Neek B on Transforming Baltimore’s Dance Scene: The Mission Behind B More Than Dance

For nearly two decades, Neek B has been at the forefront of Baltimore’s club dance scene, creating an empowering platform for young talent through his organization, B More Than Dance. From his early entrepreneurial days as a kid selling candy and T-shirts to a Morgan State University graduate who took a leap of faith on his vision, Neek B’s journey has been fueled by an unwavering drive to make a difference. His story is not just about dance; it’s about changing lives, providing options, and building a supportive ecosystem that’s brought countless young dancers out of adversity and into the global spotlight. With a recent feature in Dark City Beneath the Beat, he’s sharing Baltimore’s vibrant culture with the world — reminding audiences everywhere that true transformation starts at the community level.

Please tell us about your background and how you got to this successful point of your career.

I am a graduate of Morgan State University, but also a lifetime entrepreneur. I began my first job in middle school working at a local barbershop. I sold candy and t-shirts in high school while working a job or two and playing sports all year round. I've always had visions of doing something impactful. I took a leap of faith after I graduated. I valued my time over what jobs were willing to offer me, so I began working on my vision.

Through B More Than Dance, you help young people turn their talents into entrepreneurial ventures. What transformations have you witnessed in young dancers who go through this program, and how does this impact the broader Baltimore community?

The biggest transformation we witness is always mental. They come in as kids, having fun and seeing the world from a childlike perspective. As they grow and continue to work within the brand we watch them start to develop their craft while molding a new mindset. Baltimore is a rough place. While we originally envisioned making mainstream superstars; in which we have, I don’t think we ever could estimate the value it brought to changing the mental aspect of how they open their eyes to a world of endless possibilities coming from local neighborhoods they once thought they wouldn’t even make it out of.

This impacts the community by showing them there are ways to make it out. We’ve traveled the world, performed on the biggest stages, and created outlets for a culture that was once only known as acceptable inside night clubs. This ecosystem we have built now provides the entire community with one of the most important things in life; Options!

Being featured in Dark City Beneath the Beat brings your work to a global audience. What was the most powerful part of telling Baltimore’s story through this film, and how do you hope audiences outside Baltimore perceive the culture?

The most powerful part of telling this story was finally being able to reach certain eyes and ears that can provide the help we need. The film is great for opening the doors for a culture with almost 40 years of history to begin narrating and molding all the stories that need to be told. I hope the audiences are not just captivated in the moment but also understand that there are countless ways to support genres of culture before the industry makes it a watered down version of the authentic experience.

What else is vital for our readers to know about you and the amazing work that you do?

We have been here for almost 17 years and we need support. We need more eyes and ears aware of this outlet being an option and seeing how many lives we have saved from being just another statistic in Baltimore city.

In what ways has Baltimore itself shaped your art and the mission of B More Than Dance?

Baltimore provided me with enough tragedy that it forced me to want to make a difference while understanding the narratives that get ignored. Having outlets for the youth has always been important. In modern day however the youth are no longer looking to have fun. They are looking to invest into themselves in a way that would allow them to be stable in the pursuit of their dreams. Baltimore's lack of outlets and lack of ways for youth to gain any financial freedom when they become teens showed me that these problems needed to have answers and Bmore Than Dance became one.

What has your career and the countless people whose lives you impacted meant to you personally?

I’m a perfectionist. While I’m extremely proud of the work we have accomplished, I still see it as a long road ahead. Personally it motivated me to strive for more because I never feel like the impact has touched enough lives yet. As long as the narrative of the youth being problematic in this city is alive I will continue to feel like the impact isn’t big enough because there’s more that needs to be saved from the dark side of what Baltimore gives us.

Dance can be transformative on a personal level, but it can also serve as a force for social change. What role do you believe dance plays in the world?

Unity. I believe dance is a universal love language that can trigger one thousand different emotions and freeze time where people can forget about the things that make us different while highlighting the things that make us unique and special.

Who are some dancers who inspired you over the years and why?

As a kid I was inspired by Michael Jackson & James Brown. As I developed an eye for the Baltimore club culture there was only one inspiration for my generation; Dancin Brandon. A local legend who in my eyes is the Micheal Jordan of Dance the world never got to see. There’s many others who played a part in inspiring the King of Baltimore event that I created. Maybe we will get to tell their stories in documentaries one day.

You mentor many young dancers — what have you learned from them, and how have those lessons informed your approach to your art and community work?

With the youth it’s always extremely simple. Stay young, live life and have fun. Those lessons can easily be forgotten as we age and deal with the hardships of everyday life. In my pursuit for perfection I often get lost in my own level of seriousness. It brings me back down to earth and keeps me humble.

Any exclusive news you can share with us as you look to the future?

King of Baltimore 11 is coming November 24th.Patapsco Arena 6pm. Tickets are available now kob11.eventbrite.com

Big things are coming in 2025 as we move to unite all of the club cultures and take our cultures to a national level.

What advice would you give to young dancers in Baltimore who dream of making their mark on the world? What is essential for them to know about their journey and their art?

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Always believe in yourself. The reality of today doesn’t have to interrupt tomorrow’s dream. There is a way out. Stay consistent and never give up on you.

Connect on Instagram @neekb__