Nikki Whelan

Nikki Whelan attended her first dance class in Holy Family J.N.S at the age of 3 with Marie Cole, Irish Youth Ballet. Nikki’s love for dance took her to the stage many times since with the Irish Ballet School including Gaiety Theatre, National Concert Hall & The Helix.

Nikki went on to be the head of the dance committee in Loreto College, Swords where she choreographed for annual school shows. 

Nikki worked closely and was assistant to Sara & Emma Gannon of the Irish Ballet School early in her career, the only option open then was to travel abroad to further her career, it was while deciding on the next step Nikki started up her own Hip Hop class in River Valley Community Centre for local kids. The turnout was phenomenal! She moved on to the scouts hall and eventually as her students numbers grew she took a studio in Image Health club in Swords.

Nikki then realised the potential of remaining in Dublin and setting up her own dance school.

As a child growing up in Dublin there was no facility to grow as a hip hop dancer so this is where the idea behind Back Street Dance began.

For 2 years with the help of Tina her Mam they worked tirelessly to set up an Academy where kids could go and enjoy dance & performing arts and progress to further their career if desired.

And so on 16th October 2006 Back Street Dance opened its doors!! 

BSD WAS BORN!!

Nikki’s experience includes backing dancer for a popular Irish R&B artist. O2 in the park, Childline in the Point and she shared the stage with Mary J Blige, Girls Aloud, Westlife & Blue to name but a few.

Over the last 18 years, Nikki & Tina have travelled to Los Angeles and made some fantastic friends and contacts in the dance industry. They have opened Back Streets doors and welcomed some of the world’s most famous choreographers and given their students the fantastic opportunity to learn from them. These friends & contacts have led to some fantastic opportunities for our students to enjoy in the future.

Nikki is also the owner of Irelands leading children’s hair accessories brand Little Bow Pip – www.littlebowpip.com