Ensemble

The Ensemble

Terri Matthis

Terri Matthis is the only daughter to Clinton and Ruth Matthis. She is the mother of twins Anthony and Antoine. Ms. Matthis dance training began at the age of eight at Philadanco and continued at Motion Studios. Terri has also studied African dance under Ione Nash. She studied ballet, African, modern, jazz, and tap dance. During College Terri participated in diffrent areas of dance and also provided choreography for some companies. Terri had been a dedicated performer and assistant to the Imhotep African Dance & Drum ensemble for 5 years while serving as a facilitator at the school. A highlight of Ms. Matthis career was the opportunity to perform in Ghana, (West Africa 2002). Terri has been a close friend and mentioned by the late Clyde Micheal Hayes, who along with her mother and father are greatly missed. Currently Terri is a teacher in the special education department at the Delaware Valley Charter School in Philadelphia.

Karla Heard

Karla Heard has begun her dance training at at Cannan Institue of the Arts. Ms Heard has performed in many places. The highlight of her performing career was when she recieved the opportunity to perform in Ghana, ( West Africa 2006). Currently Karla is finshing up college where she is studying to become a journalist, in addition Karla Heard is the Director and head choreographer for the Youth Arts Forum of Cultural Expressions Creative Arts Ensemble. Ms.Heard served as the director of arts in education program for the Afrikan Connections Danse Company.

Tamika Colon

Tamika Colon started training in modern dance and ballet at eight years old in her schools performing arts program. After that she moved to Portsmouth, Va. and she continued to to pursue her passion as a dancer and choreographer and performed in many dance competitions and was selected to perform in the city's nationwide talent search. Tamika was also a member of her high schools's dance group, which was greatly involved with performing in all the schools programs. After she finished high school, she moved back to Pennsylvania, where she attended business school and graduated as an Information Processing Specialist. In addition to juggling her career, she is mother, and still continues to dance. She joined LiSanga Ya Bana Kin Congelese Dance Initiative, Medamorephases Dance Co., and Hypnotic Bellydance Ensemble,where she was a key dancer, as well as the resource & costume coordinator for all three, and has performed in many places.

Tahirah Garrett

Janne' Henderson

Shakia Davis Easter

Kristin Conway

Antione Matthis

Afrikan Connections Danse Company

"Afrika Brings A Divine Connection To Communities All Across The Diaspora"