Why do you think Black History Month is important?
Black History can’t be confined to one month and it shouldn’t be. However, with Black History Month it allows us to learn about black visionaries and legends that have profoundly contributed to, and influenced world history. We also have to remember with all the black excellence that surrounds us, black history is being made everyday, and each day we are working towards building a bright future.
Tell us a bit about your chosen art form/dance style:
I teach House with the African spirit and philosophies at the heart of it.
Why does this dance style appeal to you?
This form has brought me the greatest form of freedom, allowing me to not only find myself but to find and embrace my roots, my heritage and my ancestral DNA. The way I teach sits heavily on an African world view; appreciating the holistic nature that lends itself to expression and enjoyment right through to healing and alternative cathartic experiences.
What’s your biggest achievement in this field?
Honestly, seeing people no longer bound to the ideas of who they should be and actually being their true self. Bearing witness to this level of freedom when teaching has brought me
great joy. I pray they take that freedom into other faculties of their life.
Where do you plan to take this dance style?
I am currently building a framework/model underpinned by African Spirituality and Movement of the Diaspora to promote wellness, facilitate healing and encourage confidence.
Who inspires you and why?
Everyone inspires me! I give thanks for the people that I have in my circle because they enrich and inspire me daily.
What advice would you give to those interested in this style?
If there’s an interest, then that is a great start!
If you could try any other art form, what would you do?
Maybe fashion/interior design. You didn’t expect that!
Tell us about your classes/up-coming events/projects:
I have a class with my sister in vibe Olu Alatise, that will be up and running by the end of October at a new dance studio called Onyx, in Bethnal Green. It will be every Friday at 5pm.
P.S. My wellness packages will be coming to you soon. For now just keep everything peeled. Love & Light x
Interviewed by Leanne ‘Creative’ Armstrong