My Story

I started dancing when I was 21. From the start of my dance journey I knew I would have to earn my feats. I had nothing but unweathering passion for dance, and that brought me to where I am today.

Recently I have received a M.F.A. Degree in Dance at Tisch School of the Arts & M.A. Degree in Dance Education at Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, in which I have received

Multiple Graduate Scholarships in acknowledgement of my work from Tisch and Wasserman Center for Career Development
Outstanding Artistry Reward from the Music and Performing Arts Profession Department of Steinhardt.

I have received my B.A. in Dance and Kinesiology at Pennsylvania State University. Here I have received;

Dean's List my 4 years of college.
Summa Cum Laude (top 2% of graduating class)

I started my training in DanceDa Jazz Dance Company, and as a company member I have performed in their productions as soloist and ensemble member, and created solo works as a part of their programs as well. I am currently trained in;

Contemporary
Contemporary & House Floorwork
Improvisation
Contact Improvisation
House
Jazz
Modern Dance Forms
Traditional West African Dance Forms
Street Jazz/ Jazz Funk/ Commercial Dance
Waacking

And majority of my basic training came from my time with this company.

Throughout my dance journey having danced internationally in Korea, Germany, Italy, France, and the United States, I have grown to realize the importance of culture and community where the dance resides. Without cultural identity, a dancer is an empty shell. Without respect for the value system that the community holds, the dance may mean very little. Hence, it has become my mission to have a movement practice that values history and culture of each style of movement, and conduct my own research to keep myself culturally responsive. It is also a part of my artistic passion to share this idea with my audience and the world as well.

Dance has the power to move people's spirits in ways beyond logical persuading. It is a goal of mine to utilize this power that dance has, to open conversations about important issues in this world, and spread awareness on important social justice issues.

Most importantly, the greatest power that dance has is the ability to bring people joy and connection with their humanity as well as others', in ways no other art form can. It is my belief that inherently everybody loves to dance. Dance should not be a difficult art form to understand. Rather, it is a very intuitive activity. Dance is for everybody, and I wish to live as proof of this belief.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we should dance." (Quote from Higgs Dance Space)

Photo Credit: @michelleghunder