Embora

I interned and danced as a student at Embora (a former dance studio in Fort Greene, Brooklyn) from 2006-2008. My dance teacher (pictured in pink and white) was Allisyn “Oya” Swift, a former student of the great Arianna Al Tiye, a belly dance Queen! These pictures were from my first student recital. I was so happy to have been apart of this experience. In 2007, I survived a difficult bout with malaria. I was sadly close to losing my life and simultaneously, I had just ended a four-year relationship. The recital and the heavy concentration on this dance form helped me to heal and find some purpose to push forward. The ladies in these pictures were a great support and such shining lights at this time in my life.I had gotten all of my costumes together and the orange outfit shows me dancing a solo piece to a Caribbean inspired song call Tassa. I was so nervous! My whole family was in attendance and they helped me to celebrate life and transformation that day.”

(Pictured in black and turquoise is Keisha, in all turquoise is Karen, in yellow is D. Bean and not pictured is Antina Johnson who I was the closet too and who showed me the most hearty love and support.)