Zahra Speaks on Codifying our Dances

An excerpt from a conversation on TurnOut Radio

The Importance of Incorporating African Based Movement in Community Programming

Alliance for Healthier Communities:
Play the 4min snippet from the Social Prescribing Conference 2022

Meet Zahra: The Face behind ZahraMoves

Picture by: Purple Matters

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Zahra Badua is a dynamic artist whose work bridges her passions for dance, education, and the rich cultural legacy of the African diaspora. As a dance educator, administrator, movement coach, and choreographer, Zahra has made a meaningful impact in communities throughout Canada and the United States.

Trained extensively in West African and Caribbean dance traditions, Zahra has performed, taught, and choreographed for a range of dance companies, schools, and cultural events across the Greater Toronto Area, Kingston (Ontario), Montréal, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, and Memphis. Her artistry is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the vibrant traditions of African and Caribbean diasporic dance.

She is the founder of ZahraMoves, an educational and performance-based company. The educational arm focuses on the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of African diasporic dance forms, while the performance division offers a platform for emerging artists of color to cultivate and showcase their talents.

A passionate advocate for dance education, Zahra teaches at the elementary, high school, and post-secondary levels, firmly believing in the essential role of dance for students' educational and physical well-being.

Currently, Zahra serves as the Production and Engagement Coordinator for dance Immersion, a Black-led non-profit organization dedicated to producing, promoting, and supporting dancers and dances of the African Diaspora. Her expertise also extends to behind-the-scenes production work, having completed the National Arts Centre’s Apprenticeship Program in Technical Production, Producing, and Design under the mentorship of Sharon Digenova.

In her production career, Zahra has contributed to several notable projects with dance Immersion, including the National Showcase of Canadian Blacks in Dance, Djata: Conversations of the Manden by Aly Keita, BOW’T TRAIL Retrospek by Rhodnie Désir Créations, and Wind and the Leaves – Allies and Friends.

Our Go-to Playlist

Check out our go-to playlist for movement warm-up’s and workshops

How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome

An excerpt from Dance Immerson’s Community Corner Conversations Live Blog Series featuring Zahra Badua.
Watch below

Meet Kwasi: One of the Percussionists

Kwasi Dunyo was born in the enchanting Ewe village of Dagbamete, Ghana. From a tender age, he immersed himself in the world of drums, guided by his father, Master Drummer Frederick Kwasi Dunyo. Now a virtuoso in Ghanaian music, he directs, teaches, and performs across diverse contexts.

As a drummer and choreographer, he astounds audiences with groups like the Southern Volta Association of Canada and the Kekeli Drumming ensemble. Kwasi's passion for education led him to teach at renowned institutions and share his wisdom. Toronto's grand events witness his electrifying performances and transformative workshops. Experience the magic as Kwasi Dunyo's rhythms unite hearts and souls, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter his captivating presence.