Community Education

Located in the greater Northeast Philadelphia area, Ms. Crutchfield trained under Jennifer Holt and Kelley Slaven for six years. Under their direction, Ms. Crutchfield trained in Vaganova, Cecchetti, Horton, Graham and Limón techniques. Graduating En Pointe as a student of dance, Rakiyah studied Pointe, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobats and Competition dance. Ms. Crutchfield has performed and taught in multiple communities around the PA, NJ and NYC area. During her season as a D2 Dancer with PHILADANCO! She was trained by Donald Lunsford, Kim Y. Bears Bailey and the late Deborah Chase-Hicks. To build her strength in Hip Hop, House, Vogue and Jazz dance, she performed and trained under Richard James DysFunksional Solez in New York City. As of now a College Graduate in communications, Rakiyah is currently in her fifth year as the Dance Director at Lower Mayfair Rec Center, instructing in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. While well into her seventh year on the Dance Staff at Jardel Rec Center. Rakiyah had the opportunity to choreograph for Jardel Dance’s Pre Game performance, at the Philadelphia 76’ers court for two straight seasons. Returning to En Pointe Dance Studio, Rakiyah is currently training her competition students in Hip Hop/House fundamentals and strengthening their Vogue Fem techniques. This is Ms. Crutchfield’s second season teaching for The Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs Department.

Her choreographic journey began in Atlanta, Georgia where she presented work at schools, local shows, and in an internship with Dance Canvas. After graduating, Sevon took a leap of faith and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a choreographer and dance educator. She then performed with Merge Dance Company, Femme Collective, Speak 2 My Soul, Kathanga Dance Company, Fringe Festival’s Sprout (2019), Chocolate Ballerina and in several performances in collaboration with AniMalayaworks. In pursuit of her dream, Burgundy Blue Dance was born in October of 2018. Her first works were presented at RAW natural born artists showcase “Magnify” and “Ovation” in Philadelphia at the Trocadero Theater. Then presented two shows, Dine & Dance and Heaven ANd Hell as well several dance films before taking a long break due to the pandemic.

As a choreographer her intentions are to create art that is thought provoking, raw and relatable to audience members. Sevon strives to create environments full of expression and passion that feel fresh, new, and push the envelope when it comes to the format of traditional theater. As a lover of all art forms, she aims to fuse elements of different styles of dance and art as well as build community between artists and audiences where we can all share experiences together as humans. Sevon is ecstatic to be sharing This with work you today and honored to have such amazing, grounded, and thoughtful artists.

Located in the greater Northeast Philadelphia area, Ms. Crutchfield trained under Jennifer Holt and Kelley Slaven for six years. Under their direction, Ms. Crutchfield trained in Vaganova, Cecchetti, Horton, Graham and Limón techniques. Graduating En Pointe as a student of dance, Rakiyah studied Pointe, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobats and Competition dance. Ms. Crutchfield has performed and taught in multiple communities around the PA, NJ and NYC area. During her season as a D2 Dancer with PHILADANCO! She was trained by Donald Lunsford, Kim Y. Bears Bailey and the late Deborah Chase-Hicks. To build her strength in Hip Hop, House, Vogue and Jazz dance, she performed and trained under Richard James DysFunksional Solez in New York City. As of now a College Graduate in communications, Rakiyah is currently in her fifth year as the Dance Director at Lower Mayfair Rec Center, instructing in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. While well into her seventh year on the Dance Staff at Jardel Rec Center. Rakiyah had the opportunity to choreograph for Jardel Dance’s Pre Game performance, at the Philadelphia 76’ers court for two straight seasons. Returning to En Pointe Dance Studio, Rakiyah is currently training her competition students in Hip Hop/House fundamentals and strengthening their Vogue Fem techniques. This is Ms. Crutchfield’s second season teaching for The Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs Department.

As a teaching artist, he has worked with the youth of Philadelphia as an Education Assistant at the Lenfest Center, and a Mentor/Dance Instructor with Upbeat Dance Center, Rain Dance Studio, Elkins Park School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School, The Village of Arts and Humanities, Urban Movement Arts and in association with The Philadelphia Ballet has worked with Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School, Conwell Middle School, Bethune Mary McCloud School, Dr. Tanner G. Duckery Public School, Global Leadership Academy, and Paul L Dunbar School.

Darden was granted the opportunity to teach Umfundalai as an adjunct at Temple University for the fall semester of 2018. As a performing artist, Darden danced with D2D: Dare to Dance Co., Kariamu & Company:Traditions, and the Nance Dance Collective. He has performed at New Freedom Theatre in “The Ballad of Trayvon Martin” (2016) and had his choreography featured in the productions of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” (2016) and “Black Nativity” (2016), shared the stage with the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble in Kingston, Jamaica (2017-2019) and participated in the Philadelphia Fringe Arts Festival in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Darden had the privilege to work as an assistant choreographer and be featured in Saleka Shyamalan’s music video “Clarity” (2020) and Kingsley Ibeneche’s music video “So Kind” (2021). Standing on the shoulders of his mentors Oluko C. Kemal Nance and his Mwalimu Monique Newton Walker, Darden received his professional teaching certification of the Umfundalai dance technique in February 2021.

Her choreographic journey began in Atlanta, Georgia where she presented work at schools, local shows, and in an internship with Dance Canvas. After graduating, Sevon took a leap of faith and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a choreographer and dance educator. She then performed with Merge Dance Company, Femme Collective, Speak 2 My Soul, Kathanga Dance Company, Fringe Festival’s Sprout (2019), Chocolate Ballerina and in several performances in collaboration with AniMalayaworks. In pursuit of her dream, Burgundy Blue Dance was born in October of 2018. Her first works were presented at RAW natural born artists showcase “Magnify” and “Ovation” in Philadelphia at the Trocadero Theater. Then presented two shows, Dine & Dance and Heaven ANd Hell as well several dance films before taking a long break due to the pandemic.

As a choreographer her intentions are to create art that is thought provoking, raw and relatable to audience members. Sevon strives to create environments full of expression and passion that feel fresh, new, and push the envelope when it comes to the format of traditional theater. As a lover of all art forms, she aims to fuse elements of different styles of dance and art as well as build community between artists and audiences where we can all share experiences together as humans. Sevon is ecstatic to be sharing This with work you today and honored to have such amazing, grounded, and thoughtful artists.

Karen is an art educator for forty years, serving as adjunct instructor of dance at Drexel University and Artistic/Program Director for the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center and Director for the Salem Baptist Praise Dance Ensemble, as well as long term teaching artist for Philadelphia Ballet.

Victor has also expanded his training to include Ballroom, Hustle, Ballet, Jazz and African. Victor’s classic style, elegance, and understanding of the natural island rhythms make him a perfect lead for students of any level.

A cheerful personality and high energy performance style has earned Victor the reputation of “The Entertainer” in Philadelphia. Victor has taught and choreographed classes for adults and teens as well as routines performed at salsa congresses. Victor’s professional credits also include collaboration with Art In Motion, La Luna and Living in Rhythm and several television appearances in PA, NJ and NY.

Victor has performed regularly in local venues such as Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ and Philadelphia locations as well as at several weddings, office parties, school functions and other private functions.

Victor teaches group and private lessons daily. He is currently teaching dance for the School District of Philadelphia. He teaches students of all levels and grades. Victor teaches everything from basic movements and music appreciation at the beginner level to choreography development for more advanced students interested in Performance Classes.

I am from Philadelphia but trained in New York and now I came back to my hometown to share my gift with the youth. I believe music is the way to unify people.

 What we are doing now. I am the creative director of “Benu Ausar Philadelphia” (sound of the creator). The group was founded in 2014. We are a group that performs Traditional Guinea West African pieces all over the United States. I am also a music educator. I have workshops at many organizations and schools like: South Philadelphia high school, Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia public school system, Temple University, PA public library. i have performed recently at George Mason Uni, Democratic National Convention, Friends Schools, and many more. We work with the adults and youth to educate them on percussion instruments from around the world and how to play them.

 Background. I have over 20 plus years of experience playing music and 10 years of teaching. I was raised in traditional African culture so I was born with my instruments. I was taught by master drummers from around the world. I have studied under Tchet Kater, Brother Yao of Asase Yah Drum, and Dance & Basi Kolo, Dende Macedo. These world-renowned teachers taught me when I was young working with Benu Ausar Drummers and Dancers of New York. I was a part of this group during my pre-teen, teenage and adult years. We traveled all across the world to Europe, Canada and the United States. We performed at the Apollo theater for a week-long for African drum and dance play. 

 As you can see, music is in my blood. I love teaching the youth. My experience has allowed me the skill of teaching any and everyone. My passion comes from the elders who taught me, the culture I represent and the youth that look to me as an example. I know I am a humble part of the cycle of music. I was once the youth looking to the masters for guidance and now I am the teacher guiding the youth and one day I wish to be the elder who inspires so many youth to become master drummers.

Tepra khu has played for multiple groups and schools in and out of Pennsylvania including, Coppin State University, Temple University, Dance 4 Nia, Freedom Theater, Just Danz, DIP Dance Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Ballet. His main goal is to continue working in fields of service and continue to experience personal and professional growth.

Located in the greater Northeast Philadelphia area, Ms. Crutchfield trained under Jennifer Holt and Kelley Slaven for six years. Under their direction, Ms. Crutchfield trained in Vaganova, Cecchetti, Horton, Graham and Limón techniques. Graduating En Pointe as a student of dance, Rakiyah studied Pointe, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobats and Competition dance. Ms. Crutchfield has performed and taught in multiple communities around the PA, NJ and NYC area. During her season as a D2 Dancer with PHILADANCO! She was trained by Donald Lunsford, Kim Y. Bears Bailey and the late Deborah Chase-Hicks. To build her strength in Hip Hop, House, Vogue and Jazz dance, she performed and trained under Richard James DysFunksional Solez in New York City. As of now a College Graduate in communications, Rakiyah is currently in her fifth year as the Dance Director at Lower Mayfair Rec Center, instructing in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. While well into her seventh year on the Dance Staff at Jardel Rec Center. Rakiyah had the opportunity to choreograph for Jardel Dance’s Pre Game performance, at the Philadelphia 76’ers court for two straight seasons. Returning to En Pointe Dance Studio, Rakiyah is currently training her competition students in Hip Hop/House fundamentals and strengthening their Vogue Fem techniques. This is Ms. Crutchfield’s second season teaching for The Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs Department.

By the age of 10 she explored various other styles of dance like Hip Hop, Modern, Contemporary, and Horton Technique with BEAUDE Dance Company. Entering High School, she pursued being a dance major along with being a main choreographer for various events such as The African American Heritage Month, Annual Winter Showcases, and Company Performances. Continuing this journey she decided to advance her training in college, and earned her Bachelors of Performing Arts Degree at Stockton University located in Galloway, NJ as a dance major with a concentration in performance. During her time at Stockton University she has had the pleasure of training under Beau Hancock, Blythe Smith, Caitlin Quinn Pittenger, Chandra Moss-Thorne, Rain Ross, Shannon Murphy, Saleana Pettaway and Tiffany Mills for which helped develop her love for ballet and the fluidity and mobility, of movement and technique.

Through her college experience she has also had the pleasure of presenting her work entitled “Love U In Advanced” in the 2021 Fall Choreography Project; Which was about the ideology of family dynamics and the expectations and standards they have. Anodja currently works as a freelance dancer, choreographer, and model creating the space to invest and explore the biological rhythms of the body. As a graduate of Stockton University, she is building her own method of teaching dance to help build confidence, structure, depth, and individualized artistry. Anodja currently performs with the Chocolate Ballerina Company directed and founded by Chanel Pierre-Holland.

As a teaching artist, he has worked with the youth of Philadelphia as an Education Assistant at the Lenfest Center, and a Mentor/Dance Instructor with Upbeat Dance Center, Rain Dance Studio, Elkins Park School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School, The Village of Arts and Humanities, Urban Movement Arts and in association with The Philadelphia Ballet has worked with Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School, Conwell Middle School, Bethune Mary McCloud School, Dr. Tanner G. Duckery Public School, Global Leadership Academy, and Paul L Dunbar School.

Darden was granted the opportunity to teach Umfundalai as an adjunct at Temple University for the fall semester of 2018. As a performing artist, Darden danced with D2D: Dare to Dance Co., Kariamu & Company:Traditions, and the Nance Dance Collective. He has performed at New Freedom Theatre in “The Ballad of Trayvon Martin” (2016) and had his choreography featured in the productions of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” (2016) and “Black Nativity” (2016), shared the stage with the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble in Kingston, Jamaica (2017-2019) and participated in the Philadelphia Fringe Arts Festival in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Darden had the privilege to work as an assistant choreographer and be featured in Saleka Shyamalan’s music video “Clarity” (2020) and Kingsley Ibeneche’s music video “So Kind” (2021). Standing on the shoulders of his mentors Oluko C. Kemal Nance and his Mwalimu Monique Newton Walker, Darden received his professional teaching certification of the Umfundalai dance technique in February 2021.

Her choreographic journey began in Atlanta, Georgia where she presented work at schools, local shows, and in an internship with Dance Canvas. After graduating, Sevon took a leap of faith and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a choreographer and dance educator. She then performed with Merge Dance Company, Femme Collective, Speak 2 My Soul, Kathanga Dance Company, Fringe Festival’s Sprout (2019), Chocolate Ballerina and in several performances in collaboration with AniMalayaworks. In pursuit of her dream, Burgundy Blue Dance was born in October of 2018. Her first works were presented at RAW natural born artists showcase “Magnify” and “Ovation” in Philadelphia at the Trocadero Theater. Then presented two shows, Dine & Dance and Heaven ANd Hell as well several dance films before taking a long break due to the pandemic.

As a choreographer her intentions are to create art that is thought provoking, raw and relatable to audience members. Sevon strives to create environments full of expression and passion that feel fresh, new, and push the envelope when it comes to the format of traditional theater. As a lover of all art forms, she aims to fuse elements of different styles of dance and art as well as build community between artists and audiences where we can all share experiences together as humans. Sevon is ecstatic to be sharing This with work you today and honored to have such amazing, grounded, and thoughtful artists.

She grew up training at Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center and went on to earn a B.S in Dance from Drexel University. She is trained in Modern, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz and African Dance techniques. Throughout her time at Drexel, Kathryn performed in works by Sandra Parks, Jennifer Morley, Dinita Clark, Cachet Ivey, Miriam Giguere and Brendan Fernandes. Kathryn has choreographed works for Drexel Dance Ensemble, FreshDance, fusion2, Penn Dance Company and Philadelphia Dance Academy.

She’s attended summer programs at Earl Mosley’s Institute for the Arts, Philadanco and Urban Bush Women’s Summer Leadership Institute. After graduating, Kathryn spent two years as an ArtistYear Resident Teaching Artist at Samuel Fels High School. She most recently was a member of Academy of Phresh Performance Company directed by Smart Mark and Shanika QP. Currently, Kathryn is a member of Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble, is on faculty with Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center and Sound Space Performing Arts.