Yewande In celebration of Yewande's life, SMAPA will host a FREE
West African Dance Class Wednesday, October 22nd from 7:45-8:45. All are welcomed!!!
FROM SMAPA FAMILY:
We lost a gifted African Dancer, Teacher and friend... Yewande Kelly Johnson you will be missed.
Yewande Kelly Johnson had been in the field for over 25 years and served as the Founder/ Artistic Director of the Iwa Lewa Heritage Ensemble which 'presents dance, music and story from Africa and the Diaspora.’ Her performing focus was African and Caribbean dance, but she was also a student of the Savoy Style Lindy Hop/ Swing. Yewande’s emphasis on the contexts of her dances, as well as the historical and cultural perspectives inspired many to partake in the 'richness and brilliance of African Dance.'
Considered a Master Teacher of African Dance she also taught students of all ages all over the tri-state area, including Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA), where she was loved and regaled for her "patience, sense of humor and sweet spirit,” according to teachers and students. Founder/ Director, Sharron Miller shared, "As recently as four weeks ago, Yewande completed her 8th year teaching the students of our Prime Time Summer Arts program. She touched the lives of hundreds of children by sharing not only the dances, but also the traditions and the history of the art form. She truly made a difference and will be sorely missed!"
Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA) has donated to The American Cancer Society on behalf of Yewande’s life and legacy. If Yewande has touched you, please consider making a donation.
West African Dance Class Wednesday, October 22nd from 7:45-8:45. All are welcomed!!!
FROM SMAPA FAMILY:
We lost a gifted African Dancer, Teacher and friend... Yewande Kelly Johnson you will be missed.
Yewande Kelly Johnson had been in the field for over 25 years and served as the Founder/ Artistic Director of the Iwa Lewa Heritage Ensemble which 'presents dance, music and story from Africa and the Diaspora.’ Her performing focus was African and Caribbean dance, but she was also a student of the Savoy Style Lindy Hop/ Swing. Yewande’s emphasis on the contexts of her dances, as well as the historical and cultural perspectives inspired many to partake in the 'richness and brilliance of African Dance.'
Considered a Master Teacher of African Dance she also taught students of all ages all over the tri-state area, including Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA), where she was loved and regaled for her "patience, sense of humor and sweet spirit,” according to teachers and students. Founder/ Director, Sharron Miller shared, "As recently as four weeks ago, Yewande completed her 8th year teaching the students of our Prime Time Summer Arts program. She touched the lives of hundreds of children by sharing not only the dances, but also the traditions and the history of the art form. She truly made a difference and will be sorely missed!"
Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA) has donated to The American Cancer Society on behalf of Yewande’s life and legacy. If Yewande has touched you, please consider making a donation.
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