Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Nykisha Banks of Conyers, GA

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nykisha Banks. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Nykisha, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a very busy one. Most people think I just show up to teach, but the truth is, a lot happens behind the scenes. I’m usually up early cleaning the studio, handling administrative tasks, responding to emails, listening to voice messages & returning calls, preparing lesson plans for the several classes that I teach, organizing show details, coordinating performances, welcoming new families to the studio, and other day-to-day demands of running a studio.

I work with over 100 students, so every day involves meeting their needs, their parents needs,—and making sure I’m still taking care of myself in the process. It’s definitely a lot to manage, One thing I’ve been working on in my normal daily operations is setting healthy boundaries—especially when it comes to shutting off emails, phone calls outside of business hours, and even speaking of the studio at some points of the day. It’s easy to let work spill into every part of your life, but I’ve learned that stepping away when needed helps me show up better for my students and myself. I love what I do, and I’m committed to giving my dancers the best experience possible—without losing myself or my identity in the process.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nykisha Banks, and I’m the owner and director of In the Key of Dance, a dance studio serving several young dancers in our community. While many people see the performances and classes, what makes our studio truly special is the heart and work that happens behind the scenes — from lesson planning and show production to mentoring, parent communication, and building a space where every child feels seen and supported.

My passion isn’t just dance — it’s using dance as a tool to help young people build confidence, discipline, creativity, and community. I’ve worked hard to create a studio environment that feels like home, where families are connected, kids are growing, and the structure & standard of excellence is always rising.

Right now, we’re preparing for several performances, expanding our performance team, and continuing to grow our brand in ways that stay true to our values. I’m also working on setting stronger boundaries as a leader — learning how to balance passion with sustainability, so I can keep pouring into my dancers without burning out.

At the end of the day, what makes our studio unique is the combination of high standards, real connection, structure, accountability, and a genuine love for the kids we serve.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There wasn’t one specific moment, but rather an accumulation of experiences that shaped how I see the world—especially through my work as a studio owner.

Managing over 100 students, represents over 100 different kid personalities, over 100 parent personalities, over 100 grandparent personalities, over 100 learning styles, over 100 family situations, and an extensive amount of emotional needs that have met me at the door.

If I can be candid, I’ve been shaped and taught how to see the real world in a different light once I’ve learned how different people approach structure, communication, and expectations. I’ve come to appreciate not taking things personally. I’m very clear in knowing when you operate from a good place, operate with professionalism, preparation, and integrity, every response will still not be positive and lots of days served may still never be good enough.

It’s moments like this that has shaped how I see the world and the importance of separating not only Nykisha the person vs. Nykisha the Studio Owner but also separating someone else’s personal stress outside of the studio from the professional environment.

That’s a part of leadership and that most definitely shapes how I see this world.

These daily interactions and ongoing responsibilities have shaped not only how I lead, but how I listen, set boundaries, and show up in the world—with both professionalism and purpose.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absouletly! I’ve questioned my why. There was a point where I started to feel the emotional weight of giving so much and getting very little in return. I’ve shown up for and waited for dancers who came to class late from staying up on the phone all night with their friends. I’ve invested in so many who shifted their priorities to other activities after I had poured so much into them, or who grew into teenagers and pulled away in ways that were hard to process—especially after helping them find their voice, build their confidence, and identity for years.

I’ve taught dancers missing without explanation, wondering if my consistency, even when they’re weren’t, still mattered and if it was still worth showing up for. In those moments and more, I have questioned whether I wanted to continue being their “hero.”

But I’ve come to understand that what I do and the loyalty that I pour, won’t always bring loyalty back—it’s about planting seeds. Some may grow in front of me, and others may enjoy the gain, yet desire to blossom some place else. It’s okay. I’m still committed to showing up for the ones who are there and giving them the structure, encouragement, and belief that every child deserves.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real—but it’s not the entire me. What people see is someone who shows up, leads with excellence, supports kids, stays organized, and holds everything together. And all of that is true. But what they don’t always see is the emotional energy it takes to keep doing that, especially when the work feels unseen or the outcomes are unpredictable.

I’ve learned to lead with both strength and boundaries. The version people interact with is grounded in purpose and care, but there’s also a more private side of me that needs space to reset, and be okay with not carrying everything. So yes, it’s the real me but not the whole me. And I’ve learned that’s perfectly okay.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes and in many ways, I already have.

Working with young dancers and their families, I’ve learned that praise isn’t always promised and recognition isn’t always guaranteed.

Some days the room is quiet, the work is heavy, and the results are delayed. There have been times when the effort, planning, emotional investment, and leadership I’ve given have gone unseen. And yet, I continue to give my best not for applause, but because I believe in the value of what I’m building. Excellence, for me, is not just about who notices. It’s about being okay with knowing and acknowledging that I’m not for everyone. It’s also about staying aligned with my purpose, maintaining integrity in how I lead, and knowing that the impact often shows up long after the moment has passed.

Community work is often quiet. But I’ve learned that purpose lasts longer than praise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inthekeyofdance.com
• Instagram: in_the_key_of_dance
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inthekeyofdance
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxi2boV9iDOmBDXD7WH_Lw
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthekeyofdance

Image Credits
Crush Photography