trained dancers, choreographed performances, and took part in competitions and cultural events.
Relocation and career in Los Angeles
Starting over in a new city
Why did you decide to relocate to Los Angeles, and what was the transition like?
Relocating to Los Angeles in 2021 meant leaving behind everything I had established and beginning a completely new chapter. It was a difficult decision, but one that challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. Starting over pushed me to reassert my artistic voice in a new context and to seek opportunities that would stretch me as a performer, teacher, and creator.
What notable projects and collaborations have you been involved with since arriving in LA?
Since arriving in Los Angeles, I’ve been fortunate to work with Universal Studios, appear in a Sony commercial, perform in Ashley Alisha’s music video “Hopeless Romantic,” and join the cast of The Cortage, a large-scale immersive theatrical production presented at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center during September–October 2025. That production was staged multiple times per week over an extended engagement period and attracted substantial public interest. I also stepped into the lead role of Everyman, performing that role throughout an entire week-long run.
How has representation and working with studios shaped your work in the U.S.?
I’m represented by Go 2 Talent Agency and have been invited to teach at respected studios including Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle, Offstage, and others. Having professional representation and invitations to teach at established studios has helped me connect with a wider community of dancers and collaborators in Los Angeles, opening doors for performance, teaching, and creative exchange.
Teaching, methodology and leadership
How important is teaching within your career, and what does it give you personally?
Alongside performing, teaching has become one of the most meaningful aspects of my career. Sharing knowledge with dancers from different backgrounds allows me to contribute to the growth of the community while continuing to learn from others myself. Teaching keeps me accountable to technique, musicality, and the cultural roots of the styles I practice, and it continually informs my choreography and performance.
Can you describe the training program you developed and your role at Accrossers Dance Academy?
I currently serve as the Artistic Director at Accrossers Dance Academy, where I developed and implemented a structured training program for young dancers based on the educational system I created through my previous work in Russia. Adapting this methodology to the United States has been one of my proudest accomplishments. Today, students trained under this program regularly participate in competitions, earn awards, and continue to grow both technically and artistically. Seeing my approach successfully shape the next generation of dancers in a new country has been incredibly rewarding and represents an important part of my contribution to the dance community.
Artistry, values and future plans
What principles guide your choreography and teaching?
Whether I’m performing on stage, creating choreography, or teaching a class, my goal is always the same: to bring honesty, musicality, and respect for the culture into everything I do. Those principles guide how I structure classes, how I approach storytelling in choreography, and how I work with students and collaborators.
How do you see your role in the broader street dance community, and what are your next steps?
I’m excited to continue expanding my work as a performer, choreographer, and educator. I look forward to collaborating with artists, creative teams, production companies, and brands that value originality and storytelling through movement. My focus is not only on developing my own career but also on contributing to the continued growth of street dance culture by creating meaningful projects, inspiring dancers, and building connections within the international dance community.
What concrete projects are you planning to grow that contribution?
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding both my artistic and educational impact. In the near future, I plan to open an additional studio location, allowing even more young dancers to benefit from our training programs. I’m also preparing to launch a children’s street dance competition designed to inspire young talent, create new performance opportunities, and further strengthen the street dance community. My long-term goal is not only to continue growing as a performer and choreographer but also to leave a lasting impact through education, mentorship, and community development.
