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.
"Makini Niliwambieni a.k.a. Mama Makin grew up in Trenton, NJ, where she began to study and perform African styles of dance as part of a revival in interests in African cultures that grew alongside the civil rights movement. In 1989 she moved to Washington, D.C., where she continues to choreograph, teach, and perform African styles of dance."
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 art events. A mother of 2 sons, and a full time student, her determination, hard work, dedication and vision were recognized with a spot on the dean’s list. In 1978 upon arriving in the District, Afia began dancing with Wose' Dance Company under the direction of Aiedoo Holmes followed by Memory of African Dance Company under the direction of Djimo Kouyate until 2005.
She also performed briefly with Nation Liberation Arts Ensemble. Over the course of 30 years Afia Nson Bonsu has painted backdrops, constructed dance costumes, created approximately 150 pieces of wearable art, produced graphic tee designs for organizations and individuals, illustrated album covers, book covers and four children's books. She taught, created lesson plans, and directed pre-school through high school from 1978 through 2010.
In 1993 Afia produced a poster art coloring collection called 'Nationkolors'. She has produced artwork, textile and dance instruction for a youth summer program from 1979-1998. She served as an art, step and dance instructor for elementary students in the Washington DC metropolitan area from 1998- 2006. She is the official creator of the dance/step team 'Taratibu', founded in 1979; a program that has served the community, and contributed greatly to the art of step along the east coast.
She has conducted professional development sessions for educators, sewing workshops, and even life coaching sessions. In addition to her many partnerships with various organizations and her amazing work as a private seamstress, Afia also serves as assistant costume designer for select Caribbean carnival bands in Antigua, constructing wearable masks and headpieces. Afia has devoted every aspect of her life to her children. Though she has birthed 4, she has and continues to raise, inspire and influence children across communities. “Now that [her] children are grown”, Ms. Bonsu is actively reestablishing her art career. She currently manages and facilitates an acclaimed homeschool academy for infants and toddlers using art to produce original learning supplies. Her company, Rhythm-N-Flow LLC, has been in operation since 2011and shall be releasing the long-awaited and highly requested curriculum to be accompanied by earning supplies inspired by her original artwork. Afia Nson Bonsu has committed her life to serving others through her talents and creations."
She also performed briefly with Nation Liberation Arts Ensemble. Over the course of 30 years Afia Nson Bonsu has painted backdrops, constructed dance costumes, created approximately 150 pieces of wearable art, produced graphic tee designs for organizations and individuals, illustrated album covers, book covers and four children's books. She taught, created lesson plans, and directed pre-school through high school from 1978 through 2010.
In 1993 Afia produced a poster art coloring collection called 'Nationkolors'. She has produced artwork, textile and dance instruction for a youth summer program from 1979-1998. She served as an art, step and dance instructor for elementary students in the Washington DC metropolitan area from 1998- 2006. She is the official creator of the dance/step team 'Taratibu', founded in 1979; a program that has served the community, and contributed greatly to the art of step along the east coast.
She has conducted professional development sessions for educators, sewing workshops, and even life coaching sessions. In addition to her many partnerships with various organizations and her amazing work as a private seamstress, Afia also serves as assistant costume designer for select Caribbean carnival bands in Antigua, constructing wearable masks and headpieces. Afia has devoted every aspect of her life to her children. Though she has birthed 4, she has and continues to raise, inspire and influence children across communities. “Now that [her] children are grown”, Ms. Bonsu is actively reestablishing her art career. She currently manages and facilitates an acclaimed homeschool academy for infants and toddlers using art to produce original learning supplies. Her company, Rhythm-N-Flow LLC, has been in operation since 2011and shall be releasing the long-awaited and highly requested curriculum to be accompanied by earning supplies inspired by her original artwork. Afia Nson Bonsu has committed her life to serving others through her talents and creations."
DANCE PERFORMANCES AT NATIONHOUSE
February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC
August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC
August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers