Artists
Daaimah Taalib-Din, Choreographer
Only the most severe and traumatic events could rob someone of the ability to communicate through the spoken word. Yet, such was the case for Daaimah Taalib-Din. For about four years of her childhood and teen life, Daaimah was completely silent, not uttering a word to even her closest family members. Human thoughts and feelings need an outlet, however. For those four years, dance became Daaimah’s language, her outlet, the vehicle through which she was able to heal herself and eventually regain the ability to communicate through words. The art of movement continues to allow her to speak the messages that she wants to offer to the rest of the world: she wants to heal people of whatever ails their minds and spirits, serving as a direct channel between herself and God's omnipotence; she wants to inspire people, encouraging them to break free of whatever is keeping them from experiencing joy and happiness in their lives; finally, she has a constant yearning to envelop us in her love, protecting souls from the ugliness of life, or at least empowering them to face these circumstances with greater courage and strength.
Daaimah’s consummately personal and spiritual relationship to her artistry has made her a most sought after performer, master teacher and choreographer in the United States and abroad. With family roots in Bermuda and having been raised in Harlem, New York City, Daaimah was surrounded by the diverse and colorful expressivity of African and contemporary dance forms. She has studied Malian, Guinean, Senegalese and fusion styles under such dance notables as Karen Thornton, Crystal Harrison, Nafisa Sharrif, Abdel R. Salaam, Mouminatou Camara and Ismael Kouyate. Additionally, she learned various hip-hop styles in the unofficial conservatory of New York City. Her gifts have earned her such distinctions as principal dancer and Traditional Dance Captain of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre (Artistic Director: Abdel R. Salaam), and principal dancer and Rehearsal Director for Seewe African Dance Company (Artistic Director: Mouminatou Camara). Daaimah has also contributed her talents as a teacher, perfomer and choreographer to such companies as The Phyllis Rose Dance Company and Zawadi Dance Theater. Her film credits include Step Up 3D, and she has performed at such internationally renowned venues as the Apollo Theater, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Harlem Stage/Aaron Davis Hall and Black Dance USA.
When asked about that silent period of her life, Daaimah makes clear that she is thankful for the experience; for it has played such a large part in her development as a human being. Those who know her, have worked with her, purchased her jewelry designs, or have witnessed her on stage have all benefitted in some way from the refinement of character that this bleak period of life has wrought. We see the light of God shining in everything she does, are enveloped by her spirit of protection, and we all feel better from having been in her presence, somehow healed. We invite you to visit www.daaimahtaalibdin.com to learn more about Daaimah and her work.
Dr. Darian Marcel Parker, Choreographer
Dr. Darian Marcel Parker is a choreographer, author and entrepreneur. He has presented work at Riverside Theater, Harlem Stage, Triskelion Arts and York College, among other venues. His awards for dance and choreography include the Jerome Foundation Travel Grant to study music and dance in Mali, West Africa, Harlem Stage Fund for New Work, and the New Haven Arts Council Mayor’s Grant. Having performed internationally, he has a list of credits that include the Hollywood film Step-Up 3D, the G’Bassikolo Mexican National Tour, the Fats Waller National Tour, Dance African Chicago and Dance Africa New York. Dr. Parker has also worked with a number of dance companies, including Les Ballet de Kouman Kele (Nzingha Camara), Sewee African Dance Company (Mouminatou Camara), Harambee Dance Company (Sandella Malloy), Phyllis Rose Dance Company, Kouffin Keneke African Dance Company (Aly Tatchol Camara) and Organic Magnetics (Maija Garcia). As a dance teacher, he has served on the faculties of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre’s Youth Arts Academy, Harlem School of the Arts, Ifetayo Cultural Arts, and Inwood Cultural Arts Center. Outside of the performing arts, Dr. Parker is also a scholar and entrepreneur. He earned his PhD, M. Phil and MA from Yale University in anthropology and African American studies, and graduated with highest honors from UCLA’s College of Honors with BA degrees in anthropology and English literature. He is the author of Sartre and No Child Left Behind: An Existential Psychoanalytic Anthropology of Urban Schooling (Rowman and Littlefield Press, 2015), in which he offers a novel theory of human consciousness, and "The Haze", which provides a phenomenological account of educative experience (Forthcoming in the volume Pedagogies in the Flesh: Teaching, Learning, and the Embodiment of Sociocultural Difference). He is actively publishing in a number of anthropology and philosophy journals, and is working on a new manuscript that integrates existential psychology and neuroscience. In 2015 Dr. Parker founded Parker Academics, LLC, a company that provides a neuro-existential approach to test prep, academic subjects tutoring and business writing solutions (www.parkeracademics.com).
Kim D. Holmes, Choreographer
For the last 20 years, Kim Holmes has emerged as one of the premiere, influential luminaries of the urban dance movement with unparalleled vibrancy, sensuality, and versatility. This legendary, leading lady and vanguard of Hip-Hop dance culture, has sought to redefine the face of the hip hop/urban dance movement as a heavily sought after dancer, choreographer, and Founder and Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed, Universal Dance Movement. Along with her formal training in traditional dance forms of African, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary, to name a few, Kim became intensely mesmerized by the pulsating energy of contemporary urban dance as expressed within forms of Hip-Hop and House. Her evolving intrigue in hip hop and house led her to an opportunity to tour and work with some of the top performers and influential artists within the music industry, including Beyonce, Jay-z, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Salt n Pepa, Dance Fusion, Full Circle, Elite Force and a plethora of others.
Kim’s rise within hip hop with her unique, stand out, lively performances would lead her to collaborate with some of the most prominent choreographers throughout entertainment including Laurie Ann Gibson, Brian “Footwork” Green, Rhapsody James, Eartha Robinson, Marjory Smarth, Conrad Rodchester, Archie Burnett, Mickey Davidson, Rennie Harris, Robin Dunn to name a few earning her the reputation and title as the “Josephine Baker of Hip Hop.” In addition to her work throughout the Hip Hop industry, Ms. Holmes has also collaborated with a number of contemporary dance companies such as Mickey D and Friends, Opus Dance Theatre, Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theatre, and World Soul. She is a much sought after teaching artist providing international and state-wide master class level instruction for prestigious dance institutions such as the Alvin Ailey Arts and Education Foundation, Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, Hunter college, NYU and The Opus Dance Theatre Outreach Program and now her own company Universal Dance Movement which is devoted to the exploration of movement, stories, and healing through dance emphasizing and reflecting her own diverse dance background. Performance seasons 2012-2014 saw Ms. Holmes reemergence to bring her worldly experience, diversity and expertise to an array of multiple projects including her first acting role in “For Colored Girls”.
She participated in Peridance’s “Dance in the park series in Union Square. Kim has instructed Master Dance Workshops in Hip Hop and African at Princeton University, Hunter College, Horace Mann HS, Dalton HS, Trevor Day School, and the Old Country School in NYC. She has traveled overseas to Japan, Taiwan, Ukraine, Estonia, France, Italy, Brazil and done several workshops in the US. Also she served as Assistant Choreographer for the Berkelee College of Music’s Tribute to Michael Jackson; Kaleidescope of Dance for Summerstage in the Bronx and Harlem‘s own Summerstage Series. Master Teacher Workshop series for Puma Quest. She also co-produced a lecture demonstration series with Rennie Harris named "Unsong Untold stories of female dancers in the urban arena. Kim produced, choreographed and was the director of the premiere of her own work, The Evolution of K.I.M., an Autobiographical Journey through dance.
Now Ms. Holmes has stepped into the arena of Liturgical dance which has opened her up to new heights. This has been an amazing year thus far dancing for God through First Corinthian Baptist Church. Senior Pastor Michael Walrond Jr. and Executive Pastor Reverend Lakeesha Walrond have done such an astounding job leading me into this new endeavor. Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Producer, and Director this leading lady never ceases to amaze audiences worldwide as she accepts the challenge of conquering different facets of entertainment to continue to contribute and uphold the legacy of urban dance. Kim’s philosophy of dance, “Dance is a world of movement which allows us to express all emotions and gives us a sense of ability to release, heal and be free spirits.” Her artistry, talent and skill will forever be focused on the expression of movement to inspire people of all ages to love life and commit to a legacy of living to the fullest. There is no room for mediocrity, only Greatness!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sulé-Joel Adams, Dancer
A native of New Orleans, Sulé-Joel Adams is a talented performing artist, educator and producer trained in African, Modern, and Contemporary dance styles. He received his B.S. in Community Arts Management from SUNY Empire State College and has steered himself to work with and study under many widely renowned individuals, including Abdoulaye “Papa” Camara, Mariama Curry, Marie Basse, Ronald K. Brown, Assane Konte, Richard Gonzalez, Greer Mendy, Theodore H. Jamison, and Danny Hinds to name a few. A former company member of Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company, Sulé has accomplished much in the field of dance, namely becoming a principal dancer with recognition in several companies and musicals, which include his choreography – an original musical A Wife For Itsai (M.C. Benjamin), A Song Not New, My Dreams Are, Just A Winter Night, Mirror-Mirror, In Celebration (L. Jones), We’ve Come This Far By Faith (T. Hayes), and Raisin (the musical adaptation of the play A Raisin in the Sun). Living and working by his motto, “Dance is always a work through spirit,” Sulé continues to share and pave a way for dreamers and their dreams as he pursue his master’s degree in Leadership in the Arts & Entertainment Industries at NYIT. Sule is also the Founder & Executive Producer of Whole Heart Productions, a producer at La Danse Noire and a dancer with Francine E. Ott/The Walk.
Website: www.wholeheartproductions.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WholeHeartProd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WholeHeartProd
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/wholeheartprod/
Denica Abdur-Razzaaq, Dancer
Born and raised in Harlem with family roots in Bermuda and Georgia, began her dance career as a Hip-Hop dancer. Feeling a connection with Hip-Hop and African dance movement she began studying the art of African dance 23 years ago under Karen Thorton. She credits the majority of her traditional dance training to Rev. Nafisa Sharriff, former member of Chuck Davis' Dance Company and Mouminatou Camara, former principal dancer of Les Ballet Africans. She's a current member of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, under Artistic Dir. Abdel Salaam, former member of Seewe African Dance Company, under Artistic Dir. Mouminatou Camara and former member of Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble. She has taught classes and workshops throughout NYC for over 17 years under her company DAR Essence and with Connected Through the Spirit of Dance. In addition to dance she creates handmade jewelry and serves as a board member for Entering the Holy of Holies An Institute for Learning and Healing, Inc. , a not for profit 501(C)(3)founded by Rev. Nafisa Sharriff www.ethoh.org. Dancing from her spirit, she is humbled by the grace, beauty and gift of dance with which the Creator has blessed her.
Azriel Wallace, Dancer
Brooklyn born with island roots from St.Vincent & the Grenadines, Azriel Wallace fell in love with the arts at an early age. Her talents range from dancing to singing to writing to choreographing. Hailing from John Dewey High School's Dance Ensemble, Azriel studied under the late Eleo Pomare. She has worked with artists such as Shaggy, Bruck Up, Jencarlos Canela and was also a featured dancer/model for G-Shock and BET's Rip The Runway. She experienced the joy of performing with the Queen of Soca music, Alison Hinds. Azriel has even opened up for Machel Montano and choreographed/danced for Kerwin Du Bois. As a teaching artist certified in group fitness, Azriel has dedicated the last 6 years to spreading Soca dance culture to the masses. She is currently the artistic director of a dance company titled The Bacchanalists and will continue pushing the genre forward.
Shatina (Thomas) Edwards, Dancer
Shatina (Thomas) Edwards was born in Queens, New York and started dancing at the young age of two. Her journey began at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center in Jamaica, Queens, New York where choreographer/dancer Ben Vereen, choreographer/dancer Michael Peters and Baba Chuck Davis of the African American Dance Ensemble and New York based DanceAfrica and other greats call HOME. Her dance training at “The Studio” consisted of African, ballet, jazz, modern and tap. While fulfilling her dream to become a dancer, she furthered her training by applying to and graduating from Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts (aka Fame). Directly out of high school she began dancing for Reggae Classic Ini Kamoze and Hip Hop Legends KRS One and LL Cool J. During her forty years of dancing she has been trained by great dancers and choreographers such as Kevin Iega Jeff, Artistic Director of Jubilation Dance Company, and Obediah Wright, Artistic Director of Balance Dance Theatre. She owes her West African Dance training and knowledge to Master Drummer and Dancer M’Bemba Bangoura and Master Dancers Malang Bayo, Mouminatou Camara, Assane Konte, Youssouf Koumbassa and Marie Basse Wiles, just to name a few. She is a former member and has performed nationally and internationally in countries such as Jamaica, WI, Monterrey, Mexico and Toronto, Canada with Tri Shades of Gold Dance Company, Harambee Dance Company, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, G’Bossikolo Dance and Drum, and Maimouna Keita West African Dance Company. She has appeared at The Brooklyn Academy of Music's Dance Africa, the United Nations, Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theatre, International Arts Festival, and Bronx Zoo Summer Activities, as well as at numerous colleges, universities and churches. Currently, Shatina is the Assistant Director and principal dancer with KowTeff African Dance Company, committee member and principal dancer with Umoja Dance Company in New Jersey, and a professional independent artist. Visit https://vimeo.com/148869508 to see Shatina's video promotion.
Najja Codrington, Musician
Najja Codrington was born into a family that is deeply rooted in both African and African-Caribbean culture. At the age of 10, under the guidance of Obara Wali Rahman, he received his first formal training of the Sabar orchestra as a member of Sabar Ak-Ru-Afrique. Najja’s studies encompass music and dance from both the Caribbean and West Africa. Najja has traveled abroad to Senegal, West Africa where he studied under the tutelage of the Drame/Diabate griot family. As Najja has studied African dance and drumming intensively for the many years, several people have contributed to his learning, such as Sewaa Codrington, Aissatou Diop, Wilhemina Taylor, Gregory Ince, Karim Braithwaite, Kissima Diabate, and Souleyman Diop, to name just a few. Najja has been involved in many groups such as Brooklyn Jumbies Inc., Adlib Steel Pan Orchestra, KowTeff African Dance Company, Miamouna Keita African Dance Company, Bakh Yaye, A Touch of Folklore & More and Omo Ikoko. Najja firmly believes that the cultural arts are not merely an economic tool. It is an inherent part of hisspirit, which is a dominant driving force. It is with this driving force that he unselfishly mentors youth, instilling discipline, direction and pride. He also gives special thanks and praise to his mother because he would not be who he is today if it were not for her. Najja brings high-spirited energy to all groups that he embraces.
Adia Imani Wilson, Dancer
Adia Imani Wilson was introduced to dance at the tender age of five through the Dance Theatre of Harlem. After studying ballet and tap for three years she began training at the Harlem School of the Arts where she continued studying ballet and tap, adding jazz, modern and West African to her dance education. By the age of 17, Adia had already performed at the world-famous Apollo, Radio City Music Hall and Aaron Davis Hall to name a few.
At Howard University in Washington, D.C., Adia studied marketing, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Upon returning to New York City, she immediately began working in education to affect change in the lives of underprivileged youth. Beginning with the Harlem Children’s Zone, Adia has contributed to the success of several institutions including the Caribbean Culture Center African Diaspora Institute and the Young Audiences New York.
Adia has been featured as a dancer on the Dr. Oz Show, Just Dance by Kinect for Xbox 360 and has choreographed for various films and music videos. As an actress on CBS' Jericho and The Spike Lee Project’s Lost, she proves to be able to do more than move. Additionally, she serves as a judge for the annual NAACP ACT-SO national dance competition.
Currently, Adia is a student at the CUNY Graduate Center where she is earning a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, with a focus in Urban Education. Teaching dance fitness has become a growing passion of her’s, helping people stay fit mentally and physically through the art of dance. Adia continues to train with various choreographers, working and taking classes regularly at the Alvin Ailey Extension. She continues her dedication to creating change through youth development.
Dianne Adkins-Forte, Dancer
Dianne began dance training at the age of six at the June Claire School of Dance in West Hempstead, New York, where she trained in ballet, acrobatics, jazz and modern. She excelled in acrobatics and quickly became a company member as an acrobatics soloist. She also excelled in track and field and by the time she graduated from high school was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications. In 2000, she returned to her dance roots and became a company member of Dance for Joy Ministries Ballet Company. It was several years later, however, when she discovered her true passion for dance after being introduced to West African dance classes and studying dances of the African Diaspora. Presently, she attends classes and workshops all over the New York City area from the Masters in various styles of dance including Guinean, Senegalese, Congolese, Soukous and Salsa. She also continues to hone her modern and ballet techniques by taking intensive classes with Obediah Wright. Dianne's dance company credits include company member of D'joule African Dance and Drum Company and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre where she shared the stage with principal dancer/dance captain Daaimah Taalib-Din. Dianne is honored to have the opportunity to perform in such an exceptionally captivating project created by two spiritually gifted artists, Daaimah Taalib-Din and Darian Marcel.
Chiquita Camille Payne, Dancer
Chiquita has been dancing professionally for 24 years and teaching children and adults for 20 years. to moving to New York, Chiquita was energizing the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, teaching African Dance as a course. Since arriving to New York, she has been in a string of plays and independent films. She has danced with Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and LaRocque Bey’s School of Dance. She currently teaches ZUMBA in her community and at a Brooklyn YMCA, along with African Dance.
Chiquita has such an empowering and infectious energy, you can't help but want to dance! She is a nurturer and healer, because along with all her dance experience, Chiquita is also a licensed Occupational Therapist, making her distinctively in tuned with the body and movements.
Rasaan "Talu" Green, Musician and Dancer
Rasaan "Talu" Green is a musician and actor who was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. His parents provided him with a musical foundation very young. At age 5, Talu traveled to West Africa, where he adopted the Djembe drum as his chosen instrument. It moved him to continue honing his skills, only affording him the opportunity to perform with top percussion and dance companies such as: Calabash Drum and Dance, Ayoluwa Drum and Dance, Vision In Peace, Indoda Entsha, Creative Outlet, and Bambara Drum and Dance. Talu received his BFA in Music with Honors from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus.
A graduate, Talu joined the cast of the award winning show Fela! on Broadway & has held the Principal Percussion role both Nationally and Internationally throughout the production's run. In 2014, Talu teamed up with Ms. Lauryn Hill, touring and recording as her percussionist. Talu has started his own band, TaluDjembe & theSoundologists--collaborating with kindred artists, embarking on new musical sounds and beyond, under his label Lion Falcon Entertainment. @TaluDjembe
Peace~Love~Djembe
Vel Levon, Dancer
Vel Levon is a dancer who has a vast appreciation for many dance genres, but has personally made a deep connection to West African and Pole Dancing. "What a broad range of spectrums", you might say. Vel first proclaimed her passion for West African dance in 1993 when she traveled to Ghana and The Gambia with world renowned West African dance pioneer, Chuck Davis. It was the ability to move freely and rhythmically without restriction while connecting through the speaking of the drums that drew her in.
Vel has taught dance professionally throughout New York City public schools and across the country to youth of all ages for over 15 years. Additionally, she has danced professionally, traveling to countries such as Japan and Austria where she was cast in the production of Porgy & Bess. Vel also performed with New York City's Harambee Dance Company for numerous years.
In 2009, Vel discovered pole dancing and fell in love. After becoming a certified pole dance instructor, Vel opened Brooklyn's Finest Pole Dancing Studio in 2011 and has since impacted the lives of thousands of women through sensual movement and fitness.
Today, Vel continues to teach at her studio and offers health, wellness and women's empowerment workshops to women within the Tri-State area. She is thrilled to once again share her passion for sensual movement and West African dance through "The Power of the Unknown".
Iyedun Ince, Musician and Dancer
Iyedun Ince was born in Harlem, New York in 1973. His father and uncle are percussionists and his mother, a dancer and founder of the International African American Ballet. It was here that he received his first formal training in West African music and dance, and participated in his first performance at the age of 4. He later went on to train under the noted percussionist, Joe Barnes and the legendary Ladji Camara, both of whom exposed him to the music and folklore of the Caribbean and South America.
Iyedun Ince has since performed with several notable dance companies and West African music groups, including Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble, Kow Teff African Dance Company, A Touch of Folklore and More, Cinque, Paka (Passing Ancestral Knowledge Along, and The Umoja Dance Theater. He has also performed in various noted venues, including Kiss FM’s “Salute to Black Music”, Boston’s Jacob’s Pillow, Brooklyn Academy of Music’s DanceAfrica and Alvin Ailey’s “40th Anniversary Celebration”. He has also performed at The Apollo Theater, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Symphony Space, and the Odunde Festival in Pennsylvania.
Iyedun has also enjoyed teaching West African music and folklore for the Arts Connection of New York, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, Broadway Dance Center, the Charles Moore Dance Theater, The Dance Theater of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where he is currently working. Iyedun has also performed lecture/ demonstrations on African music and folklore at the New York Museum of Natural History and the Newark Museum of Art. He also has taught in many schools throughout the United States.
One of Iyedun’s main objectives is to further introduce the rich and majestic culture of the African Diaspora to the general public for a better understanding of a much-misunderstood culture.
Linae McDonald, Dancer
Brooklyn native Linae McDonald started her dance journey at the age of 3. She began her training studying Tap, Modern and Hip Hop. Soon after she followed her love for the drums and took interest in African dance, honing her skills with the Indoda Entsha Youth Ensemble under the tutelage of E. Preston Riddick. From this time on, she has had the honor of training with such talented and influential artists as Youssouf Koumbassa (Les Ballets Bagata), M’Bemba Bangoura, Ruth Sistaire (R.E.L.C MS 113), Beverly Rouget (Indoda Entsha), and Funmilayo of Fusha Dance Company to name a few. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Irie Music Festival in Toronto and a host of other venues along the East Coast.
Taking time away to focus on her academics, Linae attained her B.A. at the University of Hartford. While looking to broaden her horizons academically, she never strayed too far from her passion for the performing arts. Upon graduation, she returned to New York City and continued developing herself as a dancer, teacher and artist. Linae is currently the dance captain for Harambee Dance Company under the direction of Sandella Malloy. She looks to continue expressing herself through movement and hopes to touch others with her talents as she has been blessed by those around her.
Anthony F. Wooden, Jr., Musician and Dancer
Born in Harlem, NY to parents who both were professional performing artists for The LaRocque Bey Dance Company, Anthony Jr. was nurtured by the African dance & drum communities. At the very early age of 2, Anthony was encouraged by The Late Great LaRocque Bey to perform in the presence of the legendary Geoffrey Holder and his brilliant wife Carmen De Lavallade at a gala event inside the Harlem State Office Building. Anthony performed a drum solo, playing a 4-4 rhythm which sent the audience into a frenzy. It was then that Anthony’s parents and the drum and dance community knew he was destined for greatness.
During those early years, Anthony began studying with master musicians and performers such as the late Arthur Maddox, the late Richard (Pablo) Landrum, Bradley Simmons, Gene Osborne, Mamady Keita and Kehinde Uhuru. In 1991, under the direction and tutelage of Gene Osborne, Anthony became the youngest performer of Djoule African Drum & Dance company, where he performed on the legendary stage of the Apollo Theater for his very first time. Soon thereafter, while under the superb training of Kehinde Uhuru, Anthony was symbolically initiated into the Djembe Drum Society. In 1996 & 1997 consecutively, Anthony was lead djembe drummer for Bokandeye African American Dance Theater as they performed for Dance Africa at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
At 11 years old, Anthony landed his very first steady professional job as a substitute musician for his mentor Arthur Maddox at the Ruth Williams dance school in Harlem. Eventually, Arthur Maddox placed Anthony in full control of accompanying the African dance classes & rehearsals. Throughout the years, Anthony continued to hone his craft. He has been sought after, performed and traveled with many companies such as, Batoto Yetu, Jamal Jackson Dance Company, Harambee Dance Company, and Vashti Dance Company, to name a few. Anthony has also been credited for his musical arrangement in the television episode of “106 & Park” featuring Eddie Murphy, in honor of the movie Coming to America. In 2013 Anthony had the distinct privilege of accompanying the New York African Chorus Ensemble, performing in tribute to the Late Nelson Mandela which aired on Good Morning America, as well as, Black Entertainment Television (BET). Anthony continues to perform with many great artists and companies throughout the states and abroad. He is currently the musical director for Bokandeye African American Dance Theater.
Zakiyya P. Modeste, Dancer
A Renaissance Woman in the truest form with a strong background in performing arts and athletics, Zakiyya P. Modeste is a product of Mount Vernon Creative Arts Program. In her early years Zakiyyah began her professional dance career as a member of the band Star Fire. She was a trained gymnast and received dance training from Broadway Dance center. She studied under Frank Hatchet, Luam, Jermaine Brown and Brian Green. She also taught African Dance with Adrissa Kelly at Broadway Dance Center, New York Sports Club and studied under several African dance teachers.
She was a High School All-American and former Division-One track and field full scholarship athlete at the University of Tennessee where she received her B.S in Human Ecology with a minor in Theater, Dance and Business. She also received all SEC academic and athletic accolades. Zakiyyah set and still holds national, county and school records.
Zakiyyah enjoys being a seasoned performing artist who has worked alongside Aziza Miller, Last Poets, Amiri Bararaka, Gregory Porter, Erykha Badu, Doug E. Fresh and others. She was also a radio Jock on 1340WKGN in Knoxville, Tennessee.
While in Tennessee she was instrumental in establishing the HIP-HOP scene in Knoxville and produced P.H.D. A Positive Hip-Hop Demonstration, the first hip-hop show ever at the Historic Tennessee Theater. Zakiyyah served many grassroots organizations in the Knoxville area, was President of Citizens for Police Review, and sat on the board of NCCJ National Conference of Community and Justice.
She was a member of the Carpetbag Theater Ensemble, Inc., which deals with issue-based artistic community works. She also directed and served as the special projects coordinator for the company’s Theatre Renaissance for the Youth. At Carpetbag “Zock” was one of the writers/choreographers awarded from the Rockefeller Foundation to create “Spoken Work Opera”, a performance which incorporates African American poetic forms of the nineteen seventies and the Hip-Hop-based poetry of today.
Zakiyya has performed with Kuumba Watto Drum and Dance Ensemble of Knoxville, Tennessee and Kobena African Dance Company of Valencia, Spain. For the last 15 years, the former Radio host has been the Mistress of Ceremonies for the largest African Festival in the South East, The Kuumba Festival, which is sponsored by African American Application for the Arts. For the last seven years she has co-directed a fitness program with Vangard High school. Zakiyyah has taught Theater Arts and Dance to youth across the United States and performed in a number of Clarence Brown Theater productions—the most memorable being the Baachae of Euripides, and Akim the Funk Buddha’s Dha Fuzion.
After her stint in Tennessee, Zakiyyah returned to her home town and worked as the Drama Camp and Girls Sports for Success Camp Program Director for the City of Mount Vernon . Zock has worked closely with Mt. Vernon Track Athletes, Tennessee Basketball coach Pat Summit, NBA and WNBA players Tamika Catchings, Ben Gordon, Shannon Bobbit and Chamique Holdsclaw- initiating fitness in the lives of youth.
In the Early 2000’s Zakiyyah developed a Youth exchange program with the City of Mount Vernon and the Youth of Knoxville, Tennessee called “10 Blocks”, which exposes youth to stimuli outside their immediate cultural surroundings. Zakiyyah now is working on expanding this initiative to Tanzania where she volunteered in 2014. Recently she accepted an invitation to be a Global Ambassador for Tanzania-based non-profit AIM , Alternative Integrative Medicine.
In January 2012, “Zock” received nationwide exposure on the Food Network Channel series, "Fat Chef", as a featured Personal Trainer for Melba Wilson of Melba's Restaurant in Harlem. She recently appeared in mentor Jamal Joseph's movie “Chapter and Verse” with Loretta Divine and Omari Hardwick. She also appeared in the movie Tapestry with star Stephen Baldwin. Zakiyyah is currently attending Pacific College for Oriental Medicine working towards a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Massage license.
You can find Zakiyyah in Jazzy Venues in Harlem as she has performed “Poetry and Song” a Duet with Lady Cantreese for the past 10 years. At present Zakiyyah is working on an album project that features Abiodune of the Last Poets, as an acknowledgement and tribute to her ancestors. Zock has been off the Dance scene due to injury and is elated to be back hitting the stage with familiar faces.
Tamara F. Jones, Dancer
Tamara F. Jones is originally from Jamaica, New York where she grew up dancing since the age of 4. Tamara attended Gloria Jackson Dance Studio studying ballet, tap, African, Jazz and Pointe. However, her career as a choreographer began at the age of 12 when she would teach students African Dance for Black History Month programs. While a student at Nyack College where she received her BA in Psychology and Philosophy, Tamara was the choreographer for AAACE: African American Association of Cultural Exchange where she and her team would perform African Dance and Liturgical Modern pieces at several venues within the school and surrounding area.
Tamara Jones has been a member of several different dance companies. Her longest dance career has been with Harambee Dance Company based in Harlem, New York (Sandella Molloy) and Umoja Dance Company in New Jersey (Karen Love). She has also had the pleasure of dancing with Bambara (Sister Jewel), Les Enfaints du Soliel (Pape N’diaye), G’Bassikolo (M’Bemba Bangora) and Nankama now known as Ballet International Africans.
Throughout her dance career, Tamara has had the opportunity to perform on many stages and venues, including Symphony Space, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Essence Magazine Events, Central Park shows, Summer Stage, the International African Arts Street Festival, NJPAC, Broadway Dance Center Student showcase, a BDC’s Tribute to Savion Glover 2005 and Kumble Theatre.
Apart from dancing, Tamara has had the opportunity to explore a career in acting. Currently, she is a hip hop dancer in the upcoming movie, “The Magnificent Cooley T,” starring Jackie Long, Denise Vasi and Tiearra Marie. Produced by Steven Leeds, the film is set for release in Spring 2016. She is also in the upcoming movie, A Meyers Christmas, starring Gabrielle Union, Nicole Ari Parker and Danny Glover (directed by David E. Talbert and produced by Will Packer). She served as the dance director and played the character of “Venus” in Made in South East Queens, a play written by Mark Lord and directed by Carl Clay (Black Spectrum Theatre in Queens).
Tamara continues to spreads her passion for dance as an instructor in Brooklyn, New York teaching African dance, Tap and Hip Hop to ages 6 and up. Her philosophy, in agreement with the great Martha Graham, is, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” It’s story should be made clear and reveal your inner most thoughts through expression.
Tamara dedicates this art form to her mother Rebecca Jones, who believed in her and prayed each time she touched the dance floor and stage.
Bronwyn Taylor
At the age of 9 Bronwyn started professional dance training in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz. She moved on to African and Hip-Hop in her J.H.S. years. Throughout high school she performed at local talent shows and venues. She also organized and produced showcases for fun and profit!
By her late teens she discovered African dance classes throughout Harlem taught by professional dance instructors Kevin Rainey, Esther Grant, Nafisa Shariff, and Jerome Hunter. Her first performance at Brooklyn Academy of Music was with LaRocBey, and her love to perform grew which lead Bronwyn to join several dance companies over the next few years: Harambee, (Artistic Director, Sandella Malloy) Forces of Nature (Abdel Salaam), Phyillis Rose—in which Bronwyn was the Hip-Hop soloist of the company—and Bokandeye (Anthony Wooden Sr.). She also served as a guest artist and audition facilitator to Chiku Awali dance company in Spring Valley. Bronwyn has performed and taught at a number of venues such as: Apollo Theater, Symphony Space, Aaron Davis Hall, Lehman college, Fordam University and Ramapo Center of the Arts, just to name a few. She has also done a host of music videos for artists including rappers Kool G Rap, Sporty Thieves and several other upcoming artists.
In 2003 Bronwyn became a dance instructor to local elementary, junior high school, high school students and adults. Over the past 13 years she has facilitated workshops, and has done choreography for music videos, political events, and the Miss Jamaica U.S.A. pageant (2011)
Her goal has always been to contribute her love of the arts to her community through different forms of dance. She looks forward to having a safe haven space of her own for children, teens, adults and seniors to come and dance.