Demetreus "DJ"
MCIVER
Born in Midwest City, OK, their passion for the arts began at a young age from classic movie-musicals and music videos. After moving to Warner Robins, GA, DJ participated in band, choir and theater throughout their secondary education. They play bassoon, clarinet, and various other wind instruments.
DJ attended the University of Georgia, studying music performance under the guidance of Dr. Gregory Broughton and Theatre. They participated in choirs as a baritone. Notable roles include Seth Holly in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and David Keaton in The Exonerated. As a member of the UGA's I Commedianti Georiani and Thalian Blackfriars, they gained experience in improv comedy, writing, and directing for stage.
After moving to New York City in 2010, DJ switched their focus to dance to become more well-rounded. They gained foundations in hip hop and ballet at Broadway Dance Center, from the teaching of Jonte Moaning and Sun Kim, attending dance battles, and and immersing themselves in the dance culture of the city.
In July of 2011, DJ found I LOVE DANCE and MJ Choi, the founder. In 2013, they started teaching Kpop choreography classes as the dance school grew in popularity and in 2017, DJ began teaching KPOP Diet Dance (Kpop Cardio). DJ was a member of ILD’s crew from its inception until 2022, participating in cover videos, flash mobs, and live performances. 2019, DJ competed on JTBC’s Stage-K with ILD on the IKON episode. After winning, the team returned to Seoul and placed second in the "Contest of Champions" series finale.
DJ has choreographed for plays, danced backup for Chinese Pop artist Calvin Chen, teaches hip hop and heels classes, and directs their own dance videos.
Through all that time, DJ worked in coffee in all roles from barista to trainer. At La Colombe Coffee Roasters, DJ hired, trained, and staffed its third wave of cafes (Chelsea, Prince Street, Bryant Park), eventually managing the successful Bryant Park location with its first year sales over $1 million. As a skilled solo barista for La Colombe’s external partnerships, DJ has participated in NY Fashion Week, Sundance Film Festival, NY Coffee Expo and other events in the city.
With a combination of all their experience Demetreus McIver hopes to be a facilitator of all forms of creative expression through group activity and human connection. Commmon Ground is the culmination of that dream.
Utiziliing my life experience, I hope to inspire others to be unafraid of being creative and curating artistic expression in their daily lives..