Skip to main content

Dance Substitute Experiences

 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 - July 2015. 

Instructed children and adults in Samba Fusion and Afro Beats classes, developed engaging lesson plans, adapted teaching methods to accommodate varying skill levels, and maintained continuity and high standards in dance instruction.


AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.



Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.



Tanya Nuchols

​Tanya Nuchols "is a dance fitness instructor certified in Barre Body, Zumba, Piyo and Pound. She currently teaches at several studios including Studio Body Logic and Joy of Motion Dance Center. Growing up, she trained in ballet, jazz and modern at Arlington Center for Dance and currently enjoys training in a wide variety of international styles from ballroom to bellydancing. Dance-based fitness keeps her motivated to stay active and loves to lead others in keeping exercise engaging and creative."

Sylvana Juliet Christopher
Sylvana Christopher "is a D.C. native, performer, choreographer and teaching artist. She is committed to bringing dance into people's lives as a means for expressing the inner self through physical motion. Her choreographic work has graced several spaces including The National Museum of African Arts, Museum of the Americas, The Phillips Collection, Jack Guidone Theater, The Atlas Performing Arts Center, Gallaudet University, Howard Community College and The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. With several choreographers and musicians, she presented 5 by 5 in 2016 at St. Columba’s Church.

Christopher believes in building community through dancemaking and used that belief to co-found Glade Dance Collective in 2009 with dance advocate Betsy Loikow as well as Dancing Rogues with Sara Herrera and Hayley Cutler. A graduate of The Washington School of Ballet, Christopher earned a BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography from The Ohio State University in 2002 and her diaspora research extends to the Caribbean, France and Senegal. She has performed with Open Circle Theater, In Series and danced works by Michelle Ava, Meisha Bosma, Holly Bass, Lucy Bowen McCauley, Rita Jean Kelly Burns, Nancy Havlik, Kate Jordan, Kelly King, Assane Konte, Sarah Ewing, Gesel Mason, Natty McCube, Erica Rebollar, Juan Carlos Rincones, Melissa Saint Amour, Samantha Sobash, Erin Tunbridge and Cynthia Word.

SylviDances recently premiered 3 dances at Baltimore Theater Project in 2018: ash, a response to her fear of nuclear winter, Charades with DancEthos about volleys between dominant world leaders, and Who by Joan Nicholas-Walker reflecting on the many roles a woman plays in her lifetime. Then She Fell, created by Maggie Lockhart and Christopher for 5 by 5, was reset on Howard Community College Dance Company and selected for Dance Place’s New Releases Choreographic Showcase.

You can catch Sylvana teaching for Joy of Motion Dance Center Atlas, The Washington Ballet @THEARC, Word Dance Theater at Dance Loft on 14, and Rainbow Dance with Inner City, Inner Child. She has also taught for Wolf Trap, City Dance, Washington Performing Arts, Dance Place and Sitar Arts Center."

SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.



Popular posts from this blog

Memory of African Culture - Baba Djimo

When Baba Djimo created Memory of African Culture, " a cultural arts and education organization based in Washington, D.C. since 1983", I was 7 years old and a student at NationHouse.  "Baba Djimo Kouyate, a jali, oral historian and 149th generation of the Kouyate family of jali, historians and musicians, died in Washington, DC, on August 1. He was 57. An outstanding musician and singer as well as a warm and generous individual, Kouyate introduced many people to the regal beauty of the music and histories maintained by the jalis of west Africa. Since moving to Washington, DC, in 1983, he co-founded and directed Memory of African Culture, Inc., a cultural arts and education organization. Kouyate led Mamaya African Jazz ensemble and served as an Adjunct Lecturer of African Music and Ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland. He performed at festivals and events throughout the U.S. and toured with the National Council for Traditional Arts’ “Echoes of Africa” tour. In his...

PRISCILLA MUNTEMBA TAYLOR - RODA MOVEMENTS

 In 2015, I spoke with Ms. Priscilla M. Taylor and she was looking for someone to provide services for classes that took place at Roda Movements. However, due to lack of attendance and other hr issues, I informed her that I will no longer serve as her dance instructor.  The challenges of hiring instructors such as myself is marketing, cost, attendance and location of the classes. Keeping instructors as staff members means to make sure that your operations are consistent and strategies for marketing the classes are effective.  It was a nice experience for me, however.  PRISCILLA MUNTEMBA TAYLOR - RODA MOVEMENTS  ​ "Priscilla has served as the Sidwell upper school co-clerk for the school’s Parents Association. She collaborates with the upper school faculty and administration and approximately 35 parent volunteers to create programs and provide resources that serve the needs and interests of 9th-12th grade families. Priscilla has also played a leadership role with ...

The Dance Within

  Quote found on the Internet  I am passionate about exploring and appreciating the art of dance in movies. I strive to analyze and critique dance-themed films to showcase their impact on culture and entertainment. I am a straight African - American woman with only interest in straight single men over the age of 30. When I was a student, I worked with different types of people and was introduced to numerous dancers between the years of 1980 - 1996.  I have had the pleasure of watching these movies on television. Among them include Shall We Dance, The Christmas Dance, Footloose (1984) and The Christmas Ball. Each movie captured the importance of eye contact, rhythm, understanding of dance and innovation.  Selected skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for evaluating film techniques and themes Strong capability of sharing insights on dance movies

PDC Branding Blog

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...

Dating Ethics

Dating co-workers in professional work settings is inappropriate. When employers hired me to provide a specific service from 1980- 2016, I will always remain professional. I do not believe in dating my former co-workers of the opposite sex. I will remove myself from the setting first when I have noticed that I developed such attraction. Making a bet and bribing co-workers to go against their standards is unethical. If you have an interest in me, then you should have asked for my contact information. Numerous people do not know me at all. Contact me only by phone at 202-384-5925 Preference - single straight male over the age of 30 I no longer provide educational, career day and free services. It is not the past and I am not interested in dating women nor boys.

Professional Dance Consultant Promotional Materials

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. Trained in West African dance and ballet by various dance companies and individuals based in Washington, D.C.. Some of them include Melvin Deal, African Heritage Dancers and Dancers; Kadiatou Conte, Balafon Women's Ensemble; NationHouse West African Dance Staff, Afia Akoto, Makini N., Akua Kouyate; and Sherrill Berryman Johnson Invited by Principal Maria Tukeva to participate in the school assembly that took place at Lincoln Middle School in January 1992​ The point of me posting and sharing the promotional videos is to gain traffic to my branding blog and dance consulting site, as well as to receive paying contracting services. https://afrikaabneydanceconsult.weebly.com I am not seeking a date. I am looking for paid work only. In 1993, I was 16 years old and graduated fr...

Conversations and Services

  Quote found on the Internet  I am unaware of the conversations taking place, but I have not visited Malcolm X Park since 2015 and do not plan to return. Additionally, I have not offered any dance performance services since 2016. Furthermore, I would like to clarify that my blog, which I established in June 2024, does not allow for comments. I encourage readers to thoroughly engage with each post to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Working from home

  For many years, I am often asked why I want to work from home without you realizing that is where I work from. In fact, most of my dance consultant work came from me working from home. I rarely came outside of my home when I provided my dance consulting services.  "I want to work at home so I can be more productive and use all my available time to focus on my job. Rather than spending an hour a day in commute and furthermore, I can skip traffic and avoid delays due to weather conditions, I could use this time to plan and execute my work. I understand the impact I can have on the environment and wish to reduce it by working from home. I can help the company accomplish its environment-friendly goal by reducing waste and energy use. Moreover, I am more productive when I work from home. I love the work-life balance that working from home offers. When I work remotely, I can focus on my work and more focused when I work from home, where I have fewer distractions. I appreciate buil...

Happy Holidays

    Happy Holidays. Digital art created on canvas. November 23, 2024. Afrika Abney The holiday season has always been a time for warmth and connection, a cherished opportunity to gather among friends and loved ones. It's a season marked by the sharing of genuine memories and meaningful conversations, where the focus shifts away from gossip, manipulation, and the mind games that can often threaten to sabotage relationships. Instead, the spirit of the holidays emphasizes kindness and understanding, Reflecting on my own experiences during this season, I recall vividly how I spent my time providing both pro bono and paid services at local churches, serving meals to those in need. Each plate I handed out wasn’t just food; it was a moment of connection, a shared smile, a fleeting yet impactful memory etched in time. Alongside this, I poured my creativity into making homemade cards and gifting my artwork, each piece handcrafted with love to spread joy in simple yet profound ways. Eac...

My Charter School Experiences

In 1992, I did not attend a charter school. I have had a wide range opportunities that took place at various schools. I have not provided any services for schools as a professional dance consultant for a while. PAST COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOP 2016. Roots PCS, Washington, DC. (invited by Principal Bernida Thompson)   DANCE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES (partial listing) that took place at DC Public Charter Schools mentioned below: June 13, 1997. Marcus Garvey PCS, Washington, DC May 20, 2001. Unity Rally in honor of Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ideal PCS, Washington DC