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JOY OF MOTION DANCE CENTER - 2013 - 2015



I had the honor of sharing my passion for dance with students of all ages at Joy of Motion Dance Center from 2013 - 2015. My mission is to spread joy and self-expression through the transformative power of dance. With a background in dance performance and choreography, I specialize in creating dynamic lesson plans that cater to diverse skill levels.


I take pride in inspiring students to find their unique voices in dance, pushing them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their true potential. I firmly believe in the ability of dance to uplift and empower individuals, and I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for all.


During my time at JOM, I had the opportunity to sub for talented instructors such as Sylvana Juliet Christopher and Tanya Nuchols, teaching classes in Afrobeats and Samba Fusions at JOM Atlas and JOM Friendship Heights.


SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Instructed children and adults in Samba Fusion and AfroBeats 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.


"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."

I have not returned to that area since 2015!


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."




Ms. Afrika Abney served as a sub dance instructor for Joy of Motion from 2013 - 2015. She created this flyer for the class held on December 27, 2014.


However, Ms. Abney gave away the outfit shown in this photo.


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