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Anastassia Abramenko

Choreographer; Dancer

Accomplished professional ballroom dancer, dancesport competitor, choreographer and dance instructor with over 20 years experience. In 2014, established the Central Florida dance studio – Anastassia Ballroom & Dance – to share the joy of ballroom dancing with others.

Thaddeus Brown

Actor; Choreographer; Dancer; Singer

Tara Chadwick

Choreographer; Composer; Dancer; Filmmaker; Musician; Singer; Storyteller; Writer

Since childhood, I’ve served as an apprentice to my mother and aunt, both artists, art teachers, arts and culture advocates. As a teenager, I donned the mask and costume of the Lincoln Imp, giving life to the gargoyle like fundraising mascot helping raise the capital funds needed to transition the local Historical Society to a regional museum. I spent the rest of my teens and 20’s learning the art and science of archaeological illustration, investigation, analysis, public education and outreach by balancing an entry level career at the Royal Ontario Museum with a fully funded academic scholarship to one of Canada’s premier research institutions, York University, both in Toronto. When I wasn’t at school or work, I was helping my aunt launch her career as an artist, seting up and staffing exhibition and sales booths at juried shows such as Toronto Outdoor Art and Washington Square Art in NYC. In between those responsibilities, I worked as a research assistant to Dr. Elizabeth Graham, a well known Mesoamerican archaeologist. During my tenure as an undergrad, I was also keenly aware of the social environment, having just returned to Canada after a childhood mostly spent in Broward County, Florida. There were many things happening, especially during my initial return during the summer of 1990. In Canada, that was the summer of Oka… the summer the Canadian government brought tanks and guns to the Native Canadian reserve of Akwesasne, Mohawk Territory. Soon after, the sesquicentennial of the “discovery” of the Americas began. 1992 brought a host of discussions, deliberations, workshops and yes, celebrations to the streets of Toronto. This is the year that I learned that Native People in Canada are related to me as a descendant of the Indigenous people of Mesoamerica. Up to that point, I just thought of us all as seperate. But I knew enough about geography and archaeology to know that Columbus landed in my part of the continent. That began a course of study in ethnography that resulted in my pursuit of traditional knowledge production continuing through today. In 2012, my family and I helped in the creation and launch of the world’s largest travelling exhibit of Maya art and artifacts, now in it’s seventh city, currently on view at the Milwaukee Public Museum. I remain… To teach and learn our stories… To move into the future as human beings… To never forget who we are…

R. Lewis Hooten

Choreographer; Visual Artist

R. LEWIS HOOTEN R. Lewis Hooten was born in Gainesville, Florida and grew up in a very rural environment. Nature was right outside the door(and sometimes inside), and seeing things up close was a part of everyday life. After serving time in the U.S. Army Mr. Hooten studied ballet in Atlanta, Ga. And then in New York City. After moving to Miami Mr. Hooten attended the New World School of the Arts on scholarship and earned a BFA degree in dance. He danced, taught, and choreographed for many years in the South Florida area. He also managed to have a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Mr. Hooten became interested in photography when he was documenting the flowering of his collection of tropical plants and orchids. He has exhibited his work at Artserve and Broward Art Guild for several years. He is currently working on a series using peeling tree bark; photographed, and then manipulated on a computer to create artistic images.

PACO HUERTA

Actor; Choreographer; Dancer; Director

taste for dancing and Folklore from very young me allowed to develop my qualities and attitudes as a dancer and with the experience and maturity me allowed direct different groups in mexico creating workshops, seminars and intensive courses in dance and Dance in Mexico and I am now director and instructor ballet Folklorico Azteca Florida since 8 years ago. and now as a group. we support different organizations giving shows in social, cultural and artistic events…

Kendrick Jones

Actor; Choreographer; Dancer; Director; Singer

Education 2010 | Bachelors of Arts in Theatre/Dance Minor • Florida A&M University 2007 | Culinary Arts (Certifications) • Johnson &Wales University 2004 | High School Diploma • Hallandale High School Experience August 2014 – Present| Director of Theatre Hallandale High School | Hallandale, FL create and maintain the artistic vision of the organization Instruct Dance and Drama Classes Oversee & direct productions Order supplies, costumes, props, etc Perform light maintenance and custodial task March 2009 – August 2014| Dance Instructor Lampkin’s Creative Arts 4 All | Hallandale, FL Taught Dance Classes Oversaw productions Ordered supplies, costumes, props, etc. October 2008 – June 2010 |Director of Dance John Battle Theatre Ensemble | Hallandale, FL Assisted with maintain the artistic vision of the organization Taught Dance Classes Oversaw productions Ordered supplies, costumes, props, etc August 2009 –July 2011 | Administrative Assistant/ Rehearsal Director Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre | Tallahassee, FL Contacted Sponsors & Patrons Created class & rehearsal schedules Oversaw productions Ordered supplies, costumes, props, etc Performed light maintenance and custodial task Maintained social media accounts Skills • Microsoft Office • Production Management • Theatre Management • Scheduling • Phone Systems • Sound Operation • Lighting Operation • Choreography • Set & Costume Design • Interior Design • Event Planning and Management Training • FAMU Connection • Florida A&M University’s Essential Theatre • John Battle Theatre Ensemble • (BTN) Black Theatre Network • Philadelphia Dance Company • Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre • World Ballet Inc. • Tj’s Contemporary Dance Theatre • Jubilee Dance Theatre

Kahra Keyes

Actor; Choreographer; Composer; Dancer; Director; Filmmaker; Musician; Poet; Singer; Storyteller; Visual Artist; Writer

Kahra is a unique, multi-dimensional artist set to break limitations to set new standards for the possibilities of creative individuals. Among many talents, Kahra is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, visual artist, actor, model, & dancer. Kahra enjoys playing piano, guitar, harmonica, flute, media show hosting, painting live, painting & singing live, photography, & interior design. "Being a creator of the arts is essential to my soul's happiness and fulfillment" she lovingly insists. Kahra has sang on stages across South Florida. She has written over 300 songs, released albums on iTunes, design her album cover artwork, and has recently captured the title of Miss Florida US Nation 2014. Kahra also enjoys shooting, directing, & editing music videos. Kahra now has 12 music videos on her YouTube Channel. "In today's market, diversity is a necessity & Kahra's got IT". www.youtube.com/kahramusic. www.kahramusic.com. kahramusic@gmail.com

Nicole LaBonde

Choreographer; Dancer; Storyteller

Modern and Musical Theatre Dance

Trina Soumare

Choreographer; Dancer; Director; Musician; Storyteller

Trina Soumare 651 NE 45th Court, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064 Phone: 954-687-5789 Email: Thebridgecae@aol.com url: www.balletbrika.com EDUCATION 1991 Bachelors of Arts Degree–Developmental Psychology/Social Work, University of Maryland- Baltimore County 1992 Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Training for Addiction Services Received training and certificates in Grant Writing, Substance Abuse Prevention, Prevention, Program Management, Community Empowerment, Marketing for Prevention Programs, Prevention Programs for Children and Adults. 1993 Business Skills Training Certificate, Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore 2006 Participated in Kennedy Center’s Seminar, Artists as Educators: Planning Effective Workshops for Teachers. 2007 Participated in Kennedy Center’s Seminars, Artists as Educators: Planning and Presenting Effective Workshops for Teachers. PRESENTATIONS (partial list) “Beyond the Museum Walls: The Truth About the African Mask” for Teachers of Grades 3-8. Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. May 2014. Broward County Student Enrichment Trust Fund (SEAS), Wrote, directed, choreographed and performed in theatrical adaptation of ‘Mmadipetsane: The Girl Who Refused to Listen to the Warnings of Adults”; Funded for 2012, 2013, 2014 for a total of 14 performances State of Florida, Arts-On-Tour, Florida’s State Touring Roster, Choreographer, Director and Performer for Ballet Brika West African Dance Theater (2012-2014) “The Enchanting Song of the Magical Bird: A Simulated Journey into Rural West Africa (for grade K-5 Educators)”, Florida Alliance for Arts Education, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts,. . “Celebrating African Culture through Storytelling, Music and Dance: A Multi-Sensory Approach to Teaching Students about West African Culture for Teachers of Grades 3-8”. Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. October 15, 2008 and April 24, 2010. “Celebrating West African Culture through Storytelling, Music and Dance: A Multi-Sensory Approach to Teaching Students about West African Culture for Teachers of Grades 3-8. Sixth annual conference on arts integration—Teaching for Success: Educating the Whole Child through the Arts on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. FILMOGRAPHY Role: Haitian dancer in “Charlie’s Angel’s” television series, Season 1, Episode 2: Runway Angels (aired 29 Sep. 2011) Role: West African Dancer in “Dancer”, the third installment in a set of films by internationally acclaimed film-maker Dara Friedman. (Debuted Nov 19, 2011 in NYC) INTERNATIONAL: Taught English to Primary and Secondary Francophone students at Tounyifili Prefecture School in Guinea, West Africa, March – June, 2007. EMPLOYMENT Center for Creative Education, West Palm Beach Florida, 2009-present Teaching Artist Responsibilities include providing arts integration and arts education to Palm Beach County Florida children and their caregivers in classroom and after school program settings. Lessons involve the use of multiple intelligences, Blooms Taxonomy, Florida Sunshine State Standards, creating lesson plans, Essential Questions, and Time Management. AileyCamp Miami, Miami, Florida, 2010 – present West African Dance Instructor/Choreographer Introduce dances, music, and culture of West Africa to 100 middle school students. Classes include warm-up, authentic dances and songs from West Africa, as well as their historical and cultural contexts. Worked closely with a master drummer to encourage students’ understanding of the marriage of drumming, rhythm, and music to African dance. Choreograph energetic mini-ballets for culminating performances. The School District of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida 33301 Bak Middle School for the Arts, 2012-present, Artist in Residence- West African Dance Instructor I teach dance, music, and culture of West Africa to middle school for the arts students using both recorded music and live percussions. Classes included warm-up, authentic dances and songs from West Africa, as well as their historical and cultural contexts. I also choreograph dances for the student showcases and culminating performances. The School Board of Broward County Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 2008-present, Substitute Teacher Responsibilities include but are not limited to following lesson plans, left by the permanent teacher; teaching of all subject areas; addressing various learning styles of students; managing individual program plan for students with special needs; applying appropriate consequences for inappropriate student behavior; displaying problem sol ving, cooperative negotiating skills and conflict resolution strategies. Renaissance Village Project Pompano Beach, Florida 2006 – present, Director/Teaching Artist Renaissance Village Project, a U.S. based co-operative of African-centered artists who provide training and educational offerings as an alternative form of social and economic development, with the human placed at the center. Its mission is to assist youth and families in developing cultural awareness, harmonious balance and self-efficacy through their exposure to African artistic forms. Children Adolescent Health Advocacy Project (CAHAP) Baltimore, Maryland 1993-1999, Mental Health Specialist (Consultant) Responsible for the coordination and delivery of various prevention services to elementary, middle and high school aged students in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore City, Maryland. Provided individual, group and family therapy; art therapy, play therapy, values clarification training, entrepreneurial skills development. Also responsible for securing funding to support program. 1999- 2008, Cultural Arts Director /African Dance Instructor Duties included teaching traditional West African culture, dance, songs and folklore to elementary, middle and high school aged students in an after school program setting. The majority of the students were children with special needs, children of substance abusing parents and ex-offenders. Classes were warm and intent on students leaving with the new knowledge and spirituality rooted through meditations, affirmations and visualizations. Secured funding through community and government grants. Hired, trained and managed contractual workers and volunteers. Baltimore City Public Schools 1999-2005, African Dance Instructor Duties included teaching traditional West African dance, songs and folklore to elementary, middle and high school aged students in a classroom setting. PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE (partial list) • (2010–2014) Wrote, directed, choreographed and performed in theatrical adaptation of ‘Mmadipetsane: The Girl Who Refused to Listen to the Warnings of Adults’. This project is funded by Broward County Student Enrichment Trust Fund • (2011) Performed African/Haitian dance on the television show ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (Runway Angels episode) • (2011-2012) Featured in Dara Friedman’s film, ‘Dancer’ which debuted in NYC in 2011 • (2005 – present) Co-founder, instructor and choreographer of Ballet Brika African Dance Theater • (2008) Wrote, directed, choreographed and performed in “Lessons from an Old Baobab during Kwanzaa” at African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, December 2008 • Currently studying and performing West African drumming with master percussionist Moussa Soumah of Guinea, West Africa. • 1991 Performer and Production Manager for “Assembly Mystique” theatrical production in conjunction with members of the National Ballet of the Ivory Coast • Eight years modern dance and performing experience with the Joan Kerr Dance Company (Philadelphia, PA) • Studied modern and classical ballet at the Settlement Music School and at Ballet Des Jeunes (Philadelphia, PA) • Studied and /or performed with Kauna Mujamal (Sankofa Dance Theater), Youssouf Koumbassa (Les Ballet Bagata), Babacar N’dyiae (Return to Goree West African Dance Company), Nai Zou Olivier (Ivory Coast), Performed with Africa in Motion at the 5th Annual Roots Homecoming Festival (in Gambia, West Africa), Studied theater arts at Freedom Theater (Philadelphia, PA) and The Arena Players (Baltimore, Maryland)

Toranika Washington

Choreographer; Dancer

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