PAST PERFORMING LIFE
Before events became her professional calling, performance was where Nicole first found her voice. From violin recitals and gospel choirs to African drumming, tap dance, and cultural showcases, she explored music, movement, and storytelling in many forms. Performing offered creative expression and sharpened skills she now brings to events: collaboration, calm under pressure, improvisation when plans change, and an instinct for reading a room.
This page highlights the performances, productions, and ensembles that shaped her artistic path. That foundation of discipline, rhythm, and the joy of live connection continues to influence how she designs and delivers events today.
This page highlights the performances, productions, and ensembles that shaped her artistic path. That foundation of discipline, rhythm, and the joy of live connection continues to influence how she designs and delivers events today.
Haute Neon Nights Fashion Show
A gallery from the Haute Neon Nights Fashion Show, featuring looks credited to Marisa Townsend and Lillian Love Dennis (clothing design and photography).
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Tribal Night in Vegas
PBS artScene Episode #223 |
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GLOBAL BEAUTY MASTERS is a television series about the most extreme hair, makeup, nails and fashion competition of all time. The series began airing on the Discovery Fit and Health Channel in December 2014 and the first episode featured dancers and drummers from Baobab Stage's Tribal Night show. Choreography by Ibrahima Camara, (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye).
Dancers: Angie Freeman (Molodi), Jacent Wamala, Jarrett Rashad (Beatles: Love, The Lion King), Khalid Freeman (Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour/Molodi), Kishema Pendu (Beatles: Love), Kristina Robinson, Nancy Blake, Silvia Vrskova (Zarkana), and Wassa Coulibaly (Zumanity). Drummers: "Papa" Diarra Zumana (Disney's Animal Kingdom), Nicole D. Ford and Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye). 
Top Photo: "Papa" Diarra Zumana, Nicole D. Ford, Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye)
Front of Bottom Photo: Kishema Pendu, Khalid Freeman
Kristina Robinson, Silvia Vrskova (Zarkana), Jarrett Rashad (Beatles: Love), Wassa Coulibaly (Zumanity), Khalid Freeman (Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour/Molodi), Angie Freeman, (Molodi) Kishema Pendu (Beatles: Love), Jacent Wamala, Nancy Blake
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CLICK ON LINK ABOVE TO SEE VEGAS PBS SHOW "artScene"
Vegas PBS show artScene Episode #223 covers Baobab Stage Presents: Tribal Night. In addition to this episode, more Tribal Night video footage can be found here
Pictured in no particular order: Adama & Abdoulaye Kone (MGM's Beacher's Madhouse), Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko, Jacent Wamala, Agnes Roux (Zumanity), Farasha Desert Siren, Kumuda Tribal, Paola Brand Restrepo, Dishonne Muhammed, Mackly Benjamin Prophete, Stephanix Nix, Amaris Fuller & La Feroz Dancers, Kristina Robinson, Richard Kashanski (Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra), Chiqui Garcia (Latin Grammy's), Kishema Pendu (Beatles: Love) , Wassa Coulibaly (Zumanity) Danny Shyman, Peter Fand (Zarkana), Michel Narajo (Le Reve), Al Hernandez Jr. |
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Nicole D. Ford Improvising on congas with her conga and drum set teacher, Idalberto Perdomo from Cuba. He surprised her and made her improvise for the first time on congas while he played drumset. She still thinks he tried to lose her during his solo but, "The Sky is Still Blue"
Grace Koelig (Singer), Norma Rico Fernandez, Idalberto Perdomo and Nicole D. Ford
Nikki’s Side Note: Nicole did not attend this rumba, but this video is what led her to discover Idalberto Perdomo’s Drum Center. After watching it, she knew she had to be there.
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Olabisi African Dance & Drum Ensemble at Unity in the Community Concert by Reverend Judy-Ann Young, Stage Sage Productions.
Djembe Drummers: Hasani Palacio, Sam Wright, Solo Soro, Nicole D. Ford Dun Dun Drummer: "Papa" Diarra Zumana Cowbell: Jon'Nita Johnson Dancers: Corinthia Peoples, Kristina Robinson, LaQuetha Lutale, Tahirah Laughinghouse Choreographers: Adama & Abdoulaye Kone and LaQuetha Lutale Company Coordinator: China Hudson (not pictured) 
Olabisi African Dance & Drum Ensemble at Unity in the Community Concert. A Stage Sage Production (Reverend Judy-Ann Young).
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Nicole D. Ford drumming with Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye), Angelo Stokes and Massamba
Angelo Stokes, Ibrahima Camara, Nicole D. Ford. Massamba (photo by Richard Brusky)
Angelo Stokes, Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye) and Nicole D. Ford
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Nicole D. Ford Mocidade Rebelde and Capoeira Mandinga
UNLV Continuing Education Catalog. Photo taken at Mocidade Rebelde rehearsal. Jodi Reiter, aerialist in Le Reve, Nicole D. Ford
Cosmopolitan private gig produced and arranged by Scott Vomvolakis, Weapons of Mass Percussion. Pictured (not in order): Nicole D. Ford, Daniel Alameda, Corene Peltier, Lisa Carver, Uli Geissendoerfer, Stephen Shapiro, Austin Perry, Steve Ferradino, Anne Charbonneau, Geordie Ryder, Mike Barruti, Mycah Krason, Tim Weigel, Tyler McKusic, Kurt Rasmussen
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Singing
Nicole LOVES to sing even though she does not have extensive formal training in singing. At the age of 2, she would belt out the Star Spangled Banner, which she learned attending sporting events with her parents. Throughout her dance/musical performances and recitals as a youth, Nicole sang in a variety of productions. Nicole joined Bishop O'Dowd's Gospel Choir during High School and sang as an Alto and Tenor at various performances and church services.
As Nicole started on her adult musical journey, she finally decided to stop just singing in the shower and in her car. In 2008, she joined the Spirit of Joy Choir at the Center for Spiritual Living Greater Las Vegas. Life then spiraled into Nicole being invited to sing with several groups such as Vocal Intervention, LNJ Trio, New Song Chorus, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Facebook Chorale, etc.
Nicole's percussion gifts are generally spotted first due to the rarity of a female playing at her level and her singing talents are oftten discovered when it's time for the percussionists to sing a call and response tune. As a result, Nicole has also sung with most of the drum and dance groups for which she has played.
Nicole is very comfortable and adept at singing beautiful harmonies in choirs, ensembles and on background vocals.
As Nicole started on her adult musical journey, she finally decided to stop just singing in the shower and in her car. In 2008, she joined the Spirit of Joy Choir at the Center for Spiritual Living Greater Las Vegas. Life then spiraled into Nicole being invited to sing with several groups such as Vocal Intervention, LNJ Trio, New Song Chorus, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Facebook Chorale, etc.
Nicole's percussion gifts are generally spotted first due to the rarity of a female playing at her level and her singing talents are oftten discovered when it's time for the percussionists to sing a call and response tune. As a result, Nicole has also sung with most of the drum and dance groups for which she has played.
Nicole is very comfortable and adept at singing beautiful harmonies in choirs, ensembles and on background vocals.
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Rapping (Parental Advisory Warning - Explicit Content)
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Steel Drums | Steel Pans
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Violin
Nicole studied violin and piano throughout her childhood. She played 2nd violin in her elementary school orchestra as well as the orchestra at Bishop O'Dowd High School. In addition to playing at a variety of events and recitals, Nicole had the pleasure of performing annually with her school orchestra at Souverain Winery in Napa Valley, California. The orchestra also performed at Sea World and Magic Mountain in Southern California. Nicole ultimately progressed to become first chair of the 2nd violin section and she was selected to be part of the band in Bishop O'Dowd's production of The Wiz. She and first violinist virtuosa extraordinaire, Alison Bailey, were forever up to straight shenanigans post-rehearsal but always held it down at showtime.
As an adult, Nicole has played 2nd violin with various groups including the CSN Orchestra, Desert Springs Arts Chamber Orchestra, Bloomingdale House Chamber Ensemble, More Cowbell Ensemble, Dendera Ensemble, and the Montaggio Chamber Ensemble. She has been a solo violinist for Farasha Desert Siren and Kumuda Tribal at Baobab Stage presents: Tribal Night as well as the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive's A Night in the City of Riches Pro Show
As an adult, Nicole has played 2nd violin with various groups including the CSN Orchestra, Desert Springs Arts Chamber Orchestra, Bloomingdale House Chamber Ensemble, More Cowbell Ensemble, Dendera Ensemble, and the Montaggio Chamber Ensemble. She has been a solo violinist for Farasha Desert Siren and Kumuda Tribal at Baobab Stage presents: Tribal Night as well as the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive's A Night in the City of Riches Pro Show
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Bishop O'Dowd High School Presents - The Wiz (Violinist)
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Beat Making, Drum Machine, Digital Music |
Balafon / African Xylophone |
Finger Cymbals, Cajon, Bass Drum |
Body Percussion | Body Music | Stepping
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Tap Dance | Dance
As a child, Nicole studied jazz, Broadway-style tap, musical theatre, ballet, and gymnastics and performed in various local Bay Area productions. She trained most extensively with Yvonne School of Dancing, Alameda School of Dance (now Alameda Ballet Academy) and West Coast Dance Theatre. (As a side note, Nicole also did some modelling for I. Magnin & Company and H.C. Capwell Company). Nicole always has to give her mom credit for all the years she spent taking her to all of her lessons and hours and hours of rehearsals. She thanks her entire family for always showing up at her performances and whooping and hollering their support.
As a young adult, Nicole discovered Rhythm Tap or Jazz Tap, at a small studio in Berkeley, California called Studio J. Even though Nicole always loved tap, there was a big difference between the Broadway-style tap she grew up with and the Rhythmic Tap she came to fall madly in love with.
When Nicole looks back on it, sometimes she is not sure how she managed to graduate from Cal with honors and work as many hours as she worked in her career. Once she discovered Rhythm Tap, her second home became dance studios or dance floors throughout the Bay Area. She and her friend Babs would burn the midnight oil in the studio soaking up as much as possible from their mentor Mark Mendonca.
Nicole spent several years attending tap camps, festivals, workshops, and master classes studying with as many teachers, hoofers and legends as her schedule would allow: Eddie Brown, Buster Brown, Sam Weber, Gregory Hines, Ted Levy, Jimmy Slyde, Brenda Buffalino, Dianne Walker, Chance Taylor, Steve Zee, Fred Strickler, Ayodele Casel, Max Pollack, Bunny Briggs, Harold Nicholas of the Nicholas Brothers and many more!
If her discovery of Jazz Tap wasn't enough, Nicole took a trip to New York with some friends to see several Broadway shows and celebrate New Year's Eve in Time Square. They took her to see Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk, at the Public Theater, and it was a WRAP. Over the next several years, Nicole would find any opportunity to jump on a plane to New York so she could see the show. Nicole actually doesn't like New York, but every chance she got, even business trips to Florida, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio....it did not matter...Nicole would make a stop in New York to see her favorite show.
Nicole estimates that she saw that show in New York over 20 times, not to mention seeing it on tour in Los Angeles and in Washington D.C. As a fanatic, of course Nicole made sure she took classes with as many cast members as she could find becoming a regular at places such as Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. She was lucky to be able to take classes with some of funk's finest tappers: Savion Glover, Omar Edwards, Dule Hill, Baakari Wilder, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derek Grant, and Jason Samuels-Smith to name a few.
Since moving to Las Vegas, Nicole's percussion expression has migrated from her feet to her hands. She has not tap danced nearly as much as she would like; however she keeps her tap shoes in the trunk and is ready to rekindle that flame anytime. In the meantime, she has enjoyed classes in Afro-Cuban dance, Salsa, African Dance, hip hop, body percussion, and stepping.
As a young adult, Nicole discovered Rhythm Tap or Jazz Tap, at a small studio in Berkeley, California called Studio J. Even though Nicole always loved tap, there was a big difference between the Broadway-style tap she grew up with and the Rhythmic Tap she came to fall madly in love with.
When Nicole looks back on it, sometimes she is not sure how she managed to graduate from Cal with honors and work as many hours as she worked in her career. Once she discovered Rhythm Tap, her second home became dance studios or dance floors throughout the Bay Area. She and her friend Babs would burn the midnight oil in the studio soaking up as much as possible from their mentor Mark Mendonca.
Nicole spent several years attending tap camps, festivals, workshops, and master classes studying with as many teachers, hoofers and legends as her schedule would allow: Eddie Brown, Buster Brown, Sam Weber, Gregory Hines, Ted Levy, Jimmy Slyde, Brenda Buffalino, Dianne Walker, Chance Taylor, Steve Zee, Fred Strickler, Ayodele Casel, Max Pollack, Bunny Briggs, Harold Nicholas of the Nicholas Brothers and many more!
If her discovery of Jazz Tap wasn't enough, Nicole took a trip to New York with some friends to see several Broadway shows and celebrate New Year's Eve in Time Square. They took her to see Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk, at the Public Theater, and it was a WRAP. Over the next several years, Nicole would find any opportunity to jump on a plane to New York so she could see the show. Nicole actually doesn't like New York, but every chance she got, even business trips to Florida, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio....it did not matter...Nicole would make a stop in New York to see her favorite show.
Nicole estimates that she saw that show in New York over 20 times, not to mention seeing it on tour in Los Angeles and in Washington D.C. As a fanatic, of course Nicole made sure she took classes with as many cast members as she could find becoming a regular at places such as Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. She was lucky to be able to take classes with some of funk's finest tappers: Savion Glover, Omar Edwards, Dule Hill, Baakari Wilder, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derek Grant, and Jason Samuels-Smith to name a few.
Since moving to Las Vegas, Nicole's percussion expression has migrated from her feet to her hands. She has not tap danced nearly as much as she would like; however she keeps her tap shoes in the trunk and is ready to rekindle that flame anytime. In the meantime, she has enjoyed classes in Afro-Cuban dance, Salsa, African Dance, hip hop, body percussion, and stepping.
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Bucket Drumming
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Bass | Piano
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Drum Set
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Doumbek | Belly Dance inspired
Afrikfest Las Vegas, Zinduna Brothers & Nabtry International Cultural Dancers
African Drum | Dance | Song | Acrobats
African Drum | Dance | Song | Acrobats
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Past Performing Life Resume
Legacy of Performance
The stage gave Nicole more than an artistic outlet; it sharpened her instincts for presence, timing, and connection. Those same instincts now shape how she designs and delivers events—with energy, precision, and an awareness of how every detail lands with an audience. Her performing life may look different today, but its legacy lives on in the experiences she creates.