Artist Bio
Amaniyea Payne is artistic director of
Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago and a versatile artist who has studied, performed and toured globally. By integrating teaching, performing, choreography, costume design, consultations and production, part of her mission is to preserve and share the traditions that inspire future generation of dancers. Amaniyea’s style evolves from natural rhythmic movements based in, and formed by, traditional African dance together with the dances of the Caribbean and the African-American culture. Focusing on arts education and developing integrated learning opportunities for teachers and students, Amaniyea provides professional instruction and artistic support to numerous schools, arts organizations, and dance artists in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean Islands.
Artist Statement
African dance helps to recapture the uninhibited pleasure of self-expression and allows the natural flow of rhythm in our bodies to come alive. ‘Natural Rhythmic Movements’ is a systematic approach towards teaching African dance techniques. Being a living art, it awakens our senses and focuses on the spirit within the dances and allows participation. Not only must the body be strengthened, the will must be used and the mind opened. As performer and teacher, she is thankful for the understanding that music and motion has been given to us so that the ancestral voice and force is with us eternally.
