Staff

Keisha, a distinguished alumna of Columbia College Chicago's Dance program, is an award-winning dancer and choreographer. Recognized as Elastic Arts' "Chicago Takes 10" recipient and a 3 Arts Make a Wave Grant recipient, she has a rich artistic practice deeply inspired by nature and life. Her movement vocabulary is rooted in extensive training in West African, House, Modern, and culturally inspired dance forms. Keisha is a seasoned improvisational performer, having graced the stage as a soloist with "The Black Monument Jazz Ensemble," "Sebau," Katherine Davis, Angel Bat Dawid,and Ben LaMar Gay. She has also choreographed and performed alongside jazz musicians at the "Instigation Festival" in New Orleans and participated in Chicago's"Freedom From Freedom Too" series. Member of Project Tool, she received a grant from Onye Ozuzu to attend Dance Gathering 2022 in Marseille, France. In her choreographic endeavors, Keisha has been mentored by BeBe Miller through the Solo/Duo Dancing Project and has been awarded residencies at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and Links Hall.

 

As a faith-based choreographer, she has created dances for church communities at the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Living Testimony Ministry, and Chicago Life Center. Keisha’s collaborative and structured improvisational works often incorporate the perspectives and experiences of her community, fostering a shared creative journey. Over the past decade, Keisha has committed herself to teaching and facilitating workshops in creative venues, youth centers, church communities, and outdoor festivals/events. As a Community Facilitator, her work emphasizes self-expression, spiritual upliftment, and community building. She has taught at Crown Community Academy, Blue Door Neighborhood Center, Imagine Englewood If, Austin Town Hall,Mindful Practices with Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Cultural Center, and Comfort Station. Currently, Keisha is the Artistic Director of Ministry in Motion International Dance Theater and Beautiful Beleaf Dance Company. Embarking on a holistic journey, to lead classes and community-building workshops that integrate spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. Activating public engagements for diverse communities, Keisha's work generates a sense of purpose and connection, while building expressive testimonies and love languages of praise.