“I care deeply about bodily autonomy and guiding people as a witness to the power of movement.”
—Maven Iman Clark

Iman Clark, known in the artistic world of burlesque as Nami Flare, is an entrepreneur and internationally sought-after professional dancer. Fresh from her time at the venerated Jacob’s Pillow, referred to by national media as “a hub and mecca of dancing”, she shares her insight on recharging in nature, creating language through movement, and asserting bodily autonomy.

Constrained by too few opportunities in South Florida to present her artistry in the places she wanted to, how she wanted to, when she wanted to, Iman produced her own tour that took her across the country to sold-out houses and competition titles. She won her latest title, Grand Master Funk 2025, in Seattle. Follow Iman, or catch her on the road near you.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Iman. This interview has been edited for brevity.

Who are you & where are you? A dancer, arts educator, and roaming mover from Miami — currently a shimmying nomad shaking stages wherever I land.

What do you care about, and why is it important to care about? Bodily autonomy and the language of movement. Talking isn’t always my strongest tool, but the body never lies;  it connects people who don’t share a word in common. I’ve danced since four; I’ve seen movement create magic, community, and understanding without speaking. Guiding others into that feels essential.

What is something you’ve learned during your nomad journey that has stuck with you? Movement requires grounding. I travel constantly, but I anchor in who I am –  my needs, my boundaries, my worth. Especially when negotiating, choosing opportunities, or calling home for a reminder of myself.

Who have you learned something from that serves you well? My mom. She taught me to march to my own beat, loudly. Being uniquely myself has always been the assignment. She believed the world needs different kinds of people, like ingredients in a good salad. I carry that everywhere.

What do you do or call on when you get discouraged? I feed myself. A good meal resets my spirit faster than anything.

What is your morning routine? Face routine first, always. Then hair, tea, lip gloss, bracelets, a ring, and my cork earrings. I don’t leave home without feeling like myself.

Do you make wishes at 11:11? Yes. A.M. or P.M.  I don’t discriminate.

What is your zodiac sign? Virgo. September 1.

What do you do to restore your energy or rest? I get in a hammock. Weightless sleep with nature in the background is my reset. Rest keeps me sustainable, and honestly, sometimes I have to tell myself to sit my ass down or I won’t make the next gig.

What is something you’ve learned during your nomad journey that has stuck with you? That motion only works if I stay rooted. I may not have a fixed address, but I need a fixed sense of self; knowing my worth, naming my needs, holding my boundaries. It’s choosing when to say yes, when to walk away, and who I can call when I need a feeling of home.

If you weren’t doing what you currently are, what could you see yourself doing? If not dancing, I’d be in the culinary world. Food comforts, connects, and sparks curiosity, just like dance. I almost became a food scientist, ironically enough.

This piece is part of the ongoing Meet the Maven series.