8:30AM -
5:00PM
SUNDAY
October 13
2024
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
4:00PM
MEET
OUR
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Instructors
We are thrilled to introduce the incredible lineup of instructors for the Spring 2026 Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference, taking place on Sunday, May 3 at BANDALOOP Studios. Throughout the day, participants will rotate through a diverse series of dance classes led by passionate professionals, each bringing the rich traditions and energy of the African Diaspora to life. To create the best experience for every dancer, students will be separated into elementary/middle school and high school groups for portions of the day, allowing classes to be tailored by age, skill level, and learning style. This approach helps ensure that younger dancers feel supported and confident, while older students have the opportunity to be challenged and grow.
Afro-Lyrical Dance
Learn
with
Olutola Afolayan
Olutola Afolayan is the founder of The Belonging Arc and a professional dancer with
over 15 years of experience performing with Jahoui, LIA (Life Inspired Art), Fua Dia Congo, UFO Movement, Dana Lawton Dances, and Diamano Coura. She has danced on stages such as Davies Symphony Hall and Cowell Theater, and has shared her movement ministry in Nigeria, Mexico, and Thailand.
In her class, Afro-Lyrical Groove & Flow, Olutola holds space for you to arrive, breathe, move, and witness yourself in rhythm. Rooted in the sacred stillness of African meditation and the embodied wisdom of Sikhona, this is a practice of returning to your body, your breath, and your belonging. Through contemporary fluidity and African diasporic traditions, the class becomes a living prayer of Àlàfíà, inviting peace, wellness, and deep connection.
Early Pan-African Dance
Learn
with
Leslie Carter
For over four decades, Leslie Carter has passionately shaped the lives of children, youth, and adults through the transformative power of dance. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Leslie was a spirited and curious child who struggled to focus on any one activity—until her mother challenged her to take ballet for an entire year with the promise of $20 if she didn’t quit. Though ballet wasn’t her perfect match, Leslie honored the commitment and discovered a lifelong love for movement.
As a preteen, Leslie relocated with her family to California. When it came time to choose a college, she enrolled at San Francisco State University, where her passion for dance truly blossomed. There, she encountered a wide range of global dance forms and was introduced to the work of legendary choreographer and anthropologist Katherine Dunham, whose Afro-Caribbean rhythms stirred something deep within her. She also studied under the renowned Congolese dance master Malonga Casquelourd, whose mentorship affirmed that Pan-African dance was her true calling.
Leslie declared dance as her major and immersed herself in the professional dance world, performing with acclaimed companies including Wajumbe Cultural Dance Ensemble, Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, Ancestoral Wisdom, Ellen Webb Dance Company, Spirit Theatre of Dance, Kusema Vijiti, Fogo Na Roupa, and Harambee Dance Company. Her studies at San Francisco State exposed her to a global palette of styles—African, Afro-Caribbean, jazz, modern, ballet, European folk, and more. While studying African-American dance from the 1920s to the 1960s, Leslie found joy in uncovering the historical connections between those modern styles and their African roots.
For more than 40 years, Ms. Carter has dedicated herself to teaching dance and movement across the East Bay, including at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, Oakland Office of Parks and Recreation, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, Head-Royce School, and multiple OUSD schools, juvenile correctional facilities, and community programs such as MOCHA, East Oakland Sports Complex, Building Blocks for Kids Collaborative, and First 5. Her special gift lies in using dance to empower young children, at-risk youth, and seniors—including those with neuro-cognitive and behavioral challenges—helping them develop motor skills, self-regulation, and a sense of wellbeing.
In 1989, Ms. Carter founded the African Queens Dance Company with a vision that extended beyond choreography. She sought not only to train exceptional dancers but to raise up confident, poised, and empowered young women—leaders in their communities. Under her guidance, the company has performed across California and completed two successful tours of China in 2002 and 2007. To support her dancers beyond high school, she established the African Queens Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance for academic and vocational pursuits in any field of study.
Today, African Queens Dance Company remains a vibrant force, with a fourth generation of dancers proudly continuing Ms. Carter’s legacy. Her impact reaches far beyond the Bay Area—even inspiring young performers internationally. During a visit to Nigeria, Leslie taught members of the Crown Troupe of Africa a choreographed piece, which they later performed at the Lagos Library during “Poetry Potter,” a weekly gathering led by Remi Adebite that featured poetry, music, and storytelling for children and adults alike.
Leslie Carter’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of dance to heal, inspire, and uplift. Through her unwavering dedication, she has not only preserved the cultural richness of Pan-African dance but has also changed countless lives—one step at a time.
At the Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference, Ms. Carter will bring her joyful and engaging teaching style to the youngest participants, leading a free movement class for children aged 3–5. She believes that dance is not just an art form, but a positive and transformative force that can shape young lives for the better.
Afro-Brazilian Dance
Learn
Dandha Da Hora
with
Dandha Da Hora is a force of nature, an artist whose life’s work is dedicated to sharing and preserving the rich, vibrant culture of Afro-Brazilian dance, music, and heritage.
Born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, at the age of 6 Dandha became a member of Ilê Aiyê, one of Brazil’s most iconic cultural and musical institutions. This legendary Bloco Afro has been a beacon of Afro-Brazilian pride and social justice, and Dandha has been an integral part of its journey for decades. With every step, every movement, and every note, Dandha brings the incredible spirit of Ilê Aiyê and the cultural richness of Salvador, Bahia, to life.
As a master dancer, vocalist, and percussionist, Dandha has toured the world as a lead dancer with Ilê Aiyê, performing alongside some of Brazil’s most renowned artists such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Daniela Mercury. Her artistry transcends borders, carrying the heartbeat of Afro-Brazilian music and dance to audiences far and wide. Through her performances, she tells the stories of her ancestors, celebrates the beauty of African influence in Brazil, and spreads a message of empowerment, equality, and love.
Dandha’s passion goes beyond the stage her heart lies in teaching and sharing her culture with the next generation. As a master dance teacher, she has become a beloved instructor in the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz, offering ongoing dance classes that transport students into the vibrant world of Afro-Brazilian dance. Her workshops, offered across the U.S., are more than just dance lessons—they are experiences that connect students to the deep rhythms and powerful traditions of Bahia. Whether she is leading a dance class, singing in harmony with a drum, or giving a special workshop, Dandha’s art always reflects her devotion to sharing Afro-Brazilian culture and her desire to share its beauty with the world.
At the heart of Dandha’s work is Ilê Aiyê, a Bloco Afro that has been a pioneer in the fight for Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage, social justice, and equality for over 50 years. Founded in 1974 to protest racist policies in Bahia’s Carnaval, Ilê Aiyê was the first Bloco Afro and has since become a cultural movement, inspired by the Civil Rights and Black Liberation Movements in the United States and beyond. Dandha’s involvement with Ilê Aiyê has shaped her journey as an artist, and she continues to honor its mission through her performances and teachings.
When Dandha Da Hora steps onto the stage or into a classroom, she brings with her the joy, resilience, and power of Afro-Brazilian culture. Her presence at the Bay Area Youth Dance Conference will be an unforgettable opportunity for young dancers to learn from a true master, someone who has dedicated her life to uplifting the voices and traditions of the African Diaspora in Brazil.
Clownin' + LA Grooves
Learn
with
Storm DeBarge
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, Storm DeBarge is a world-renowned choreographer, dancer, actress, model, and creative director whose artistry transcends traditional boundaries. With a career that boasts high-profile collaborations and a powerful social presence, Storm has cultivated a following of over 200,000 supporters and generates more than 3 million monthly impressions.
Storm has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through her innovative choreography, commanding stage presence, and magnetic leadership. Her resume includes dynamic performances and creative direction for icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion (BET Awards 2021), Busta Rhymes (2023), and Taraji P. Henson (2024), as well as choreographing the Super Bowl Halftime Show (2022) featuring Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige.
A true multi-hyphenate, Storm continues to shine on global stages, serving as choreographer for Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” Ty Dolla $ign’s performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and YG’s “Hollywood.” She has performed and choreographed internationally, including the 2025 AFL Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with Snoop Dogg, and Rolling Loud 2025 with 310Babiii. Her versatility also led her to New York Fashion Week 2025 with Actively Black, where she embodied the fusion of fashion, movement, and culture.
A prominent face within the Red Bull family, Storm serves as a Red Bull dancer, host, and teacher, helping shape and represent the next generation of dance culture through her vibrant energy and authentic connection to community. Her brand work extends to Nike, where she has modeled and performed in major campaigns, commercials, and photo shoots, blending athleticism with artistry on an international scale.
Her creative fingerprints can also be seen across major visual projects like the “Not Like Us” collaboration with Kendrick Lamar and Mustard, and Snoop Dogg’s “Favorite Color Blue” dance visual. She has been featured in national campaigns for Good American, Liquid I.V., and Thread Beauty, and is a proud member of The Recording Academy.
As the founder of The LAnd Casting and Production, Storm champions cultural authenticity and high-quality Black production in entertainment. Her passion for community is equally evident through The Storm DeBarge Foundation, which empowers young dancers from underserved neighborhoods with access, mentorship, and creative opportunities.
Recently honored by the City of Los Angeles for her impact and influence, Storm DeBarge stands not only as a performer but also as a visionary and creative force dedicated to uplifting her culture, inspiring future generations, and continuing to move the world through dance.
Senegal Sabar Vibes
with
Imania Fatima Detry
Learn
Imania Fatima Detry is a Chicago-based performing and teaching artist specializing in West African dance. With over 20 years of professional training and performance, she is a principal artist with Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago and serves as Assistant Artistic Director of Ayodele Drum and Dance.
Deeply committed to the preservation and transmission of African dance and culture, Imania brings both lineage and lived experience into her teaching and performances. Her work reflects a balance of tradition and contemporary expression, allowing her to share ancestral movement forms while integrating her evolving artistic voice.
Imania’s extensive performance and choreographic career has led her to collaborate with a wide range of artists and platforms, including Chance the Rapper, Fatima Robinson, and FOX Productions, among others. She continues to expand her choreographic practice by blending traditional and modern forms, working across styles such as Djembe and Doundoun dance, Sabar, House, Chicago Footwork, and Afrobeats.
West African Dance
Learn
with
Jessica Diouf
Jessica Diouf is a performing artist, educator, and cultural bearer with over 29 years of professional experience in West African dance. She began her artistic journey with Our Thing Performing Arts Company under the direction of Soyinka Rahim, and in 2005 joined Diamano Coura West African Dance Company under the direction of the late Dr. Zakarya Diouf and Naomi Diouf.
Jessica currently serves as School Outreach Coordinator and Performing Artist with Diamano Coura, where she continues the company’s legacy of performance, education, and cultural preservation.
Her international performance experience includes tours and engagements in Senegal, Veracruz, Mexico, and Turin, Italy. She has performed with esteemed organizations and festivals including World Arts West presents the Ethnic Dance Festival, People Like Me, the Ariel Arts Festival, and with Robert Moses’ Kin.
For the past two winters, Jessica has trained and performed in Dakar, Senegal with the National Ballet du Sénégal under the direction of Pape Moussa Sonko, deepening her embodied knowledge of traditional forms and contemporary practice rooted on the continent.
A dedicated educator, Jessica continues to share her expertise in culturally grounded youth development through traditional West African dance in schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2024, she joined the International Association of Blacks in Dance as a teaching artist and served on the faculty of the Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive at UC Berkeley.
Jessica currently holds the position of Artistic Director of the African Diaspora Dance Program at Berkeley High School in Berkeley, California, where she leads with a commitment to excellence, cultural integrity, and the next generation of artists.
Praise Dance
with
Learn
Nikka Maynard
Nikka Maynard was raised by parents born in Trinidad and Tobago and grew up in the culturally rich and diverse city of Berkeley, California. Immersed in music and performance from an early age, Nikka was groomed to be an entertainer by the age of seven. In the late 1980s, she formed her own hip-hop group, Red n’ Black Licorice, which frequently opened for her parents’ reggae and calypso band, Caribbean Allstars. Performing in talent showcases throughout the Bay Area, Nikka and her troupe consistently placed first or second, honing her stage presence and artistic confidence at a young age.
At 15, Nikka entered Berkeley High School, where she took her first Afro-Haitian dance class with Mama Naomi Diouf, a pivotal moment that would shape her artistic path. Upon graduating from Berkeley High School in 1993, Nikka joined Diamano Coura as a company member. She currently serves as Assistant Artistic Director, continuing her apprenticeship under Artistic Director Naomi Diouf, carrying forward the company’s legacy and cultural traditions.
Through dance, Nikka has traveled internationally and studied with some of the most respected African master teachers in the United States. She has also shared her deep love for West African culture within her church community, where she was encouraged to establish a Liturgical Praise Ministry, blending spiritual expression with traditional movement and music.
Her study and practice of West African music and dance have grounded Nikka in strong moral and traditional values—principles she is proud to pass on to her daughter, who is now 10 years old and already showing a passion for dance and choreography. Affectionately known as “Neek Neek,” Nikka weaves together her Caribbean heritage with the African roots and teachings of Zak Diouf and Mama Naomi Diouf, cultivating a powerful and authentic artistic presence that honors the past while nurturing the next generation.
Guinea Dance
Learn
Alseny Soumah
with
Alseny Soumah is a master dancer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador from Guinea, West Africa, bringing authenticity, vitality, and deep cultural knowledge to every performance and class. Born in Boké, Guinea, Alseny was immersed in the traditions of Guinean dance from early childhood, learning within his family in Conakry before embarking on a distinguished professional career.
Alseny trained and performed with Guinea’s most prestigious dance companies, including Les Merveilles d’Afrique and Les Ballets Africains, the nation’s renowned national drum and dance company. He holds a diploma as Professor of Danse Traditionnelle from the République de Guinée Ministère de la Jeunesse and Les Ballets Africains de la République de Guinée. His exceptional artistry led to his selection by Guinea’s Minister of Culture to perform with an elite all-star ensemble, touring extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and the United States, including performances at Lincoln Center.
Since relocating to the United States in 1995, Alesny has become a cornerstone of the Bay Area’s West African dance community. In 2001, he founded the Lahydi Dance Collective, “lahydi,” meaning “to promise” in the Susu language, dedicated to preserving, teaching, and presenting the traditional arts of Guinea. The collective produces the annual Guinea Dance & Drum Festival, bringing together master artists and griots from across the country, with a strong emphasis on youth education and community engagement.
A gifted educator and mentor, Alseny is known for his dynamic teaching style and his ability to inspire dancers of all levels while honoring the spiritual and cultural foundations of Guinean dance. Coming from a family of tailors, he personally designs and crafts all costumes for his performances, ensuring each piece reflects the integrity and beauty of his cultural heritage.
Through teaching, choreography, and performance, Alseny Soumah continues to share the power of Guinean culture across the United States, inspiring new generations to connect with the ancestral traditions of West Africa.
Inspiring & Empowering.
Our mission is to inspire and empower youth aged 8-18 through the transformative power of dance. We will host a dynamic one-day conference in Oakland, exploring and celebrating various dance styles including: West African dance, praise dance, Afro-Brazilian, Afrobeats, and Jazz. We are dedicated to passing on the rich heritage of traditional dance forms to the next generation, aiming to ensure these cultural treasures are preserved and cherished. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants learn, grow, and connect with their peers, fostering a lifelong passion for dance and personal expression.We're fusing featured professional dancers from across the country. Kids and teens aged 8-18 will explore various dance styles, including west African dance, Praise dance, Afrobeats, Afro-Brazilian, Jazz, and more.
Whether your child has danced before or not, this conference is for all skill levels. It’s an opportunity to learn our history through dance and spark the opportunity for these rich traditions to be passed down to the next generation.
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Perfect for school-aged children who enjoy music and love learning to encounter an opportunity to rejoice in the rhythms of the African Diaspora
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Enhancement of movement and community skills in a vibrant & supportive environment, surrounded by others who share a deep passion for dance and culture