...It begins with a single step
158 Moreland SE Atlanta GA 30316(1 blk north of 1-20)
404-622-2585 Email:Info@journeyartscenter.org
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Meet Our Teachers
This Atlanta transplant is originally from Detroit, Michigan; which is where Samara
Michelle was initially introduced to dance. Samara became immersed in the arts at a
young age studying Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African and Hip hop at Detroit-Windsor
Dance Academy. After years of studying dance with Detroit-Windsor she became a
performing member of the Detroit Windsor Second Dance Company as well as the
Cass Tech Dance Workshop.
After moving to Atlanta to continue her studies, Samara went on to receive a
Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education at Clark Atlanta University and a
Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. Samara
McConnell has traveled across that country performing. She has been honored at
the Michigan Youth Arts Festival for her choreography, performed in the All City
Dance concerts across Michigan, toured at the Music Hall and has been featured at
Cobo Hall performing for the annual Toys for Tots program.
Samara’s passion for youth and dance she inspired her to start a Dance Club at the
local Cobb county high school she teaches at (Not sure if you can name the school-
if so I would). You can find Samara in a local dance studio, spending time with her
turtles Red and Jazzy or out and about enjoying Atlanta’s night life in her spare time.
Michelle was initially introduced to dance. Samara became immersed in the arts at a
young age studying Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African and Hip hop at Detroit-Windsor
Dance Academy. After years of studying dance with Detroit-Windsor she became a
performing member of the Detroit Windsor Second Dance Company as well as the
Cass Tech Dance Workshop.
After moving to Atlanta to continue her studies, Samara went on to receive a
Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education at Clark Atlanta University and a
Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. Samara
McConnell has traveled across that country performing. She has been honored at
the Michigan Youth Arts Festival for her choreography, performed in the All City
Dance concerts across Michigan, toured at the Music Hall and has been featured at
Cobo Hall performing for the annual Toys for Tots program.
Samara’s passion for youth and dance she inspired her to start a Dance Club at the
local Cobb county high school she teaches at (Not sure if you can name the school-
if so I would). You can find Samara in a local dance studio, spending time with her
turtles Red and Jazzy or out and about enjoying Atlanta’s night life in her spare time.
| Samara Michelle Artistic Director |
Chanel Jaali Marshall
This Atlanta resident is a graduate of Georgia State University with dual degrees in
Psychology and Sociology, and currently works on research in the fields of African
American Studies and Human Sexuality. She began dancing at the age of 3 and hasn’
t stopped yet! She is trained in Salsa Casino Rueda, ballet, tap, jazz, African, and
modern. Through the years, she has performed for many organizations and
churches throughout the country. She has enjoyed membership in the Simply
Dancing Elite Company, Georgia State University Dance Team (Da Paw C), and the
Salem Missionary Baptist Church Women’s Dance Ministry. Presently Chanel is a
founding and touring member with Journey Dance Company and a Joyleapers
Member/ Choreographer at Salem Missionary Baptist Church. She also enjoys
teaching beginner and intermediate salsa, burlesque, jazz, and stretch at various
dance studios throughout the city of Atlanta. In addition to dancing and teaching she
also enjoys choreography. Her works were displayed at Jack and Jill of America’s
2006 Beautillion Militaire, Salem Missionary Baptist Church’s 2009 Cotillion, Journey
Performing Art Center’s Spring Show, and The Saartjie Project South, where she
also co-directed. When she is not dancing she is working with her mentoring
organization, Mission: Mentor. In her spare time, Chanel enjoys reading, sewing,
traveling, and relaxing!
This Atlanta resident is a graduate of Georgia State University with dual degrees in
Psychology and Sociology, and currently works on research in the fields of African
American Studies and Human Sexuality. She began dancing at the age of 3 and hasn’
t stopped yet! She is trained in Salsa Casino Rueda, ballet, tap, jazz, African, and
modern. Through the years, she has performed for many organizations and
churches throughout the country. She has enjoyed membership in the Simply
Dancing Elite Company, Georgia State University Dance Team (Da Paw C), and the
Salem Missionary Baptist Church Women’s Dance Ministry. Presently Chanel is a
founding and touring member with Journey Dance Company and a Joyleapers
Member/ Choreographer at Salem Missionary Baptist Church. She also enjoys
teaching beginner and intermediate salsa, burlesque, jazz, and stretch at various
dance studios throughout the city of Atlanta. In addition to dancing and teaching she
also enjoys choreography. Her works were displayed at Jack and Jill of America’s
2006 Beautillion Militaire, Salem Missionary Baptist Church’s 2009 Cotillion, Journey
Performing Art Center’s Spring Show, and The Saartjie Project South, where she
also co-directed. When she is not dancing she is working with her mentoring
organization, Mission: Mentor. In her spare time, Chanel enjoys reading, sewing,
traveling, and relaxing!
| Jaali Dance Instructor |
| Liz Dance Instructor |
| Journey Performing Arts Center, Inc Georgia 501(c) (3) Tax Exempt Corporation |
| Angela Dance Instructor |
Elizabeth Dillon was born and raised in Roswell, Georgia; as a young girl she
dreamed of participating in the arts and dance. At the age of seven her family was
struck with tragedy when her eldest brother was murdered. At the funeral she was
introduced to a platonic friend of his, who later on came to be her very first dance
teacher. From that point on her passion for dance was birthed. She has participated
in several dance ensembles ranging from step, to ballet, to liturgical dance. She has
traveled to six different countries dancing including Kenya, Uganda, and Italy.
Elizabeth has been dancing for eleven years now and teaching for four. Her
specialized area is Liturgical dance. Elizabeth believes liturgical dance is not just a
form of worship for Christians but also a form of dance connected to African roots
dealing with spirituality and movement of the body. Elizabeth’s goal as a teacher is to
educate students on the technical, spiritual and emotional aspects of liturgical
dancing, by incorporating ballet, African and lyrical dancing to create a style of dance
unique to her.
dreamed of participating in the arts and dance. At the age of seven her family was
struck with tragedy when her eldest brother was murdered. At the funeral she was
introduced to a platonic friend of his, who later on came to be her very first dance
teacher. From that point on her passion for dance was birthed. She has participated
in several dance ensembles ranging from step, to ballet, to liturgical dance. She has
traveled to six different countries dancing including Kenya, Uganda, and Italy.
Elizabeth has been dancing for eleven years now and teaching for four. Her
specialized area is Liturgical dance. Elizabeth believes liturgical dance is not just a
form of worship for Christians but also a form of dance connected to African roots
dealing with spirituality and movement of the body. Elizabeth’s goal as a teacher is to
educate students on the technical, spiritual and emotional aspects of liturgical
dancing, by incorporating ballet, African and lyrical dancing to create a style of dance
unique to her.
Brandeis “Nilaja” Green found her passion for dance as well as other creative arts at
an early age in Brooklyn, New York and began formal training in high school. Her
primary training consisted of modern technique, including Graham, Dunham and
Horton styles. Nilaja has also studied ballet, hip-hop, jazz, liturgical and various forms
of African dance. Affiliations have included a co-directorship and performing member
of Black Movements Dance Theatre in Washington D.C, JNB Dance Productions in
Johannesburg, South Africa, TV appearances, performances at the International
Festival of Modern Dance, Johannesburg, performances in The National Black Arts
Festival and others. She has worked with nationally known choreographers from
companies such as Philadanco and Alvin Ailey American dance theatre as well as
engaged in choreographic feats of her own. Nilaja currently ensures that dance
occupies a significant place in her life in addition to her graduate studies in
psychology as for her; dance speaks to and for her soul. She is currently a
performing member with several local Atlanta dance companies, including Journey
Dance Company, where she teaches and is also involved in setting a new
choreographic work for the company. Recent appearances have included the
National Black Arts Festival, Savannah Gullah Festival, and Casual Cal’s Big Top
Circus. She has also performed with Journey at the Independent Black Film Awards
ceremony, their annual concerts, Auburn Avenue Festival, as well as various school
and other appearances. Nilaja is very excited to be a performing member of the
Journey Dance Company as a part of the Journey Performing Arts Center because in
addition to performing, community outreach is essential to her life’s purpose.
an early age in Brooklyn, New York and began formal training in high school. Her
primary training consisted of modern technique, including Graham, Dunham and
Horton styles. Nilaja has also studied ballet, hip-hop, jazz, liturgical and various forms
of African dance. Affiliations have included a co-directorship and performing member
of Black Movements Dance Theatre in Washington D.C, JNB Dance Productions in
Johannesburg, South Africa, TV appearances, performances at the International
Festival of Modern Dance, Johannesburg, performances in The National Black Arts
Festival and others. She has worked with nationally known choreographers from
companies such as Philadanco and Alvin Ailey American dance theatre as well as
engaged in choreographic feats of her own. Nilaja currently ensures that dance
occupies a significant place in her life in addition to her graduate studies in
psychology as for her; dance speaks to and for her soul. She is currently a
performing member with several local Atlanta dance companies, including Journey
Dance Company, where she teaches and is also involved in setting a new
choreographic work for the company. Recent appearances have included the
National Black Arts Festival, Savannah Gullah Festival, and Casual Cal’s Big Top
Circus. She has also performed with Journey at the Independent Black Film Awards
ceremony, their annual concerts, Auburn Avenue Festival, as well as various school
and other appearances. Nilaja is very excited to be a performing member of the
Journey Dance Company as a part of the Journey Performing Arts Center because in
addition to performing, community outreach is essential to her life’s purpose.
| Nilaja Dance Instructor |
| Meet Our Staff |
Danielle Elliott is the Executive Director for Journey Performing Arts Center.
Growing up in Detroit dancing was her life. It all started at the young age of 2. At the
age of 6 she began dancing at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. Danielle was a
member of the Detroit Windsor Jr Dance Company and has performed at the Fox
Theatre, Music Hall, Cobo Hall in Detroit, various venues throughout Michigan and in
Bermuda. She continued her dance training until going away to school in Atlanta.
She attended Clark Atlanta University majoring in Criminal Justice. After school she
worked many years in the banking industry in management. Over the years she
became discouraged with corporate America and went back to her roots, her love;
the Arts. Danielle really enjoys working and growing with Journey.
Growing up in Detroit dancing was her life. It all started at the young age of 2. At the
age of 6 she began dancing at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. Danielle was a
member of the Detroit Windsor Jr Dance Company and has performed at the Fox
Theatre, Music Hall, Cobo Hall in Detroit, various venues throughout Michigan and in
Bermuda. She continued her dance training until going away to school in Atlanta.
She attended Clark Atlanta University majoring in Criminal Justice. After school she
worked many years in the banking industry in management. Over the years she
became discouraged with corporate America and went back to her roots, her love;
the Arts. Danielle really enjoys working and growing with Journey.
| Danielle Executive Director |
Rhea Dawkins is a Cincinnati, Ohio native. She is currently attending Clark Atlanta
University with a major in Business and a concentration in Management. As a
second year college student, Rhea stays active in campus life and is a proud
member of the Woman's Leadership Council and Pre-Alumni Council. Although her
concentration in school relates to business, she has a love for theatre and over a
decade of experience in that arena. Pursuing a Bachelor's of Arts degree in
Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University, she plan’s to own her own
theatre company one day.
University with a major in Business and a concentration in Management. As a
second year college student, Rhea stays active in campus life and is a proud
member of the Woman's Leadership Council and Pre-Alumni Council. Although her
concentration in school relates to business, she has a love for theatre and over a
decade of experience in that arena. Pursuing a Bachelor's of Arts degree in
Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University, she plan’s to own her own
theatre company one day.
| Rhea Asst Business Manager |
Angela Nicole Blocker, 21 years old a native of Detroit, Michigan. She attended
Detroit Public schools and graduated from Samuel L. Mumford High School with
honors in 2005. She was accepted and attended Clark Atlanta University. She
attended Clark Atlanta for two years and later transferred to Atlanta Broadcasting
Institute where she pursued her studies in Television and Radio. She graduated
from Atlanta Broadcasting Institute January, 2009 with a 3.83 grade point average.
Angela, has had an extensive dance career. She first started dancing at the tender
age of three. She attended a number of dance studios to name a few: Wendy’s
School of Dance, Freedom Danz Xpressions, and Femtale Dance Studio. During her
middle and high school years she was a member of the Detroit Public Schools All City
Dance Company. In the 11th grade Angela, received the 2004 All City Dance
Student Choreography Award. In 1996 she was chosen to be part of Donald Byrd of
New York “Harlem Nutcracker” she was in this production for 4 consecutive years.
1997 thru 1998 she was a part of Wayne State University Ballet Renaissance and
she performed in the production “Swam Lake” where her group was featured in one
of Michigan local newspapers. Angela participated in the St. Louis Tap Festival and
she tapped with some of the greats: Savion Glover, Diane Walker, Jimmy Sly, one of
the Nicholas Brothers and many more. She later auditioned and performed in the
Cincinnati Ballet Nutcracker. With her dance experience she was able to be
employed by Detroit Public Schools and teach dance in the Summer Programs for
two consecutive years.
One of Angela’s ultimate accomplishments was when she had the pleasure of
tapping with Gregory Hines at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American
during Black History month in February, 2004. They were featured in the March
edition of the Ebony magazine. She also performed as a special guest at the
UniverSoul Circus in Detroit. During her years at Clark Atlanta University she was
chosen to be the Choreographer for the Homecoming Coronations 2005, and 2006.
Detroit Public schools and graduated from Samuel L. Mumford High School with
honors in 2005. She was accepted and attended Clark Atlanta University. She
attended Clark Atlanta for two years and later transferred to Atlanta Broadcasting
Institute where she pursued her studies in Television and Radio. She graduated
from Atlanta Broadcasting Institute January, 2009 with a 3.83 grade point average.
Angela, has had an extensive dance career. She first started dancing at the tender
age of three. She attended a number of dance studios to name a few: Wendy’s
School of Dance, Freedom Danz Xpressions, and Femtale Dance Studio. During her
middle and high school years she was a member of the Detroit Public Schools All City
Dance Company. In the 11th grade Angela, received the 2004 All City Dance
Student Choreography Award. In 1996 she was chosen to be part of Donald Byrd of
New York “Harlem Nutcracker” she was in this production for 4 consecutive years.
1997 thru 1998 she was a part of Wayne State University Ballet Renaissance and
she performed in the production “Swam Lake” where her group was featured in one
of Michigan local newspapers. Angela participated in the St. Louis Tap Festival and
she tapped with some of the greats: Savion Glover, Diane Walker, Jimmy Sly, one of
the Nicholas Brothers and many more. She later auditioned and performed in the
Cincinnati Ballet Nutcracker. With her dance experience she was able to be
employed by Detroit Public Schools and teach dance in the Summer Programs for
two consecutive years.
One of Angela’s ultimate accomplishments was when she had the pleasure of
tapping with Gregory Hines at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American
during Black History month in February, 2004. They were featured in the March
edition of the Ebony magazine. She also performed as a special guest at the
UniverSoul Circus in Detroit. During her years at Clark Atlanta University she was
chosen to be the Choreographer for the Homecoming Coronations 2005, and 2006.
| Silka Simmons Dance Instructor |
At the age of three Ms. Silka Simmons was placed in dance classes, because it has
been said “she could not stop dancing around her grandmother’s kitchen”. So it is
very evident dance has always been in her heart. Simmons continued to take classes
off and on until she joined with the New Birth Dance Ministry in 1998 under the
direction of Tamera Brown. She continued with them for the next five years; dancing
in the pulpit, on stages in the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, and different concerts
and conferences, under the direction of Sabrina McKinley. Once in college, Silka
continued to take dance classes to increase her technical training. She taught
African dance at Dance Steps Inc in Snellville, GA. She then decided to study Modern
dance in London for a semester at Middlesex University. On her return and last year
of school, Silka opened her own one room Studio called Divine Dance Studios in
South Atlanta. The studio lasted a year and produced ten students. After college,
she continued to dance with New Life Dance Ministry, through New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church, once again under the direction of Tamera Brown. She continued with
New Life for two years until she was introduced to the Journey Dance Company in
2008. Silka is presently dancing with the company and teaching dance classes at
Journey Arts Center. Silka says, she loves the atmosphere at Journey and plans to
stay with the company as long as her body allows her to dance.
been said “she could not stop dancing around her grandmother’s kitchen”. So it is
very evident dance has always been in her heart. Simmons continued to take classes
off and on until she joined with the New Birth Dance Ministry in 1998 under the
direction of Tamera Brown. She continued with them for the next five years; dancing
in the pulpit, on stages in the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, and different concerts
and conferences, under the direction of Sabrina McKinley. Once in college, Silka
continued to take dance classes to increase her technical training. She taught
African dance at Dance Steps Inc in Snellville, GA. She then decided to study Modern
dance in London for a semester at Middlesex University. On her return and last year
of school, Silka opened her own one room Studio called Divine Dance Studios in
South Atlanta. The studio lasted a year and produced ten students. After college,
she continued to dance with New Life Dance Ministry, through New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church, once again under the direction of Tamera Brown. She continued with
New Life for two years until she was introduced to the Journey Dance Company in
2008. Silka is presently dancing with the company and teaching dance classes at
Journey Arts Center. Silka says, she loves the atmosphere at Journey and plans to
stay with the company as long as her body allows her to dance.
Donyal D. Andrews is a Georgia Peach and proud of it! Her history of dance dates
back to the age of 3 where she began at Spelman College's School of Dance under
the teaching of Marvette Baldwin. Donyal began with ballet and loved it. It was not
long after that before she began exploring other styles of dance like jazz, modern
and african. She took all the techniques and training she had learned and auditioned
for North Atlanta High School's Performing Arts. Once accepted, dance was no
longer just done on some evenings and weekends but around the clock because it
was a requirement for two hours of each school day. During this time, Donyal also
began dancing with Ballethnic Dance Company which is where she took pointe
classes and learned pas de deux. She had the opportunity to dance in the play
Urban Nutcracker with Ballethnic for three consecutive years and performed during
the Half-Time Show of the 1994 Super Bowl held in Atlanta. As a Rattler at FAMU,
Donyal was a member of the basketball dance team. Most recently, she has taught
classes at her church and assisted in some area Daycares.
Dancing comes from the heart and is a gift from God. It is an area in her life that
feels like home to her no matter how much time she may spend away from it. Even as
a wife and mother, dance is what Donyal will always love and desire to be a part of,
sharing and giving of her talent as she feels she's been called to do.
back to the age of 3 where she began at Spelman College's School of Dance under
the teaching of Marvette Baldwin. Donyal began with ballet and loved it. It was not
long after that before she began exploring other styles of dance like jazz, modern
and african. She took all the techniques and training she had learned and auditioned
for North Atlanta High School's Performing Arts. Once accepted, dance was no
longer just done on some evenings and weekends but around the clock because it
was a requirement for two hours of each school day. During this time, Donyal also
began dancing with Ballethnic Dance Company which is where she took pointe
classes and learned pas de deux. She had the opportunity to dance in the play
Urban Nutcracker with Ballethnic for three consecutive years and performed during
the Half-Time Show of the 1994 Super Bowl held in Atlanta. As a Rattler at FAMU,
Donyal was a member of the basketball dance team. Most recently, she has taught
classes at her church and assisted in some area Daycares.
Dancing comes from the heart and is a gift from God. It is an area in her life that
feels like home to her no matter how much time she may spend away from it. Even as
a wife and mother, dance is what Donyal will always love and desire to be a part of,
sharing and giving of her talent as she feels she's been called to do.
Gary’s music career began in 1990. Although many musicians go to school to learn
how to play and teach music, Gary was anointed by God in a revival service at
Bethesda Church of God in Christ located in Elgin Illinois. From that day on his
career has gone to great levels.
In 1994 he started the first gospel choir at Elgin High School with 25 other young
people, which still carries on to this day. His leading soloist was Zakia Moore, not
knowing that their paths would cross once again and on February 20, 2001 she
became Mrs. Zakia Bailey. He also started the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Elgin gospel
choir, which has preformed in many local event in the community. While taking
music at Elgin High he began teaching and conducting the Elgin High Chamber
chorus and has received many honors for his work. Later he went to college to
advance his music career.
In 1995 he went to compete in a piano competition which was held at Illinois State
University there he won first place. Also in 1995 he won first place in the Midwest
Regional piano competition which was held at Concordia University.
In 2001 Gary had a vision of opening a music school to give back to the community.
Later that year Great Expectation Music School was birth. At G.E.M. the classes
offered were piano, strings, voice, percussion, guitar, and dance. In the first year of
the schools opening 130 attended four days a week for 3 hours a day after school.
Growing up in the church he has learned to be faithful to the ministry. He played for
Bethesda Church of God in Christ for many years under the leadership of Pastor
James Marks. Later moving to Rockford, Illinois in 2001 he joined Brown’s Temple
Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Superintendent Jesse Penix were
he was appointed as minister of music. Since serving as the minister of music and
being faithful God has opened many doors for him. In 2002 he was appointed
District Musician by Bishop James E Washington and in May of 2006 he was recently
appointed as the State Youth Minister of Music. In 2009 he relocated to Atlanta
where he serves as minister of music for Triumphant Word Ministries under the
leadership of Horace Dukes Jr.
Gary is also the author of MUSIC IN MY EYES which is being published in 2009.
how to play and teach music, Gary was anointed by God in a revival service at
Bethesda Church of God in Christ located in Elgin Illinois. From that day on his
career has gone to great levels.
In 1994 he started the first gospel choir at Elgin High School with 25 other young
people, which still carries on to this day. His leading soloist was Zakia Moore, not
knowing that their paths would cross once again and on February 20, 2001 she
became Mrs. Zakia Bailey. He also started the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Elgin gospel
choir, which has preformed in many local event in the community. While taking
music at Elgin High he began teaching and conducting the Elgin High Chamber
chorus and has received many honors for his work. Later he went to college to
advance his music career.
In 1995 he went to compete in a piano competition which was held at Illinois State
University there he won first place. Also in 1995 he won first place in the Midwest
Regional piano competition which was held at Concordia University.
In 2001 Gary had a vision of opening a music school to give back to the community.
Later that year Great Expectation Music School was birth. At G.E.M. the classes
offered were piano, strings, voice, percussion, guitar, and dance. In the first year of
the schools opening 130 attended four days a week for 3 hours a day after school.
Growing up in the church he has learned to be faithful to the ministry. He played for
Bethesda Church of God in Christ for many years under the leadership of Pastor
James Marks. Later moving to Rockford, Illinois in 2001 he joined Brown’s Temple
Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Superintendent Jesse Penix were
he was appointed as minister of music. Since serving as the minister of music and
being faithful God has opened many doors for him. In 2002 he was appointed
District Musician by Bishop James E Washington and in May of 2006 he was recently
appointed as the State Youth Minister of Music. In 2009 he relocated to Atlanta
where he serves as minister of music for Triumphant Word Ministries under the
leadership of Horace Dukes Jr.
Gary is also the author of MUSIC IN MY EYES which is being published in 2009.
Zehra is a 30 year old native of the Pittsburgh community in Atlanta, Georgia with
19 years of experience as a dancer, instructor and choreographer. As a child she
dreamed of dance and began her first class with Ms. Holland, her elementary school
PE teacher. The dance class was West African dance and was taught by Sister
Tokwase, Sister Omelika, and Baba Autu. Later, these 9 little girls will form Barefoot
Ballet Dance Ensemble in addition to training with Spelman's Children's Dance
Extension. Next, Zehra attended North Atlanta High School where she studied under
great dancers like Gary Harrison, Leonard Robertson, Jennifer Bell, Terri Axum,
Kris Cangelosi, & Jerylyn Warner. After graduation, she attended Bethune-
Cookman College, where she found dance again, with Orchesis, under the direction
Ms. Carla Lester. She later transferred to Spelman College and joined the Spriggs-
Burroughs Player, a drama club. There Zehra obtained a BA from Spelman College
in Drama/Dance & Psychology.
Throughout her exciting dance career, she has performed in the 1994 Super bowl
24 half time show and during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. She has
also volunteered with students at Kippways Academy West end and Atlanta Public
Schools through Hands On Atlanta.
Ms. Abdul-Halim would like to have her own professional group to inspire others in
dance as well as motivate African American children to be educated and successful
in the arts.
Also, she would like to one day reunite and thank the dancers/teachers who loved
and motivated her throughout her life. Zehra has taken classes at Total Dance
Theatre and trained with Ray Hall Dance Ensemble. Currently, she is training with
Gotta Dance Atlanta. This is Ms. Zehra Abdul-Halim’s first year teaching at Journey
Performing Arts Center.
19 years of experience as a dancer, instructor and choreographer. As a child she
dreamed of dance and began her first class with Ms. Holland, her elementary school
PE teacher. The dance class was West African dance and was taught by Sister
Tokwase, Sister Omelika, and Baba Autu. Later, these 9 little girls will form Barefoot
Ballet Dance Ensemble in addition to training with Spelman's Children's Dance
Extension. Next, Zehra attended North Atlanta High School where she studied under
great dancers like Gary Harrison, Leonard Robertson, Jennifer Bell, Terri Axum,
Kris Cangelosi, & Jerylyn Warner. After graduation, she attended Bethune-
Cookman College, where she found dance again, with Orchesis, under the direction
Ms. Carla Lester. She later transferred to Spelman College and joined the Spriggs-
Burroughs Player, a drama club. There Zehra obtained a BA from Spelman College
in Drama/Dance & Psychology.
Throughout her exciting dance career, she has performed in the 1994 Super bowl
24 half time show and during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. She has
also volunteered with students at Kippways Academy West end and Atlanta Public
Schools through Hands On Atlanta.
Ms. Abdul-Halim would like to have her own professional group to inspire others in
dance as well as motivate African American children to be educated and successful
in the arts.
Also, she would like to one day reunite and thank the dancers/teachers who loved
and motivated her throughout her life. Zehra has taken classes at Total Dance
Theatre and trained with Ray Hall Dance Ensemble. Currently, she is training with
Gotta Dance Atlanta. This is Ms. Zehra Abdul-Halim’s first year teaching at Journey
Performing Arts Center.
| Donyal Andrews Dance Instructor |
| Gary Bailey Music Instructor |
| Zehra Abdul-Halim Dance Instructor |
Irene Datcher, singer, actress, composer, and arranger; has performed on
Broadway, off-Broadway, in national and international theatre companies, as well
as touring , and internationally singing and recording Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. Ms.
Datcher has served as a musical director, musical consultant, adjunct professor,
artist-in-residence, guest lecturer, and as a theatre & music workshop facilitator
throughout the country.
“Being a member of the Journey Family is a great opportunity to continue to bring
excellence while supporting the exciting vision whose time has come.”
Broadway, off-Broadway, in national and international theatre companies, as well
as touring , and internationally singing and recording Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. Ms.
Datcher has served as a musical director, musical consultant, adjunct professor,
artist-in-residence, guest lecturer, and as a theatre & music workshop facilitator
throughout the country.
“Being a member of the Journey Family is a great opportunity to continue to bring
excellence while supporting the exciting vision whose time has come.”
| Irene Datcher Drama Instructor |
Tamicka “tj” Johnson
Poet, Actor, Dancer, Playwright, and Musician Tamicka "tj" Johnson has been
performing from the tender age of five. Having performed in Bermuda, The United
Kingdom and France, TJ comes to us from Bermuda by way of London. TJ holds a
National Diploma in Performing Arts and a Higher National Diploma in
Performance, Entertainment and Media Studies from West Herts College, UK. On
scholarship from Bermuda Music and Dramatic Society, TJ has recently completed
her studies at Atlanta Technical College with Honors and is currently a member of
Journey Performing Arts Center Dance Company. She plans to remain in Atlanta
and continue her foray into its Arts scene making her mark in the fields of Poetry,
Music and Drama and Movement.
Poet, Actor, Dancer, Playwright, and Musician Tamicka "tj" Johnson has been
performing from the tender age of five. Having performed in Bermuda, The United
Kingdom and France, TJ comes to us from Bermuda by way of London. TJ holds a
National Diploma in Performing Arts and a Higher National Diploma in
Performance, Entertainment and Media Studies from West Herts College, UK. On
scholarship from Bermuda Music and Dramatic Society, TJ has recently completed
her studies at Atlanta Technical College with Honors and is currently a member of
Journey Performing Arts Center Dance Company. She plans to remain in Atlanta
and continue her foray into its Arts scene making her mark in the fields of Poetry,
Music and Drama and Movement.
| TJ Johnson Company Member |
Gary Mitchell Bio
Shr Fu Gary Mitchell is a native Georgian, and runs the Chien Hong School of Kung
Fu in Atlanta, Georgia. The school was named after Lin, Chien Hong, Shr Fu
Mitchell's teacher and inspiration, with whom he trained in Taipei, Taiwan for a
number of years.
Shr Fu Mitchell became a specialist in Hung Fist, a southern Shao-Lin style, as well
as Chinese lion and dragon dance in the styles of both Northern and Southern
China.
Favoring the traditional approach to martial arts, Shr Fu Mitchell has studied
weaponry and weaponry forms, as well as gaining some knowledge of Chinese
medicine.
With over 20 year's experience, Shr Fu Mitchell has competed in local, national and
international events, including a full-contact international tournament in Taipei.
He has also been involved in martial arts demonstrations at many cultural festivals.
Shr Fu Mitchell believes that children are the future of the art, so he ensures that
demonstrations take place at all kinds of educational institutions. His showmanship
and expertise have enlivened many events; in addition he has frequently been
invited to perform as a special guest at 'master' demonstrations across the US. His
interest in the culture and heritage of his chosen style has led him to host annual
Chinese New Year celebrations at the school. Shr Fu Mitchell and Chien Hong
School are actively involved in Asian cultural arts festivals whenever possible.
Today he continues to expand his knowledge, studying all aspects of combat,
weaponry and the disciplines inherent in Shao-Lin Fist Styles, as well as teaching
many different classes at his school.
Shr Fu Gary Mitchell is a native Georgian, and runs the Chien Hong School of Kung
Fu in Atlanta, Georgia. The school was named after Lin, Chien Hong, Shr Fu
Mitchell's teacher and inspiration, with whom he trained in Taipei, Taiwan for a
number of years.
Shr Fu Mitchell became a specialist in Hung Fist, a southern Shao-Lin style, as well
as Chinese lion and dragon dance in the styles of both Northern and Southern
China.
Favoring the traditional approach to martial arts, Shr Fu Mitchell has studied
weaponry and weaponry forms, as well as gaining some knowledge of Chinese
medicine.
With over 20 year's experience, Shr Fu Mitchell has competed in local, national and
international events, including a full-contact international tournament in Taipei.
He has also been involved in martial arts demonstrations at many cultural festivals.
Shr Fu Mitchell believes that children are the future of the art, so he ensures that
demonstrations take place at all kinds of educational institutions. His showmanship
and expertise have enlivened many events; in addition he has frequently been
invited to perform as a special guest at 'master' demonstrations across the US. His
interest in the culture and heritage of his chosen style has led him to host annual
Chinese New Year celebrations at the school. Shr Fu Mitchell and Chien Hong
School are actively involved in Asian cultural arts festivals whenever possible.
Today he continues to expand his knowledge, studying all aspects of combat,
weaponry and the disciplines inherent in Shao-Lin Fist Styles, as well as teaching
many different classes at his school.