Rik Daniels, Dancer

Born and raised in Bronx, NY, Rik was the poster child for the March of Dimes, and later appeared on CBS’s Sunday Morning and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! for his achievements as a NYC high-school champion gymnast. He went on to become a 7-time NCAA All American on pommel horse, parallel bars, and still rings. Rik lives in Central, NY with his supportive husband, Marc, their bird, Rosie, and dog, Lillie. He served several terms on the board of directors of Access to Independence of Cortland County, NY, as well as the Finger Lakes Independence Center and Challenge Workforce of Tompkins County, NY.  Seeking greater impact and self-actualization, beyond his “day jobs” and speaking engagements, Rik began endeavoring to enlighten and inspire through modeling, dancing, and performance art. He was a principal dancer in Michael Franti and Spearhead’s “Once a Day” music video; collaborated with Tina Christina-Price in contemporary dance; and continues to partner with Nicole Agaronnik and American Dancewheels Foundation using a fusion of Contemporary and Ballroom/Latin Dance choreography. Imbued by his mother, Pastor Donna M. Daniels, with the belief that “God creates each and every one of us unique and beautiful for a purpose, and loves us, just as we are…”, he considers his introduction, training and performances with Circus Culture, subsequent work with CirqOvation, and becoming a touring company member with Omnium Circus a significant part of his journey!