MS. JANIAH

JaNiah Cooper is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, photographer, and filmmaker hailing from the South Side of Chicago. Her passion for dance sparked at just 2 years old, defying the odds even as a toddler when she danced through the challenge of wearing leg braces. JaNiah’s unwavering drive to create has always been clear, rooted in her deep connection to movement and storytelling. From childhood, she immersed herself in dance competitions, conferences, intensives, and classes, fueling her love for the art. JaNiah attended the Chicago High School for the Arts as a dance major, where she debuted her award-winning solo at the Harris Theatre in Chicago in 2019. At just 17, she earned the BET Excellence Award in Dance for her outstanding performance, presented by the African Arts Alliance. After high school, JaNiah moved to Easthampton, Massachusetts, to further her training. She became a part of the inaugural class of the CLI Conservatory, a prestigious 9-month pre-professional program led by Teddy Forance. There, she created her first film, *Sunken*, which wowed audiences and critics alike with its blend of artistry and activism. Dance Magazine hailed the project as a seamless fusion of art and social action. In 2022, JaNiah signed with Bloc LA Talent Agency and has since continued to expand her creative reach. As a faculty member of Dance Church and Black Girls Dance, and the booking/social media manager for Austin Loren, JaNiah remains a force in the industry. Her work has been featured in music videos for Kamasi Washington and Rhymefest, and she choreographed the closing for Chance the Rapper’s *A Night at the Museum*. She has also showcased her work at the Museum of Contemporary Art and is currently the dance captain for *Bronzeville: The Musical*. Both in front of and behind the camera, JaNiah is a visionary. She strives to create breathtaking, multidisciplinary works that capture the essence of life and nature’s beauty.