Embedded Files
On October 11, 2015, Ms. Afrika Abney provided services for the Greenbelt Festival that took place at Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt, MD. However, she gave away the outfit shown in the above photos.
Ms. Afrika Abney's Professional Dance Consulting resume include performance flyers (partial listing), projects and work.
Please note that Ms. Afrika Abney has thrown away the clothing articles and jewelry depicted in the above photos.
Selected photos of Ms. Abney
Ms. Afrika Abney was hired to provide services for several festivals that took place at Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt, MD in 2013 - 2015. However, she gave away the outfit shown in this photo.
Afrika Abney
afrikaabneydanceconsult@gmail.com
PROFILE SUMMARY
Ms. Afrika Abney is a professional dance consultant with over 15 years of experience specializing in West African Dance, Samba Fusion, African Dance, and Afrobeat. She has provided professional dance consulting services for numerous small businesses, dance studios, and nonprofits. Her expertise includes maintaining a productive classroom environment and dance studio, developing engaging lesson plans, and adapting teaching methods for a diverse range of skill levels. Ms. Abney has a background in African dance instruction and experience as a substitute dance instructor. She is passionate about fostering cultural appreciation and enhancing dance techniques through innovative and energetic instruction. Her performance experiences include a wide range of events and venues, showcasing her talent and dedication to the art of dance.
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL DANCE CONSULTANT EXPERIENCES
AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. February 2015 - February 2015.
Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9.
Taught West African dances to a group of young children aged 7-9. Integrated historical context into lessons, conducted warm-up sessions, developed energetic dance routines, and achieved measurable improvement in students' dance techniques and cultural knowledge.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC, Washington,DC. July 2015 - August 2015.
● Taught West African dance to summer camp students, emphasizing cultural and historical context.
● Conducted daily 30-minute warm-ups to enhance flexibility and stamina.
● Developed students' skills in energetic dance movements, fostering teamwork and discipline.
● Provided comprehensive instruction on various West African dances, leading to a successful final performance.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. YWDEP, Washington, DC. August 2015.
● Taught West African dance to summer camp students, emphasizing cultural and historical context.
● Conducted daily 30-minute warm-ups to enhance flexibility and stamina.
● Developed students' skills in energetic dance movements, fostering teamwork and discipline.
● Provided comprehensive instruction on various West African dances, leading to a successful final performance.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3,2013 - July 17, 2013)
Led West African dance instruction for summer camp students, fostering cultural appreciation and historical understanding.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Hyde Addison Elementary School for Annual International Dinner (May 18, 2013)
Led a West African dance presentation at Hyde Addison Elementary School for the Annual International Dinner, showcasing cultural heritage and engaging over 100 attendees.
SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9 -12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp.
Provided dance instruction to students grades 9-12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp. Adapted lesson plans to meet diverse student needs, maintained a positive learning environment, and collaborated with staff to ensure smooth camp operations.
SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013 - July 2015.
Instructed children and adults in Samba Fusion and Afro Beats classes, developed engaging lesson plans, adapted teaching methods to accommodate varying skill levels, and maintained continuity and high standards in dance instruction.
AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.
Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.
SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.
● Instructed West African dance to pre-professional students aged 12-21,
enhancing cultural understanding.
● Developed students' technical skills, resulting in higher performance levels and competition success.
● Collaborated with program directors to align curriculum with educational goals.
● Addressed individual student needs, fostering personal growth and confidence.
● Implemented structured lesson plans, leading to improved student engagement and retention.
PROFESSIONAL DANCE CONSULTANT. Varies. 1992 - present. Provided workshops, performances, and instruction in the field of dance for numerous small businesses, dance studios, and nonprofits, including African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Memory of African Culture, Soul in Motion Players, Inc, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Akoma Drummers, M.O.M.1.E.S.TLC, Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, Young Women's Drumming Empowerment, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Roda Movements, Kingdom Kids Care, and Balafon Women's Ensemble. Dance performance experiences include a wide range of events and venues, showcasing talent and dedication to the art of dance.
PAST COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOPS
November 2011 - May 2016. H.D. Cooke Elementary School, Washington, DC. (invited by Ms. Olaminde Gbenro)
May 2016. Roots PCS, Washington, DC. (invited by Principal Bernida Thompson)
Led dance workshops teaching West African dances, cultural context, and history to elementary students, engaged over 200 students in energetic dance sessions, developed a structured curriculum, collaborated with school principals to tailor workshops to student needs, and achieved measurable improvements in student engagement and cultural understanding.
PAST PROFESSIONAL DANCE WORKSHOPS
Greenbelt Greenman Festival (May 2013 - October 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD
Led workshops teaching West African dance to children and adults, organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events, developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, facilitated energetic dance movements, and delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.
Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival (May 2013 - October 2015), Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD
Led workshops teaching West African dance to children and adults, organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events, developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, facilitated energetic dance movements, and delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.
Bloombars (April 14, 2012), Washington, DC
Led workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.
Columbia Heights MarketPlace (May 12, 2012), Washington, DC
Led workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.
Malcolm X Park (October 2009 - December 2015), Washington, DC
● Led workshops teaching West African dances to children and adults, enhancing cultural understanding.
● Organized and conducted dance sessions at festivals and community events,
engaging diverse audiences.
● Developed curriculum with historical context and warm-ups, improving student retention and enthusiasm.
● Facilitated energetic dance movements, fostering physical fitness and teamwork among participants.
● Delivered workshops at multiple venues, increasing community participation and cultural appreciation.
DANCE PERFORMER
1996 - 2016
Performed at a wide range of events and venues, showcasing talent and dedication to the art of dance.
DANCE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES (partial listing)
June 2, 1996. Africare Family Festival. SAMBAFRICA. Soul In Motion Players.
February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC
June 13, 1997. Marcus Garvey PCS, Washington, DC
October 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
November 2, 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Georgetown University Law School, Washington, DC
November 4, 1999. African American Heritage Celebration. Soul in Motion Players featuring Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Bowie State University, Bowie MD
April 7, 2001. Celebrate the Rites of Spring. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC
May 20, 2001. Unity Rally in honor of Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ideal PCS, Washington DC
June 2, 2001. Beyond the Monuments Neighborhood Day. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC
June 15, 2001. Friends of Brother Ah. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC
June 19, 2001. Citywide Juneteenth Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, MLK Library, Washington DC
September 28, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC
December 1, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, St, Marks Church, Washington DC
December 8, 2001. 50th Birthday Celebration of Damu Smith. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC
December 15, 2001. Cultural Cafe, Washington, DC. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
February 17, 2002. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington DC
February 19, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
February 24, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC. Sponsored by Riverside Baptist Church and Collective Voices of DC.
February 26, 2002. Celebration of the History of Black Music. Fairmont Heights Municipal Building. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Fairmont Heights, MD. Sponsored by the Town of Fairmont Heights.
May 19, 2002. A Tribute to Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. Malcolm X Day, Malcolm X Park, Washington DC
April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
April 20, 2002. Rites of Spring. Market 5 Gallery. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC
June 6, 2009. DanceAfrica 2009. Dance Place, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 13, 2009. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC
August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
September 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
September 27, 2009. Fiesta DC 2009, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
December 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
December 27,2009. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers Kujichagulia Celebration hosted by UNIA-ACL Division 332. Zanzibar on the Waterfront, Washington, DC.
January 1, 2010. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 28, 2010. SHAWARMAKING, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
June 11, 2010 and July 18,2011. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
August 27, 2011 and October 15, 2011. DC History Center, Washington, DC
April 12, 2011, September 14, 2011, and September 17, 2011. Festival Center, Washington, D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 21, 2011. Malcolm X Park. African Liberation Day with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 28, 2011. The Fusion Grill, Washington D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
December 3, 2011. Unity Rally, Washington, D.C. Umoja House with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
January 1, 2012. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
April 9, 2012. Howard Theatre Re-Opening. Howard Theatre, Washington, DC. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
April 29, 2012. Natural Health Festival, Washington, DC
May 18, 2012. African Liberation Day 2012, Howard University Blackburn Center, Washington, DC. 5pm (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 20, 2012. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC. 3pm. (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
June 8, 2012. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
September 8, 2012. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC.
September 9, 2012. 34th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival, Washington, DC.
October 19, 2012. Potter's House, Washington, DC
August 25, 2013. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 3, 2014. Funk Parade. U Street NW, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers
May 12, 2014. Greenbelt Green Man Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
May 17, 2014. Lotus Festival. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC
July 2, 2015. World Children’s Festival, National Mall, Washington, DC.
September 27, 2015. Hyattsville Festival with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
October 10, 2015. Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
December 19, 2015 and January 2, 2016. Hands on Drums, Ivy City, Washington, DC with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective
January 4, 2016. Akoma Drummers, All Souls Church Washington, DC
Seeking Paid Work Only! - email questions to afrikaabneydanceconsult@gmail.com.
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