8:30AM -
5:00PM
SUNDAY
October 13
2024
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
4:00PM
MEET
OUR
Instructors
We are thrilled to introduce the incredible lineup of instructors for the Spring 2025 Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference, taking place on Sunday, April 6 at Bishop O’Dowd High School. 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. The day begins with Praise Dance taught by Remi Rucker, whose uplifting style and spiritual foundation set a powerful and joyful tone. Following that, Dandha Da Hora—an internationally acclaimed Afro-Brazilian artist—will guide students through the vibrant rhythms and movements rooted in Brazilian culture. Shemica Watkins-Johnson will then introduce dancers to Caliwynd, her signature fusion of Caribbean dancehall, soca, and hip-hop, offering a high-energy and empowering experience. After lunch, Yeni Lucero will lead Afro-Fusion, blending traditional African dance with contemporary movement to create a soulful and expressive journey. Jessica Harden-Diouf will teach West African Dance, highlighting the power, grace, and storytelling embedded in the traditional dances of West Africa. High school participants will enjoy a specialized track in the afternoon, beginning with Contemporary taught by Mecca Boutte, who brings both technique and emotion to her choreography. They’ll also learn Congolese Dance from Loubayi, whose class is filled with energy, rhythm, and the cultural richness of Central Africa. For our youngest attendees, Ms. Leslie Carter of the African Queens Dance Company will lead a special African Dance for Early Learners class designed for children ages 3–5. Through music, storytelling, and movement, this joyful session introduces little ones to Pan-African traditions in an engaging and developmentally supportive way. Together, this dynamic team of instructors ensures that every participant—regardless of age or experience—will walk away feeling inspired, connected, and celebrated through the power of dance.
Congolese Dance
Learn
with
Arnaud Loubayi
Arnaud Loubayi is from Brazzaville, Congo, where he started his artistic career at the age of 10 when he studied traditional and Soukous dance. He took part in various courses and training in modern and contemporary dance with many choreographers. He toured with a variety of companies as a solo artist, including the National Ballet of Congo.
In 2006 he joined the traditional group Ngoma Za Kongo as a choreographer and toured in Africa, Asia, and America. With his experience as a dancer and choreographer, Arnaud Loubayi introduced his style of arts and traditions of Congolese dance to America, where he moved in 2011. Loubayi founded the dance company Gata Bantu that consists of a group of Congolese drummers and dancers whose mission is to share the traditional music and dance of Congo.
Loubayi is currently a partner artist for the Bay area's cultural non-profit Cheza Nami Foundation's Cultural Arts and Learning (CAL) school assembly program, as well as a contributing artist to the foundation's annual Taste of Africa Festival. He is a founding member of TWDCC's Diaspora Performance Project, which gives professional support to selected cultural artists of the African diaspora. Loubayi has produced and promoted the Ha Mbongui African Dance and Drum Conference for the past 8 years. He has taught traditional Congolese dance around the country, including Santa Cruz, Oakland, Nevada City, Maui, Seattle, Encinitas, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Tallahassee, Philadelphia, New York and more.
Afro-Brazilian Dance
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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.
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.
Contemporary Dance
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Mecca Boutte
with
Mecca Boutte is a dynamic professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Oakland, California, with a deep passion for movement and storytelling through dance. She began training with the renowned Dimensions Dance Theater, where she developed a strong foundation in technique, artistry, and cultural expression. Mecca continued honing her craft at Oakland School for the Arts (OSA), where she trained extensively in contemporary, ballet, modern, and African dance traditions under the guidance of some of the Bay Area’s most esteemed instructors.
An alumna of Spelman College, Mecca’s dance journey has taken her across the country, where she has performed, taught, and collaborated with leading choreographers and artists. Her work seamlessly blends technical precision with emotional depth, allowing her to craft compelling pieces that resonate with diverse audiences. Now based in both the Bay Area and Los Angeles, Mecca is dedicated to mentoring young dancers, choreographing original works, and using dance as a powerful medium for artistic expression.
We are thrilled to have Mecca participate in the Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference. Her expertise, creativity, and passion for dance will provide a transformative learning experience, empowering young dancers to expand their movement vocabulary, refine their technique, and express their unique artistic voices.
Praise Dance
with
Learn
Remi Rucker
Remi Rucker is the co-owner and dance instructor at Destined 2 Dance Studio and Performing Arts, a nonprofit 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.
They founded Destined 2 Dance 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 powerful tool for building self-esteem, confidence, and strength—both on and off the stage. Under her guidance, students master various dance techniques, including praise dance, ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop, while also gaining 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.
Caliwynd Dance
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Shemica Watkins-Johnson
with
Shemica will be teaching Caliwynd: A Journey of Freeness and Self-Expression through Movement and Caribbean Vibez, a class designed to guide dancers on a journey of self-discovery, health, and empowerment. This experience invites students to embrace freedom of expression, the joy of movement, and the power of dance to release what no longer serves them.
Shemica Watkins-Johnson is a dynamic dancer, performer, and educator with extensive experience in traditional and contemporary dances of the African diaspora, including Afro-Haitian, Hip-Hop, Guinea West African, Congolese, Soca, and Dancehall.
Born in Nuremberg, Germany, and raised in Oakland, California, Shemica comes from a family of dancers, with parents who were international performers and competitors. She began dancing under Linda Johnson at E.O.Y.D.C. and later trained at Laney College in ballet, Haitian under Lynn Cole, and Congolese dance under Muisi-kongo Malonga, as well as with Rara Tou Limen and Afro Urban Society under Nkeiruka Oruche.
Shemica has graced the stage in performances across the Bay Area, including the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Dance Mission Theater, and Oakland’s Pan African Festival. She is the 2013 Dancehall Queen and the originator of Caliwynd, a unique dance style infused with Afro-Haitian, Reggae Vybz, Soca, and Congolese influences.
Currently, she performs with the Carnival Band Karibbean Vibrationz, contributing to their championship-winning streak for the past four years. Beyond performance, Shemica envisions expanding Caliwynd through a clothing line, touring dance classes, and ultimately, her own Caliwynd Dance Studio—spreading the joy and love of dance across the U.S., Germany, and beyond.
Afrofusion Dance
with
Learn
Yeni Lucero
Yeni Lucero focuses on Afrourban disciplines, blending cultural depth with intentional movement. Born in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, she began West African dance at 15, studying under master teachers Naomi Diouf and Zak Diouf, and continues to be involved in their legendary dance company, Diamano Coura. She earned a BA in Dance and Choreography from San Francisco State University and acquired additional training at the Alvin Ailey School, with the fusion of her diverse styles culminating in her signature class, AFROFUSION.
She has performed with renowned companies like Ron K. Brown/Evidence, Robert Moses’ Kin, and Alayo Dance Company, and collaborated on projects with Kev Choice and the San Francisco Symphony. Additionally, she previously served as Associate Artistic Director of Afro-Contemporary Dance Company KKDE. As an inspiring educator, Yeni has taught at institutions including Sonoma State University, Pixar, and The National Dance Company of Mozambique. She also presents annually at the Salsa Rueda Festival in San Francisco and has been featured at major conferences such as Dance Masters CA and Collage des Cultures Africaines, presented by Diamano Coura.
Ms. Lucero has also been a dedicated community builder, bridging multiple Afrourban artists into the Bay Area dance community through her hosting engagements over the past seven years. Furthermore, as the founder of numerous dance programs throughout Oakland, she currently serves as a proud middle school dance teacher at Crystal Springs Uplands School.
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