I am a dancer, teacher, choreographer and a life-long movement educator. My work employs music and dance to draw upon cultural references and memories that encourage the development of a robust connection between heritage, community, and a healthy lifestyle.
I spent my formative years in Gary, Indiana and Chicago, where dual interest in dance and health merged into the philosophies that inform my work, namely that creative movement is an essential part of life and should be accessible for everyone. Inspired by the techniques of Katherine Dunham, Joseph Pilates, and life of Syvilla Fort, after settling in Seattle, I taught dance at the University of Washington and Black Arts/West, where I became a community advocate/activist.
In 1974, I opened Ewajo Performing Arts, responding to the need for a community space that embraced and practiced equitable access to the performing arts, along with championing cultural diversity. Ewajo brought people from all backgrounds together to experience dance and health as a living expression of shared histories. Currently, I continue to teach movement as a prescription for a healthy lifestyle, having held classes at Seattle Central College and serving as co-chair on the King County Age Friendly coalition.
My Teaching Style & Approach
I have an encouraging attitude and personalized teaching style, adaptable to the needs of each participant. I focus on proper alignment, helping people find the correct form to gain greater mobility, improve balance, increase flexibility and strength. My class formats include demonstration, discussion, participation and hands-on instruction. I interact with each student and create a fun, safe and supportive environment. The atmosphere in my classes is open, social and oriented around moving together in friendship. The groundbreaking, grassroots classes, workshops and performances come from the people. Each movement brings healthy social connection and inspiration.
Through my work, dance becomes both artistic expression and a research-driven method for enhancing cognitive health, independence, dignity, and community connection across the lifespan. By integrating choreography, cultural memory, and health-based movement education, my practice reimagines dance as a vital and innovative force within healthcare and public life.