Ms. Afrika Abney - Professional Dance Consultant Branding Blog

With over three decades of experience in the dance industry, Ms. Afrika Abney has dedicated her career to providing exceptional dance services in the Washington, D.C. region. Her mission is to inspire, educate, and uplift through the art of dance, specializing in West African dance and ballet. Expertise & Skills: Extensive training from various dance companies and individuals Expertise in maintaining a productive dance studio environment Professional dance consulting services for businesses and organizations Performance at a variety of venues including schools, theaters, festivals, and churches Workshops, performances, and instruction for students of all ages Accomplishments: Substitute dance instructor at Joy of Motion Dance Center Collaborations with renowned groups such as Soul In Motion Players and Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers Notable appearances at festivals, celebrations, and community events Worked with organizations like M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and Young Women's Drumming Empo...

  “Dance styles, also known as dance genres, are different types of dance that can be categorized by their choreography, movements, or place of origin.” Quote found on the Internet  When I was a student, I studied numerous dance styles. Some of them include African dance and ballet. Years later, I have experience in dance instruction for Afrobeats and Samba Fusions.  “African dance (also Afro dance, Afrodance and Afro-dance) refers to the various dance styles of sub-Saharan Africa. These dances are closely connected with the traditional rhythms and music traditions of the region.” “Afrobeats, the name was partially born out of an attempt to distinguish Fela Kuti's music from the soul music of American artists such as James Brown. Prevalent in his and Lagbaja's music are native Nigerian harmonies and rhythms, taking contrasting elements and combining, modernizing, and improvising upon them.” “Samba, the vibrant music of Brazil, is a fusion of musical influences ranging fro...

Quote found on the Internet Quote found on the Internet While I was a college student, I was providing dance consulting and dance performance services. June 2, 1996. Africare Family Festival. SAMBAFRICA. Soul In Motion Players. February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC June 13, 1997. Marcus Garvey PCS, Washington, DC

Dynamic professional dance consultant has made numerous changes in providing services. I have not scheduled any meetings with any potential client since 2020. For inquiries regarding my services, please contact me at afrikaabneydanceconsult@gmail.com. “A potential client meeting is the first interaction between a business and a potential client. The purpose of the meeting is to establish a foundation for future collaboration by understanding the client's needs and presenting the company's offerings. A potential client might be reasonably defined as all those individuals or companies that might possibly become a client at some point. One often considers potential clients when marketing or advertising, and these individuals are owed no protection with respect to conflicts of interest.”

“Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!” — Constanze Mozart   On January 1, 2024, I created this abstract painting entitled: Nature Wonders. “A natural wonder must be a clearly defined natural site or natural monument that was not created or significantly altered by humans. Each of the original seven natural wonders is in existence today and they all provide visitors with amazement and wonder.”For example, how dancing in nature inspires many people and a willow tree's beckoning sway and the trickling motion of a stream can inspire our body's capacity to move. These entities are also sentient presences ready to share a relationship with us.” “Nature of dance, the movement of the body in a rhythmic way. Usually to music and within a given space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy or simply taking delight in the movement itself.” “ Dancers experience body and place in a profoundly different way to non-dancers. Through their training and practice...

  Some of my past professional dance consulting listing include African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Memory of African Culture, Soul in Motion Players, Inc, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, and more. https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com/past-professional-dance-consultant-listing.html Current Services:  Promoting dance classes, workshops, performances, graphic design for dance-related events and creating press kits. - https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com/professional-dance-consultant-services.html

 From 2009 - 2015, I provided services for Malcolm X Park DC Drum and Dance Circle. Workshops designed for children and adults. ​Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. “The drum and dance circle at Meridian Hill Park, also known as Malcolm X Park, in Washington, DC has a history that began in the 1960s. The circle began as a small group of African American drummers and dancers during the Civil Rights movement to celebrate Black liberation.” I have not returned to Malcolm X Park since 2015.  I no longer provide free services as an independent professional dance consultant. - https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com/

                                                    https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com/professional-dance-consultant-resume.html “A dance resume is a document that highlights your dance-related skills, achievements, and experience to help you find jobs in the dance industry. It can be physical or digital and is often more like a performance-based CV than a traditional resume.  Here are some things you can include in a dance resume: Professional summary: A brief overview of your abilities, dancing type, achievements, and awards Experience: Up to 10 years of relevant experience, listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This can include the names of productions you've been in, your role, and the director or choreographer. If you have a lot of experience, you can focus on your best roles or most well-known performan...

Ms. Afrika Abney has created a branding blog to share information regarding the dance consulting services and work that she offers as a professional dance consultant. Her purpose is to promote dance classes, workshops, performances, and create press kits and graphic designs for dance-related events. Expertise & Skills: Trained in West African dance and ballet by renowned dance companies and individuals in Washington, D.C. Extensive experience in maintaining a productive classroom environment and dance studio Professional dance consultant for numerous small businesses, dance studios, and nonprofits Accomplishments: Provided dance consulting services for African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Memory of African Culture, Soul in Motion Players, Inc, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, and many more Performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Theatre, Dance Place, Howard University Blackburn Center, and Malcolm X Park Substitute dance instructor for Joy of Motion Dance Center, providing...

"Take more chances, dance more dances." - Author Unknown  Ms. Afrika Abney shines brightly, embodying radiant and vibrant energy as she dances to the rhythms of her ancestors. Born in the 1970s, she carries a mission to accomplish, embodying a spirit full of life and energy. From 1996 - 2016, she has performed at numerous venues. Some of them include Dynafit Exercise Studio, Mt.Ararat Outreach Center,National Education Association, Fairmount Heights Municipal Center, Metropolitan AME Church, Cultural Cafe, Josephine Butler Community Center, Ideal Public Charter School, Lincoln Theatre, Ballou Senior High School, MLK Library, St. Marks Church,Riverside Baptist Church, Plymouth Congregational Church, Market 5 Gallery and Joe's Movement. Job Role of a Dancer “As a dancer, you'll use movement, gesture and body language to portray a character, story, situation or abstract concept to an audience, usually to the accompaniment of music. This typically involves interpreting th...

In, Ms. Afrika Abney's extensive research regarding her past performances, she would like to share the below information.  Ms. Abney, a professional dance consultant, has performed with various companies from 1996 to 2016. Some of the groups she has danced with include African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Memory of African Culture, Soul in Motion Players, Inc, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Akoma Drummers, Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, Young Women's Drumming Empowerment, and Balafon Women's Ensemble. Her dance performances have been at various events and locations, such as the Africare Family Festival, Malcolm X Day, Black Voices for Peace, and many more. Her extensive experience in dance has been captured in videos by individuals like Ms. Shia at All Souls Church during the Akoma Drummers' performance and by Mr. Muhammad at the Funk Parade 2014. It is important to note that Ms. Abney has not shared any of these past performance videos on her dance-specific website. A...

  "Many dancers work on a freelance basis on short, fixed-term contracts. However, there are some opportunities for full-time work with dance companies." Ms. Afrika Abney  had the opportunity to provide dance performance services for numerous companies  including the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Memory of African Culture, Soul in Motion Players, Inc, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Akoma Drummers, Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, Young Women's Drumming Empowerment, and Balafon Women's Ensemble.  Flyer created and designed by Ms. Afrika Abney Professional Dance Consultant -  https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com/ https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com/professional-dance-consultant-work.html

"A dance website is often characterized by a fun and energetic vibe, often concentrating on visual and site structure. Basically, a dancer website can be anything you want it to as long as it’s aligned with your goals. A fully functional dancer website often has certain sections dedicated to various purposes. Dance websites are vital to a dancer’s career." Therefore, the purpose of this website is to share information regarding the dance consulting services and work that Ms. Afrika Abney offers and provides as a professional dance consultant.  https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com/ Flyer created and designed by Ms. Afrika Abney 

 " One of the first steps you can take as a dance artist is to  build your social media presence . You need to be consistent and intentional with posting on social media platforms." Flyer created and designed by Ms. Afrika Abney  As a professional dance consultant, I use my formal training and education in the dance to provide dance consulting services. I have created this blog to brand myself and work as a professional dance consultant. Facebook Page created to focus on my background as a professional dance consultant: https://www.facebook.com/people/Afrika-Abney/61561591323811/ Branding Site: Afrika Abney, Professional Dance Consultant - Branding Site Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/@AfrikaAbneydanceconsult Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/afrikaabneydanceconsult

  According to research the "dance substitute job rate is $30 - $35. A dance substitute job can involve a variety of responsibilities, including teaching, cleaning, and other tasks: Maintain a clean and safe dance studio environment. Ability to effectively communicate and demonstrate dance moves to students. Previous experience as a dance instructor or in a related role." I served as a dance sub for Joy of Motion Dance Center from 2013 - 2015 for Ms. Tanya Nuchols and Ms. Sylvana Christopher, as well as DIW from 2010 - 2012. SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9-12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp. Adapted lesson plans to meet diverse student needs, maintained a positive learning environment, and collaborated with staff to ensure smooth camp operations. SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013 -...

Ms. Afrika Abney is a highly skilled dance consultant with formal training in West African dance and ballet. She specializes in providing career and business support to enhance projects and careers in the dance industry. With over 17 years of experience, she excels in teaching various dance styles and creating impactful branding strategies. Ms. Abney showcases her talent through abstract paintings like "Dancing Fire #1" and "Dancing Fire #2" that capture the essence of movement and expression. She is dedicated to fostering cultural appreciation and enhancing dance techniques, promoting flexibility, stamina, and teamwork in dance movements. As a Dance Performer, Ms. Abney has showcased her talent at numerous events and venues, emphasizing the importance of African heritage through dance. She has also provided personalized support to professionals and organizations in the dance industry, offering workshops, performances, and instruction in West African dance styles. H...

In my research, I came across the below photo of me when I was at the park.  On May 10, 2011, I went to Malcolm X Park. I left the park in December 2015. Many newspapers, journalists and other people came to the park numerous times. However, I have thrown away the clothing articles shown in the below photo was taken on May 10, 2011.  " Washingtonian is a monthly magazine distributed in the Washington, D.C. area. It was founded in 1965 by Laughlin Phillips and Robert J. Myers. The magazine describes itself as "The Magazine Washington Lives By"."

NationHouse Positive Action Center, private African - American school originally located at 770 Park Rd NW in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to attend this school from 1978 - 1991. Some of my dance teachers while I was a student at NationHouse include Mama Afia Nson Bonsu and Makini N. NationHouse Anniversary, 1980s. Washington, DC While, Ms. Afrika Abney was a middle school student at NationHouse, she had the opportunity to provide services. Ms. Abney gave away this dance outfit many years ago. "Mama Afia Nson, art had always been somewhat of a family tradition and the driving force for every venture in her personal and professional life. Afia Nson Bonsu was born 1956 in Trenton, New Jersey. She relocated to the District of Columbia to transfer to Howard University from Mercer County College Fine Arts program after a 2-year hiatus. She created for academia, she created as an outlet, and she created as a means of income; selling jewelry and crafts at various festivals and ...

I was introduced to Baba Melvin Deal when I was 5 years old and he had his first dance studio located in Ward 7. He taught me West African dance. Many years later, Baba Deal has had the opportunity to observe me conduct dance workshops and dance performances at a wide variety of venues such as Malcolm X Park, Market 5 Gallery and Howard Theatre.  Baba Melvin Deal -  African Heritage Dancers & Drummers "The Founding Executive Artistic Director of the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers was, Mr. Melvin Deal, a veteran artist of more than forty one years. Mr. Deal, has worked tirelessly in researching African cultural manifestations to be used in the building of Self-Esteem and addressing the presence of Violence, Delinquency and Dysfunctional lifestyles and abuse in African-American communities. ​ An accomplished, Dancer, Musician, Choreographer, Researcher and Director, Mr. Deal was a graduate of Howard University, with a BA degree in Fine Arts & Education. Mr. ...