
_l2-1.webp)
CHANEL ALETA PRESENTS
Bay Area Youth Pan-African
Dance Conference
OCTOBER 13, 2024
8:30AM -
5:00PM
SUNDAY
October 13
2024
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
4:00PM

OUR
We are excited to introduce the amazing instructors who will be teaching at the Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference. Every participant will have the opportunity to learn from each of these talented professionals throughout the day, gaining exposure to a wide range of dance styles from across the African Diaspora. Dandha Da Hora will lead the Afro-Brazilian class, sharing the vibrant rhythms and movements rooted in Brazilian culture. D’Auria Joi West will teach Praise Dance, bringing her uplifting and expressive style to the conference. In the West African Dance classes, students will learn from two exceptional instructors, Jessica Harden and Yaminah Omari, who will guide them through traditional movements and cultural significance. Kara “KJ” Jenelle will energize the participants with her expertise in Afrobeats, a modern fusion of African rhythms and urban dance. Finally, Remi Rucker will teach Modern and Jazz, blending technique with expressive movement to round out the day’s dance journey. With this dynamic group of instructors, participants will experience the full spectrum of Pan-African dance and leave feeling inspired and empowered.
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.
D’Auria West, born and raised in Oakland, California, has dedicated the past 12 years to the art of dance. Her journey began at the age of 7 when she was formally introduced to praise dance, igniting her passion for movement as a profound form of expression. D’Auria had the incredible opportunity to train with the renowned Alvin Ailey in New York City, where she further honed her skills in various styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and praise dance.
In addition to her dance pursuits, D’Auria attended Arizona State University, majoring in Business Administration and Child Development, effectively blending her love for the arts with her commitment to youth development. While she values the diversity of dance, praise dance holds a special place in her heart as it marks the beginning of her journey and serves as a beautiful way to honor God through movement, keeping her grounded in her faith.
Recently, D’Auria spearheaded and created a Liturgical Dance Ministry at Imani Community Church, known as “Imani’s Joyful Praisers,” specifically for children. She is deeply passionate about giving back to the youth, creating a nurturing space where she can teach dance while introducing Christ into their lives. D’Auria’s unwavering commitment to dance and faith continues to inspire those around her.
Learn
Jessica Harden
with


Jessica Harden has been performing professionally for the past 28 years beginning with Our Thing Performing Arts Company under the direction of Soyinka Rahim. Joining Diamano Coura West African Dance Company in 2005 under the direction of the late Dr. Zakarya Diouf and Naomi Diouf, Jessica is now Diamano Coura’s School Outrach Coordinator and Performing Artist. Jessica has performed with Diamano Coura internationally in countries such as Senegal West Africa, Veracruz, Mexico and Turin, Italy. She has also performed with great organizations such as World Arts West presents the Ethnic Dance Festival, People Like Me & in the Ariel Arts Festival with Robert Moses’ Kin. Jessica has had the opportunity for the last two Winters to spend several weeks training under and performing with the National Ballet Du Senegal in Dakar, Senegal West Africa under the direction of Pape Moussa Sanko. Jessica continues to share her expertise in culturally informed youth work in the schools in and around the San Francisco Bay Area through traditional West African dance. In 2024 Jessica joined the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) to teach a dance workshop as well as joining the teaching staff at the 6 week Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive on the campus of UC Berkeley. Jessica currently holds the position of Artistic Director of the African Diaspora Dance Program at Berkeley High School in Berkeley, CA.
with
Learn
Kara "KJ" Jenelle


Kara "KJ" Jenelle is a choreographer, spoken word artist and international arts educator based in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her MFA from UCLA’s Department of World Arts & Cultures/Dance where her thesis, ÌYÁguration gained her acknowledgement in multiple film festivals. KJ’s credits include: Beyoncé’s Black Is King, Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Coming 2 America, Daddy Yankee, Wiz Kid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Jidenna, Nike, BET, Latin Grammys, Will Smith, Ellen, Black Eyed Peas, Step Afrika! & more. KJ’s repertoire highlights dances and music of the African diaspora + Black culture and street dance. She’s had a global reach through 19 million views on her YouTube channel & teaching abroad in Costa Rica, Cuba, Spain, Taiwan, Netherlands, France, UK, Nigeria, Kenya, El Salvador & beyond. KJ is the founder of Delta Chi Xi Honorary Dance Fraternity, Inc. & a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She serves as an associate Artistic Director for Ladies of Hip Hop based in New York City and she recently began her latest initiative, Kaliba Jah Creative Collective.
Learn
Remi Rucker
with


Remi Rucker is the co-founder and lead instructor at Destined 2 Dance Studio and Performing Arts, a non-profit organization established on November 1, 2003. Alongside her sister in Christ, Rachel Jackson, Remi formed the praise dance duo Pirouettes of Praise in 1994, a ministry dedicated to serving God through the art of dance. Their powerful performances inspired many to seek out dance instruction, ultimately leading to the creation of their dance school.
Destined 2 Dance was founded with a clear mission: to bring inspiration, structure, and discipline to the community through the vehicle of dance from a Christian perspective. As a seasoned instructor, Remi is passionate about fostering an environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can learn and grow. She believes that dance is not just an art form but a way to build self-esteem, confidence, and strength on and off the stage. Under her guidance, students not only master various dance techniques, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and praise dance, but also acquire practical life skills such as presentation, posture, poise, and improvisation.
Remi is committed to making dance accessible to all, regardless of race, gender, economic status, or ability. She sees dance as a refuge for the mind, body, and soul—where healing, growth, and expression come together. With her extensive experience and deep dedication to preserving the arts, Remi continues to inspire the next generation of dancers, always grounded in her faith and her passion for serving through movement.
with
Learn
Yaminah Omari


Yaminah Omari, born and raised in Oakland, California, has been deeply immersed in the world of African dance since the age of 7. Her passion for the art form blossomed as she trained with the renowned African Queens Dance Company, eventually performing twice on global stages such as the World Cultural Tourism Festival in Wuhan and Beijing, China. Today, she proudly serves as the Artistic Director of the African Queens, continuing their legacy of cultural expression and excellence.
Beyond her performances, Yaminah is a dedicated dance educator, sharing her love for African dance with children across San Francisco Bay Area. She has taught at various elementary schools, including New Highland and Carl B. Munck, where she believes in using positivity and encouragement to boost self-esteem in her young students. Yaminah’s teaching style is centered on empowering children to connect with their roots and build confidence through movement.
In addition to her work in dance, Yaminah is a talented natural hairstylist and entrepreneur, specializing in natural hair care. Affectionately known as "Yada the Loctician Magician," she is celebrated for her masterful skills in creating beautiful styles that honor the beauty of natural hair. Her dual passions for dance and hair reflect her dedication to uplifting others and promoting cultural pride.
We’re thrilled to have Yaminah leading the West African dance class at the Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference!


Igniting Passion.
Building Confidence.
Our mission is to ignite passion and build confidence in youth aged 8-18 by harnessing the transformative power of dance. Join us for an exhilarating one-day conference, where we’ll dive deep into the vibrant rhythms and rich traditions of the African Diaspora. Your child will have the opportunity to explore and celebrate a diverse array of dance styles, including West African dance, praise dance, Afro-Haitian, Afro-Brazilian, hip-hop, and jazz. This is more than just a dance conference—it's a journey of self-expression, cultural connection, and personal growth.
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.

-
Perfect for school-aged children who enjoy music and love learning to encounter an opportunity to rejoice in the rhythms of the African Diaspora
-
Enhancement of movement and community skills in a vibrant & supportive environment, surrounded by others who share a deep passion for dance and culture
Learn
D'Auria Joi West
with

