Artist: Ms Ebony Naima
Artist Bio
Ms. Ebony Naima
Dancer, Teacher, Healer, Founder of Nia Dance Ensemble
As founder of Nia Dance Ensemble, my journey through African dance is one of healing and transformation. Finding solace in the arts from an early age, I've transformed personal challenges into a mission of empowering others through cultural expression.
Expertise & Achievements
- Founder of Nia Dance Ensemble (2017-present)
- Cultural ambassador and performer with Legacy Arts Project (2011)
- Trained under renowned artist Mama Kadioutou with Balafon West African Dance Ensemble (2012)
- Teaching artist at Sankofa Village Center for the Arts (2014-2017)
- Cultural immersion study in Guinea, West Africa (2023)
Through Nia Dance Ensemble, I share the healing power of African arts, helping youth discover their purpose just as I discovered mine. Our work focuses on preserving black cultural arts while building confidence, authenticity, and community connection through dance.
"Expression through movement isn't just dance – it's a pathway to healing, confidence, and discovering your purpose."
Mission statement
An holistic approach to preserving cultural arts from across the African diaspora. Creative expression is our main instrument to promote self-worth and communal well-being.
Vision Statement
Our aim is to develop the human comprehension of culture in practice. Beyond theory by involving revised traditional expressions connected us to the past & the future of the African Diaspora.
Target Audience
I target intergenerational audiences, primarily at risk youth. I use creative expression such as dance, song, poetry, performance and storytelling as a form of wellness, growth and liberation. My target audiences are Community organizations, schools, universities, recreation centers, gyms, domestic violence shelters, churches, parks, online platforms , and community street festivals.
Why we do this work!
Cultural immersion art is our philosophical approach in defining the healing nature of the creative experience. We develop self-worth by transferring proper historical understandings of the African diaspora. Our standardized processes are meant to nurture self-worth, confidence. and broader comprehensions. Incorporating tools to assist those who may be suffering from emotional, mental depression, and feelings of hopelessness. We value cultural arts as a means to teach sustainable life skills for those who participate in our classes, workshops or seminars. Providing them with the necessary traits needed for a sustainable healthy outlook and well- being. Our intention is to produce well rounded educational experiences by engaging all of the senses.
Mama k supporting members of nia
