6 Black Women Dancers Who Will Dare You To Move
Let's be honest, the world is experiencing some tough times, and on the days when it doesn't feel like things are getting better anytime soon it is best to release, relax, and tap into Black joy. One of the most effective ways to get through difficult moments is through music therapy and movement. Dance can be both a sweet escape and a great workout.
Black women all over the world have been expressing their sense of freedom, resilience, power, and creativity through dance. Here are a few ladies that are killing it in the dance industry and after watching them I guarantee you will be inspired. Watch their sensual movements on Instagram and get your whole life. It's worth it.
ASSATA JONES @assatajones
From joyously dancing and singing in her living room to becoming a background dancer for recording artist Solange, if there is anything we can gain from following the life of Assata Jones, it's that hard work and dedication truly pays off. Day by day, Assata dances through life and shares her musical journey unapologetically. Assata shows you the ins and outs of songwriting, laying down vocals, and behind the scenes as she tours the world. She demonstrates how she stays centered and fit even while on tour.
DEIJAH ROBINSON @deijahview
Deijah is a single mom, professional dancer, and model and does it all with style and grace. She has performed with artists such as Ciara, Janelle Monae, and mostly notably Beyonce. You can catch all of her joy and sensuality through dance. She is an open book and has no issue with explaining what it takes to prevail in the dance industry. We must not forget that her levels of flexibility are impeccable. She is a star in her own right. Follow Deijah's journey and watch her glow.
VONNA @yvonnewinborne
Yvonne captivates versatility in the way that she creates her choreography. She displays that whether you are wearing a pair of heels or sneakers, you can still have fun and be sexy at the same. Yvonne encourages her students to do their best and leave all of their fears onto the dance floor. Outside of dancing, Yvonne is a mental health advocate with an organization titled "Dead the Silence" which encourages people to speak on mental health issues, trauma, and how they have been victimized of violence.
KAYLA MARIE @kaylamarie.j
When Kayla dances, she really knows how to spice things up. Her high-kick split and pirouettes are on point. Kayla Marie is a former five-year NBA dancer and has danced alongside some of the greatest performers such as Ciara, Teddy Riley, and GUY. You might have seen her in the Step Up series and the latest season of Boomerang on BET. Kayla gives dance classes and shows her best moves all over the streets of Atlanta. No matter the location, whether she's on the basketball court, at the dance studio or on stage, she is giving it her all.
FANCY JONES @iam_fancyjones
Fancy in motion is the epitome of elegance. This Chicago native knows how to keep you on your toes as she continues to flourish in the dance industry. She is the founder of the S.H.E Dance group and teaches the "Fancy and Friends Dance Class" in the Chicago area. Fancy loves the stage and gives us nothing but good vibes. Her confidence is undeniable and choreography accentuates the body. Allow her simple and sexy choreography to take you away.
Leaux @_laurenlovesyew
Lauren, also known as Leaux, graces the dance floor and serves us with the best looks. She has danced alongside Lizzo and has even been a part of the Millenium 2020 Tour! She keeps us all entertained with her high-spirited dance videos and carnival experiences. When Leaux is off the dance scene, she is running her online boutique Shop Leaux where she sells stylish clothes and accessories. Leaux is a dance goddess with a lot to show and prove.
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Get To Know 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story' Star India Amarteifio
Actress India Amarteifio has enchanted audiences with her captivating performance of a young Queen Charlotte in Netflix's latest hit Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
The limited series, a prequel to Bridgerton, follows the young queen as her marriage to King George of England causes a societal shift. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story debuted on Netflix earlier this month to rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
The show had left many in awe of the stars' portrayal of each character and its riveting storylines, so much so that it excelled in the streaming platform's top ten charts landing at number one when it premiered.
Since then, Amarteifio and her castmates have been trending on social media for various reasons. The list includes many sharing their remarks regarding the love story between Queen Charlotte and King George and social media users wanting to know more about the actors and actresses.
Although few details have been released about Amarteifio and her life, many would be surprised to know some uncovered facts about the star, unveiled recently during her promotional tour of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
India Was a Trained Dancer
Prior to focusing on acting full-time, Amarteifio was a trained dancer.
Marie Claire magazine reports Amarteifio --who grew up in England-- attended the Richmond Academy of Dance when she was 11. The following year, Amarteifio received a scholarship for Sylvia Young Theatre School. But the star's dancing journey would ultimately be cut short when she was 12 after sustaining a hamstring tear.
Amarteifio told L'Officiel what made her fully transition into acting, in addition to her injury, was that she was "constantly" falling ill. Amarteifio shared that because she loved "the acting element through dance," becoming an actress was a "natural" switch.
"I always wanted to dance. I went to performing arts school when I was 11 to 16. Then I really badly injured myself, and it made me question the industry and the lifestyle of something so reliant on my body," she said. "I constantly was getting injured and ill, and it made me look at the reality of the life of a dancer. I always loved the acting element through dance, so I made the natural transition that way. But I always wanted to perform—acting is just more of a newish venture."
India Started Acting Really Young
Despite Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story being Amarteifio's breakout role, the star has been a part of the entertainment industry since she was a baby.
In an April interview with Vogue magazine, Amarteifio revealed that she landed her first acting opportunity alongside her mother in a commercial for Vodafone when she was eight months old. A few years later, Amarteifio would land theater jobs, including The Lion King, where she played the role of young Nala, Matilda, and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
"I was in a Vodafone advert with my mum when I was eight months old. I only found out about it the other day – she told me they did an open call and she just rocked up with me," she said." Growing up, I loved theatre and dance, and when I was nine, I auditioned for The Lion King in the West End. I did that for about a year, then moved on to Matilda, then Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Around that time, I got a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School."
After Amarteifio's injury at 12 and fully deciding to pursue acting as a career choice, she would go on to get minor roles in Doctor Who, The Tunnel, and Sex Education.
"We had a careers evening when I was 14, and I started thinking, 'If I keep doing this, I'll have a short career.' So, I started focusing on acting and ended up getting small roles in Doctor Who, The Tunnel and Sex Education," she said.
India On Being Mixed Race And How She Related To Her Character
As the conversation shifted to how Amarteifio could relate to her Queen Charlotte character, the actress shared that because of her mixed background, she felt she could identify with the idea of not knowing where to "fit in."
Amarteifio's mother is white, while her father, who is Black. Further in the interview, Amarteifio recalled what it felt like being the "only person of color" to enter a room and compared those instances to Queen Charlotte's experiences early on in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
"I'm mixed race. I've got a white mum and my dad is Black – born in London, but with Ghanaian ancestry – so I can relate to her in terms of not really knowing where you fit in. I know what it's like to walk into a room and have everyone look at you because you're the only person of color. There are so many scenes, especially early on in the series where Charlotte does exactly that," she stated. "In those moments, you feel alone and awkward, and it can be uncomfortable to talk about it, but by writing those scenes, Shonda's starting that conversation and showing people that they aren't alone."
India Prepared For Queen Charlotte: A Briderton Story By Watching The Crown
Earlier this month, Amarteifio opened up about how she prepped for her starring role in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
In an interview with Bustle, the actress disclosed that she binged-watch Netflix's The Crown to get another perspective on being a royal. Amarteifio also shared that her co-star Corey Mylchreest suggested it after they were informed that they would be doing a coronation scene.
"Corey [Mylchreest] actually recommended [that I] watch The Crown because we were doing the coronation scene [in Queen Charlotte]. In Season 1 [of The Crown], the Queen is going through a coronation, and it was interesting to see how that was done—because it's a ritual, it's a very similar experience, and to see the behind-the-scenes elements that they showed in The Crown was actually helpful," she explained.
Amarteifio also mentioned that portraying Queen Charlotte and watching The Crown helped her understand the royal family more as people.
"I definitely understand the royal family more, in the sense of knowing who people are in relation to other people—that's because when I was filming, I binge-watched The Crown. So I feel like I know them all. I know their secrets," she said. "But [Queen Charlotte] didn't give me any further insight into them because we don't delve into that. We're taking from history, but we're retelling it."
India On How The Queen Charlotte Role Impacted Her
In the same interview, Amarteifio provided details about how portraying the role of Queen Charlotte positively impacted her life.
Amarteifio stated that before taking the role of Queen Charlotte, she was often nervous to ask questions out of fear that she would "rock the boat." Still, after playing the character, the star started opening up more because she realized that even if she didn't receive any answers, it made situations much easier to handle.
"I see her as a very different entity. [But] not being embarrassed or afraid of asking questions is probably one of the things that I took away, because she asks questions and gets answers. Sometimes she doesn't get answers, but at least she tried. Sometimes I feel like I'm a bit nervous to ask questions or rock the boat — but actually, it just makes things easier," she stated.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is now streaming on Netflix.
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