Staff and Teaching Artists
Administrative and Creative Team
Our dedicated team of teaching artists and staff are passionate educators, culture keepers, and mentors. With deep expertise in dance, music, and youth development, they create a joyful and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
Rooted in tradition and driven by excellence, our instructors bring a wide range of skills—from West African dance and drumming to ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and more. United by a shared commitment to community, culture, and personal growth, they nurture each student’s confidence, creativity, and love for the arts.
Administrators
Zakiya Harris
Co-Founder/Artistic Director
Aatifa Drayton-Howard
Studio Manager
Chinyere Brown-McVitie
Studio Support Specialist/Social Media Manager
Adwoa Payton
Parent Coordinator
Teaching Artists
N’ballou Bangoura
Teaching Artist
Brenda Pearson
Teaching Artist
Cory Villegas
Teaching Artist
Zahrah McIntosh-Kipp
Teaching Artist
Ajmaani Wilson
Teaching Artist
Vasialys Rodgriguez
Teaching Artist
Gene Osborne
Teaching Artist
Hollie Wright
Teaching Artist
Serwa Williams
Teaching Artist
Kimora Tucker
Teaching Artist
Sinsi Nkita-Mayala
Teaching Artist
Musicians
Nii Osekou Payton
Class Musician
Yusef Payton Jr.
Class Musician