Numerous individuals had the chance to engage with me, yet you chose to dismiss me and cast me aside as if I were insignificant. You now seem to believe that I am aware of the context of your remarks, but that assumption is incorrect. In June 2024, I established this branding blog to highlight my experiences, services, and professional endeavors, with the intention of emphasizing my background in the realm of dance and dance consulting.
AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015.
Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9.
● Instructed children aged 7-9 in West African dances, enhancing their cultural awareness and physical skills.
● Integrated historical context into lessons, fostering a deeper understanding of dance origins.
● Conducted 30-minute warm-up sessions to improve flexibility and prevent
injuries.
● Developed energetic dance routines, boosting student engagement and
enthusiasm.
● Achieved measurable improvement in students' dance techniques and cultural knowledge.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015, Washington, DC.
● 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.
● Instructed grades 9-12 in dance, ensuring continuity of learning during World Intensive Summer Camp.
● Adapted lesson plans to meet diverse student needs, enhancing engagement and skill development.
● Maintained a positive learning environment, resulting in high student
satisfaction and participation.
● Collaborated with staff to ensure smooth camp operations and adherence to
Schedule.
SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015.
Instructed children and adults in Samba Fusion and Afro Beats classes,
ensuring consistent quality.
● Developed engaging lesson plans that maintained high attendance and student satisfaction.
● Adapted teaching methods to accommodate varying skill levels, enhancing
overall class performance.
● Substituted for studio teacher, maintaining continuity and high standards in dance instruction.
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. Over 17 years of extensive experience in providing workshops, performances, and instruction in the field of dance, as well as a dance consulting services 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 her talent and dedication to the art of dance.
PAST COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOPS
2011 - 2016. H.D. Cooke Elementary School, Washington, DC. (invited by Ms. Olaminde Gbenro)
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, improving physical
fitness and cultural awareness.
● Developed a structured curriculum with 30-minute warm-ups and dynamic
dance routines.
● Collaborated with school principals to tailor workshops to student needs,
enhancing learning outcomes.
● Achieved measurable improvements in student engagement and cultural
understanding.
PAST PROFESSIONAL DANCE WORKSHOPS
Greenbelt Greenman Festival (2013 - 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD
Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival (2013 - 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD, Bloombars (April 14, 2012), Washington, DC, Columbia Heights MarketPlace (May 12, 2012), Washington, DC, and
Malcolm X Park (2009 - 2015), Washington, DC
● Led 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 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