Pep in Step- DemBari proves MAGIC in the moves.

Meet DemBari. Stealthy. Sonic. Smooth Spinner. A lover of music and movement, the St. Louis native dancer packs a POWERHOUSE of energy in whatever he puts on the floor. Grounded in his passion for faith, family, and footwork, this kid kicks a new flavor into the dance world, making his own wave on the pavement. Let’s take a step into his story.

“I’ve kind of been doing it my entire life, naturally.”, explains the dancer/choreographer. “I had a dance teacher out in Kirkwood when I was like 16 and 17. She gave me like a guidebook on what I needed to do to train.” The Kirkwood High alumnus took those lessons to heart, and eventually applied them to his dreams. “I got really good at it, I let everything figure itself out, and now this is the life.”

Born to Nigerian immigrant parents and raised in south St. Louis, Taneh grew up around a variety of music. However, his greatest inspiration was none other than the late and great “king of pop”, Michael Jackson. “That guy right there is responsible for everything that I’ve done dance wise.”, says DemBari. “If it wasn’t for him, I’d never started dancing to be honest.” He also admires legendary singer/dancers such as Usher and Chris Brown. “Even T-Pain. He is probably one of my biggest inspirations. He doesn’t get as much credit as he should.”

Apart from taking up dance classes during high school, DemBari also danced in his church’s youth group, and performed in local and national talent showcases. In 2020, Taneh competed in the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, winning an $8,000 scholarship. “The first real performance that made me feel “I might have a future in dance” was the Teen Talent competition that St. Louis hosts every year.”, recalls the dancer. “I competed in high school my sophomore year and won 1st place. I entered just to have fun. I didn’t think I had a chance of winning it. After that I was like “I need to trust how hard I’m working.”

After graduation, the 22 yr. old dancer stepped forward in his gifts and talents, venturing deeper into the industry. In 2021, DemBari competed in Monster Dance’s national dance battle. He recently relocated to L.A. to work closer with the dance company and make further connections. “I’m out here doing conventions right now. Monster’s Hip Hop Convention is one of the biggest in hip hop and dance.”

DemBari Taneh is currently between St. Louis and Los Angeles, teaching and expanding his dance portfolio and experience. “Many performances, getting my face out there, and seasoning my dance etiquette.” Recently, the dancer performed beside Grammy winning rapper Kendrick Lamar in NFL’s history making LIX Super Bowl Halftime Show for the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

The stepper’s goal is to be known by name in the industry, like the greats before him. “There are some people that you HAVE to name. People like James Brown, Michael Jackson, and so many others. I want my name to have just as big as an impact. My biggest goal is to make sure my name has that weight attached to it.”

“Work hard. Don’t expect it to come easy. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable.” -DemBari Taneh

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