Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Woodard.
Hi Felicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story starts with my father encouraging me towards the arts. All of my free spirited-be curious, inspired by nature, science, and need to create things with my hands came from him. 🙂 I went to a Fine Arts elementary school and participated in dance and theater, as well as track and cheerleading for sports.
I knew from a young age I wanted to dance and went on to major in Dance for undergrad.
The program was very much so focused on Eurocentric ideas of dance so after I graduated I sought out every Afro-Diasporic dance style I could find to learn and train.
I danced for Kucheza Ngoma which was a wonderful experience in West African and Caribbean folk dance. I was still doing modern dance for Second Generation and Urban Souls, but when I started learning and performing samba with LD Dance Company, that’s where I found my dance home.
I no longer dance for the company, however, I continued to train in samba styles and it opened the door to wonderful life changing opportunities! Currently, I do samba and also facilitate yoga classes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Once I started doing samba the road got smoother to be honest. I think early on I was subconsciously trying to find my lane and my voice in dance. I felt like I was “supposed” to do ballet or modern or dance for prestigious companies bc I had a degree in dance. Also, it is ingrained and we are socially conditioned to see modern or ballet when people say they are a “professional dancer”. People typically do not see someone in a large folk skirt or head wrap.
I had a lot of things that I felt like I was “supposed” to be doing…… But when I began the grounded, soft, supple, movement that is so prevalent in movements of the African Diaspora and I was able to move my hips, torso, butt, -everything- when I was able to express myself freely through Afro-Diasporic dance, especially samba- nothing else mattered.
It was easy to go to rehearsals because dancing began to feel good as opposed to me dancing and using my body as an instrument to please the audience.
I do understand that on some level that is a part of performing, however, dance became easier simply because it felt good.
My family and partner at the time were a TREMENDOUS help because they saw how much I loved it and sacrificed time and energy to see to it that I could make rehearsals, do shows, and competitions.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I facilitate yoga classes, perform samba, and work in gardens. 🙂 I am certified in Hatha and Kemetic yoga and I enjoy offering people space to breathe and intentionally rest.
I really enjoy samba and I will most likely do it until I am an elderly woman. LOL
When it comes to cultural/ social/ folk dances there is no age limit or perfect body type. Since these dances are ancestral, oftentimes ceremonial, and rooted in rebellion, there is a performatory aspect to them in the west, but they are social as well. So I literally see myself doing samba forever. It’s truly one of my passions.
Lastly, I have started sharing my love for adding greenery in spaces and gardening. For a long time I “sat on my green thumb”, and my love for making living spaces beautiful. Now I share it online and volunteer randomly in gardens. I am really passionate about eradicating food apartheid in neglected areas hurt by systemic racism and environmental violence.
Any big plans?
Right now, I am looking forward to having more fun in life! I have absolutely NO big changes or plans and it feels good to say that. When I look back I have always had goals to hit and worked hard and had a project I was working on. Even during the pandemic I completed my Masters, started a business, and received 2 yoga certificates. I want to rest as a part of my liberation, mental health, rebellion, and for the sake of my body, family, and work. I truly enjoy dancing, yoga, and gardening but I am no good to the community tired, exhausted, or unfulfilled. So I still teach classes here and there and I have a gig about every 2-3 months but I have intentionally decided to make no plans unless I am planning a trip or a party. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email: Felicia.dncr@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicia_dance_and_yoga/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqv3qGWO4Sl2sOpsiKDiJbw
- Other: https://liberationhertz.buzzsprout.com/1347094
Image Credits
Andre Santos Photography
Gerald Thomas
Honesta Photography
Lindsay Garrigue
