Dani

Depending on the type of event, your overall experience may vary, but what will be consistent, is an open, honest, and real look at the issues that life throws at us. You will see material that you can relate to either because you have been through it yourself, or know someone who has experienced it. You may be touched, offended, made angry, made to laugh, or even sad. But no matter what emotion you feel, you will respect the work displayed in front of you because it will be honest in its presentation.

Dani was raised in the hills of northeast Tennessee. After almost five years of military service following high school, she moved back home where she got married and started her family. Now, Dani has moved to Charlotte with her two beautiful daughters and began pursuing her writing career. Spoken word was new to her in the beginning and while it was never her intention
to become a “poet”, she has found a home behind the mic relating to her audience about the issues of life.

Personally...
Known for her transparency and unapologetic honesty, Dani has created a reputation as one of the "realest" performers around. It's this realness that has catapulted her into the forefront of not just the poetry community, but as an entertainer and motivational speaker as well. While her professional accomplishments are to be appreciated, Dani is most proud of her personal achievements. As a witness to domestic abuse and survivor of sexual abuse as a child, a disable veteran, single mother successfully raising two daughters, and woman battling Graves' Disease, Dani realizes that words help even if they don't completely heal. The right words can help young women rethink hasty decisions, be aware of bad situations, and become inspired to know all is not lost. And by sharing her words in both spoken and written word, she hopes to not only have an outlet for herself, but to bring something real that all of her audience can relate to and understand. She apologizes to no one for her honesty and issues only one disclaimer, a warning if you will, when it comes to the reading of her work:

"Read, but don't take offense. Absorb, but don't judge. These are my words... not yours."

Professionally...
Becoming a signed author and publishing her book, The Rantings of Dani, in June 2010 is just one of the many feats this phenomenal artist has accomplished. As a member of the nationally ranked Charlotte Respect Da Mic 2009 Slam Team, SlamCharlotte December 2009 Slam Champion, and Respect Da Mic WOW (Women of the World) Qualifier Slam Champion, Dani has made her mark in the competitive world of slam poetry. She has extended her reach from published word and slam champion to featuring as an opening act for such artists as Grammy-nominated Calvin Richardson, Doug E. Fresh, and Natalie Stewart of Floetry. In addition, she has become a regular featured poet on Charlotte's Number One Station for Blazing Hip Hop & R&B, Power98FM on No Limit Larry & The Morning Maddhouse Spoken Word segment with two time Emmy winner, Bluz. Performing for such events as My Black is Beautiful, the Black Expo, and For Sister's Only as well as putting together a boundary-breaking spoken word theatre production, Confessions from Both Sides of the Fence, has earned Dani a solid place amongst the newest movement in poetry. Dani's latest literary venture is a contributor for Urban Tymes Magazine. Her column, I'm Just Sayin', is a refreshing look at life, love, & relationships from a perspective only Dani could give. With the launch of her new "Dani-ism" product line & latest CD/DVD, Dual Diagnosis, in November, Dani continues to break barriers and stretch the typical stereotype of a poet.