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Success Story as a Professional Dance Consultant

 

Quote found on the Internet 


Throughout my career as a professional dance consultant, I have had the privilege of sharing my expertise in West African dance with a diverse range of students. One notable experience was my role as an African Dance Instructor at Roda Movements in Takoma Park, Maryland (2015), where I engaged a group of young children aged 7 to 9. My approach involved not only teaching the dance movements but also integrating the rich historical context behind each dance. This holistic method allowed the children to appreciate the cultural significance of the dances while participating in warm-up sessions and developing dynamic routines. The outcome was a marked improvement in their dance techniques and a deeper understanding of the cultural narratives that accompany the movements.


My tenure as a West African Dance Instructor at M.O.M.I.E.S TLC in Washington, D.C (2015)., further exemplified my commitment to fostering cultural awareness through dance. During this summer camp, I conducted daily 30-minute warm-up sessions designed to enhance the students' flexibility and stamina, which are crucial for mastering energetic dance movements. The curriculum I developed not only focused on the technical aspects of dance but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and discipline among the students. The culmination of this program was a successful final performance that showcased the skills and cultural knowledge the students had acquired, reinforcing their connection to the dance forms they learned.


Additionally, my experience at Kingdom Kids Care (2013) and Hyde Addison Elementary School (2013) allowed me to reach broader audiences and promote cultural appreciation through dance. At Kingdom Kids Care, I led West African dance instruction that emphasized both cultural appreciation and historical understanding, enriching the students' learning experience. Similarly, my presentation at the Annual International Dinner at Hyde Addison Elementary School engaged over 100 attendees, highlighting the vibrancy of West African culture through dance. These experiences not only enhanced my teaching skills but also reinforced my belief in the power of dance as a medium for cultural exchange and education, making a lasting impact on the communities I served.


SELECTED PROFESSIONAL DANCE CONSULTANT EXPERIENCES 


AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. February 2015 - February 2015.

Taught West African dances to a group of young children aged 7-9. Integrated historical context into lessons, conducted warm-up sessions, developed energetic dance routines, and achieved measurable improvement in students' dance techniques and cultural knowledge.


WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC, Washington,DC. July 2015 - August 2015. 

● Taught West African dance to summer camp students, emphasizing cultural and historical context.

● Conducted daily 30-minute warm-ups to enhance flexibility and stamina.

● Developed students' skills in energetic dance movements, fostering teamwork and discipline.

● Provided comprehensive instruction on various West African dances, leading to a successful final performance.


WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR.  YWDEP, Washington, DC. August 2015. 

● Taught West African dance to summer camp students, emphasizing cultural and historical context.

● Conducted daily 30-minute warm-ups to enhance flexibility and stamina.

● Developed students' skills in energetic dance movements, fostering teamwork and discipline.

● Provided comprehensive instruction on various West African dances, leading to a successful final performance.


WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3,2013 - July 17, 2013)

Led West African dance instruction for summer camp students, fostering cultural appreciation and historical understanding.


WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Hyde Addison Elementary School for Annual International Dinner (May 18, 2013)

Led a West African dance presentation at Hyde Addison Elementary School for the Annual International Dinner, showcasing cultural heritage and engaging over 100 attendees.


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.


SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.

● Instructed West African dance to pre-professional students aged 12-21,

enhancing cultural understanding.

● Developed students' technical skills, resulting in higher performance levels and competition success.

● Collaborated with program directors to align curriculum with educational goals.

● Addressed individual student needs, fostering personal growth and confidence.

● Implemented structured lesson plans, leading to improved student engagement and retention.


PROFESSIONAL DANCE CONSULTANT. Varies. 1992 - present. Provided workshops, performances, and instruction in the field of dance for numerous small businesses, dance studios, and nonprofits, including African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Memory of African Culture, Soul in Motion Players, Inc, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Akoma Drummers, M.O.M.1.E.S.TLC, Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, Young Women's Drumming Empowerment, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Roda Movements, Kingdom Kids Care, and Balafon Women's Ensemble. Dance performance experiences include a wide range of events and venues, showcasing talent and dedication to the art of dance.


PAST COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOPS


November 2011 - May 2016. H.D. Cooke Elementary School, Washington, DC. (invited by Ms. Olaminde Gbenro)

May 2016. Roots PCS, Washington, DC. (invited by Principal Bernida Thompson)

Led dance workshops teaching West African dances, cultural context, and history to elementary students, engaged over 200 students in energetic dance sessions, developed a structured curriculum, collaborated with school principals to tailor workshops to student needs, and achieved measurable improvements in student engagement and cultural understanding.


PAST PROFESSIONAL DANCE WORKSHOPS


Greenbelt Greenman Festival (May 2013 - October 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD

Led workshops teaching West African dance to children and adults, organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events, developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, facilitated energetic dance movements, and delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.


Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival (May 2013 - October 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD

Led workshops teaching West African dance to children and adults, organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events, developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, facilitated energetic dance movements, and delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.


Bloombars (April 14, 2012), Washington, DC

L​ed workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.


Columbia Heights MarketPlace (May 12, 2012), Washington, DC

L​ed workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.


Malcolm X Park (October 2009 - December 2015), Washington, DC

● L​ed workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.

● Organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events,

engaging diverse audiences.

● Developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, improving student retention and enthusiasm.

● Facilitated energetic dance movements, fostering physical fitness and teamwork among participants.

● Delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.


DANCE PERFORMER

1996 - 2016 


Performed at a wide range of events and venues, showcasing talent and dedication to the art of dance.


DANCE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES (partial listing)


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


October 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC


November 2, 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Georgetown University Law School, Washington, DC 


November 4, 1999. African American Heritage Celebration. Soul in Motion Players featuring Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Bowie State University, Bowie MD


April 7, 2001. Celebrate the Rites of Spring. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC


May 20, 2001. Unity Rally in honor of Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ideal PCS, Washington DC


June 2, 2001. Beyond the Monuments Neighborhood Day. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC


June 15, 2001. Friends of Brother Ah. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC


June 19, 2001. Citywide Juneteenth Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, MLK Library, Washington DC


September 28, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC


December 1, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, St, Marks Church, Washington DC


December 8, 2001. 50th Birthday Celebration of Damu Smith. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC


December 15, 2001. Cultural Cafe, Washington, DC. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


February 17, 2002. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington DC


February 19, 2002.  Black History Month Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


February 24, 2002.  Black History Month Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC. Sponsored by Riverside Baptist Church and Collective Voices of DC.


February 26, 2002. Celebration of the History of Black Music.  Fairmont Heights Municipal Building. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Fairmont Heights, MD. Sponsored by the Town of Fairmont Heights.


May 19, 2002. A Tribute to Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. Malcolm X Day, Malcolm X Park, Washington DC


April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


April 6, 2002.  Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


April 20, 2002.  Rites of Spring. Market 5 Gallery. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

​

June 6, 2009. DanceAfrica 2009. Dance Place, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


 August 13, 2009. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC


August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


September 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


September 27, 2009. Fiesta DC 2009, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


December 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


December 27,2009. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers Kujichagulia Celebration hosted by UNIA-ACL Division 332. Zanzibar on the Waterfront, Washington, DC.


January 1, 2010. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 



May 28, 2010. SHAWARMAKING, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


June 11, 2010 and July 18,2011. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


August 27, 2011 and October 15, 2011. DC History Center, Washington, DC 


April 12, 2011, September 14, 2011, and September 17, 2011. Festival Center, Washington, D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


May 21, 2011. Malcolm X Park. African Liberation Day with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


May 28, 2011. The Fusion Grill, Washington D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


December 3, 2011. Unity Rally, Washington, D.C. Umoja House with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


January 1, 2012. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


April 9, 2012. Howard Theatre Re-Opening. Howard Theatre, Washington, DC.  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


April 29, 2012. Natural Health Festival, Washington, DC


May 18, 2012. African Liberation Day 2012, Howard University Blackburn Center, Washington, DC. 5pm (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

 

 May 20, 2012. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC. 3pm. (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


June 8, 2012. Potter’s House, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


September 8, 2012. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC. 


September 9, 2012. 34th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival, Washington, DC. 


October 19, 2012. Potter's House, Washington, DC


August 25, 2013. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

​

May 3, 2014. Funk Parade. U Street NW, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


May 12,  2014. Greenbelt Green Man Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


May 17, 2014. Lotus Festival. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC 


July 2, 2015. World Children’s Festival, National Mall, Washington, DC. 


September 27, 2015. Hyattsville Festival with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


October 10, 2015. Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


December 19, 2015 and January 2, 2016. Hands on Drums, Ivy City, Washington, DC with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


January 4, 2016. Akoma Drummers, All Souls Church Washington, DC
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