At 8 years old I began my dance journey at Umoja Dance Studio under the direction of Karen Love, studying mainly West African dance (along with modern, hip hop, ballet, and various styles). I have continued to study and learn West African dance since with Love’s youth company, Usaama Dance Company, for the past 13 years. I furthered my dance training during my time at Newark Arts High School and Montclair State University.

Upon my recent graduation, my school’s dance department presented the exciting opportunity to study abroad in Ghana!

Studying dance in Ghana would be a fulfilling and enlightening experience for me as I’ve practiced West African dance for the entirety of my dance journey. I’ve even taught my first West African Dance class this past year. This trip would be my first time in Africa and would be conducive to my dance research within the diaspora. To finally experience the root of the dance culture that I have been immersed in for the majority of my life would be an incredible experience to have now that I am out of school and embarking on my personal journey in dance. It is vital that I am investing myself in staying grounded in my own cultural identity in dance. As we all know, it all started in Africa!

I need to raise $5,500 to cover the trip expenses. I would love to have the means to cover this all myself but as a recent college grad that isn’t my reality right now. Though I am still determined to have this experience as I know it will be a transformative one. It would be much appreciated if you could donate to help me study dance in Africa this January! Don’t worry ima bring back the gems to the community