Professional Dance Consultant
NationHouse Anniversary, 1980s. Washington, DC
While, Ms. Afrika Abney was a middle school student at NationHouse, she had the opportunity to provide services. Ms. Abney gave away this dance outfit many years ago.
Ms. Afrika Abney provided numerous dance services from 1980s - 2016. When she was hired to provide dance services, Ms. Abney often incorporated stretching as part of her dance instruction.
She sweats alot during her dance instruction. "Its main function is to control body temperature. As the water in the sweat evaporates, the surface of the skin cools. An additional function of sweat is to help with gripping, by slightly moistening the palms. "
If you are interested in hiring her to provide marketing services for your dance workshop or event, please contact her at msafrikaa@gmail.com.
Afrika is dedicated to teaching art and dance to youth. She is very professional and super willing to go the extra mile to seek clarity and communicate effectively with other teachers." - Sylvana Juliet Christopher, Afrobeats Dance Instructor with Joy of Motion Dance Center
"Afrika served as my substitute dance instructor for Samba Fusions which took place at Joy of Motion Dance Center - Friendship Heights from 2013 - 2015 and was very professional. I was referred to her by Sylvana Juliet Christopher." - Tanya Nuchols, Dance Instructor with Joy of Motion Dance Center
"I have known Ms. Afrika Abney for several decades. Individually, she is a very creative person who has made significant contributions to her community, particularly young people. She has a positive attitude towards learning and leadership." - Principal Bernida Thompson, Roots Public Charter School, February 17, 2016
"Afrika is a powerful dancer - she's an inspiration to me in the way she doesn't hold back. She exudes peace, pleasure and appreciation as she translates the music into dance. " - Renee Livshin
"Afrika Abney is one of the most engaging dancers in Washington, D.C.. I have followed her career and each time I see her perform I cannot help but be stroke by her endless creative movements. At the heart of her dancing is a commitment to the traditional coupled with a modern flair. I have watched her lead dozens of non professional dancers at a Sunday drum circle, keeping them in unionson and ensuring that everyone participates and has a good time. Afrika is not only an excellent dancer, she is also an inspired teacher." - Tony Gittens, Former Executive Director, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
"I first encountered Mama Afrika in 2013. Her energy was infectious - it was clear that not only was she passionate about the performing art but about people and community as well. She is persistent and charismatic; these qualities have given her the ability to touch the lives of families across the DC Metro area.
It was clear to me that she had faith that all people no matter their perceived ability could connect via African Dance. I recall the first time she pulled me up on stage; I was resistant, mortified, self- conscious and embarrassed. Yet her gentle loving style opened up my soul not only to dance but, my culture, my people and my purpose. "
One God, One Aim, and One Destiny
Tyrese R.
Mount Rainier, MD
March 15, 2013
"Afrika is a powerful dancer that uses her body as a tool for expression. She has trained in West African dance but it is her connection with God that sets her apart from others. That energy can never be taught, only shared and experienced by students and those who have the opportunity to watch her perform. She, is Mother, Daughter, Teacher,Artist, Friend and that Spirit is the foundation of a great West African dancer." - Candace Mickens
Back in 2013, Ms. Afrika Abney provided services at "Springfield Baptist Church “Kingdom Kids CDC” have competent, skilled, passionate, and of the best caliber and character to support children and families."
She was hired by Seven okunfunmike sanu-t.
Below are some of the photos of her However, Ms. Abney has thrown away the clothing articles depicted in the photos several years ago.
From 1980s - 2016, Ms. Afrika Abney has provided professional dance services at a wide variety of venues. She uses her formal training and education in the area of dance to provide workshops, performances, and offer instruction. Ms. Abney was trained in West African dance and ballet by various dance companies and individuals based in Washington, D.C.. Some of them include Melvin Deal, African Heritage Dancers and Dancers; Kadiatou Conte, Balafon Women's Ensemble; NationHouse West African Dance Staff, Afia Akoto, Makini N., and Akua Kouyate; and Sherrill Berryman Johnson. She has developed great expertise in maintaining a productive classroom environment and dance studio.
Ms. Abney has provided professional dance consulting services for numerous small businesses, dance studios, and non profits. Some of them include African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Memory of African Culture, Soul in Motion Players, Inc, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Akoma Drummers, M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC, Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, Young Women's Drumming Empowerment, Joy of Motion Dance Center, and Balafon Women’s Ensemble.
Some of her dance performance credentials include NationHouse, Bowie State University, Georgetown University Law School, Lincoln Theatre, Marcus Garvey Public Charter School, Martin Luther King Library, Adams Morgan Day Festival, Dance Place, Cada Vez, The Black Family Reunion Celebration on the National Mall, Howard University Blackburn Center, Market 5 Gallery, Potter's House, Joe's Movement Emporium, Tree of Life Public Charter School, Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival, Greenbelt Greenman Festival, Plymouth Congregational Church, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Riverside Baptist Church, Fairmont Heights Municipal Building, Hyattsville Arts Festival, All Souls Church, Hands on Drum, Washington Terrace Hotel, and Malcolm X Park.
PROFILE SUMMARY
Ms. Afrika Abney uses her formal training and education in the area of dance to provide workshops, performances, and offer instruction. Ms. Abney has developed great expertise in maintaining a productive classroom environment and dance studio.
Ms. Abney has provided professional dance consulting services for numerous small businesses, dance studios, and nonprofits. Some of them include 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, and Balafon Women’s Ensemble.
SELECTED DANCE CONSULTANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015. Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 - July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)
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.
SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Provided dance instruction to children and adults in the absence of the studio teacher. Taught Samba Fusion - All Levels and Afro Beats - All Levels.
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.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.
PAST COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOPS
2011 - 2016. H.D. Cooke Elementary School, Washington, DC. (invited by Ms. Olaminde Gbenro)
2016. Roots PCS, Washington, DC. (invited by Principal Bernida Thompson)
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
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
Greetings,
I have known Ms. Afrika Abney for several years. I first met her at Malcolm X Park where she conducted the drum and dance circle from 2009 - 2015. I hired Ms. Abney to serve as my West African Dance instructor for my Summer Camp that took place at M.O.M.I.E.S TLC during the Summer of 2015. She demonstrated a high level of punctuality and dedication towards teaching a small group of children West African dance. Ms. Abney interacted and engaged each of the children.
She is a Native of D.C., high school and college graduate, and single mom. Ms. Abney is also an amazing person, trained art and dance professional. Her passion for authentic African - American culture is unbelievable. Ms. Abney uses her formal training in the arts to conduct workshops, career day presentations, and offer instruction to children and youth in the community, as well as provide consulting services.
I highly recommend Ms. Abney.
Should you have any questions, please contact me.
Thank you very much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.
Cordially,
Chitra Subramanian