Levi’s® Monthly Muse

Karim Naar

Community /
October 2021

In this interview series, we introduce you to the people who inspire us most: creatives, educators, activists, community leaders and the everyday super-humans who keep us on our toes. We’ll take you inside their day-to-day lives, homes and workspaces. We’ll talk motivation and inspiration and, of course, all things style.

Scroll through the Instagram feed of Karim Naar and you'd be forgiven for not being able to define exactly what kind of dancer you're watching. The way he moves might remind you of traditional breakdancing, but then he'll balance in a handstand like a yogi, or gracefully twist his arms and legs, flawlessly creating intricate shapes in the air. His movement has a contemporary flair, but in his intense flexibility and feline-like poses, you may also see glimpses of a cat—hence his moniker “Reemcat.”

Defining him is completely beside the point. His ability to exist in the space between genres is one of his greatest assets. Through years of meticulously honing his craft and staying curious, he's carved out his own unique place in the dance world. But, more importantly, he’s also so much more than just a dancer. Read on to learn more about Karim in his own words.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY OF BECOMING A DANCER. WAS DANCE ALWAYS A PART OF YOUR LIFE?

I grew up in Bordeaux, France where I started dancing at the age of 11. Breaking was my first technical training and my door through dancing. Then I developed an interest in other styles, ranging from classical to contemporary. Dancing has been the perfect way to physically challenge myself as well as explore my creativity. Today, dancing is an integral part of who I am, but the idea and the notion of movement is deeply central.

WHAT’S YOUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR MOVEMENT?

Nature inspires me. I like to draw inspiration from organic forms and reflect on its movements and gestures. I look at the way a leaf gently rolls up and how that can translate to a delicate hand gesture, or the elaborate ways a bird performs courtship dances can inspire choreography too. I observe the form and movement of a cat—the way it walks and maneuvers—which has become sort of my signature dance style and my main source of inspiration for movement.

Dancing has been the perfect way to physically challenge myself as well as explore my creativity.

YOU’RE ALSO INVOLVED IN FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY. WHEN DID THIS COME INTO THE PICTURE?

I traveled a lot with small film cameras when I was younger. It was, in a way, an initiation into my love for photography and working in the field of fashion. I also find it interesting to try to associate dance with these mediums, particularly photography, and how you can capture a still image of a movement or form. I’m always trying to explore other paths to refine my eye, and to be multifaceted in creative practices.

HOW DOES CLOTHING CORRELATE TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PHYSICAL MOVEMENT?

Fashion deeply interests me. The design, the materials—it's a world I definitely appreciate. That said, I like to dress comfortably, especially to be able to dance! I typically prefer fluid materials, simple silhouettes, streetwear-inspired clothing and the Japanese aesthetic. I’m also a big advocate of sustainable clothing and reasonable consumption. I try to only purchase pieces that are timeless and last for a long time.

SPEAKING OF TIMELESS PIECES, YOU OFTEN DANCE WEARING DENIM. TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT!

Dancing in denim gives me that freedom of movement which is very important to me! The more I wear my jeans, the better dance partners they are because they conform to my body and they become more flexible and comfortable over time. And because denim is a somewhat thicker material, it’s also great for dancing on the ground, especially on rugged surfaces.

Dancing in denim gives me that freedom of movement. The more I wear my jeans, the better dance partners they are because they conform to my body and they become more flexible and comfortable over time.

WHAT DOES MOVEMENT MEAN FOR YOU? WHY DO YOU DANCE?

Dancing makes me feel one thing—alive. It reveals my weaknesses and my strengths and it allows me to transform my emotions into movements, emotions that are unspeakable. Dance is a language in itself. A way of communicating, of giving access to who I am. When I dance, nothing else matters.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO START DANCE OR WHO WANTS TO PURSUE IT AS A CAREER?

We don’t all have the same physical abilities, or the same bodies, but we each have a unique energy. Learn to develop your own dance identity through movement that resonates with you. Just like all creative professions, it can be challenging in the beginning, but try to keep that energy, that hunger and that passion. And most importantly, dance for nobody but you.

Dancing makes me feel one thing—alive. It allows me to transform my emotions into movements, emotions that are unspeakable.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR KARIM?

I’m currently in Greece working with people full of talent and energy for some upcoming projects. Really grateful to be able to find a progressive freedom of movement during the pandemic. I’ve also been planning to shift my focus more on the essential things, to share more and to be more tender and caring. I hope I continue to explore new projects, make meaningful encounters and carry on this momentum in the months to come.

Shop Karim’s style below and stay tuned here, to our Off The Cuff blog, for more style inspiration, DIY tutorials, sneak peeks of our latest collaborations and all the insider goodness you can handle.