IMANI Dance, formerly known as GESTURES Dance Ensemble, continues the legacy of training five generations of exceptional teen dancers. This pre-professional dance ensemble is specifically designed for the dance student ages 13 to 17 who desire to advance their training in a rigorous and nurturing environment of dance classes in a professional capacity. Dancers take classes in ballet, modern, and jazz as well as classes in acting for dancers and body conditioning. The classes are coupled with the performance component of working with professional choreographers and master instructors who advance, challenge, and encourage the technical, creative, and artistic spirit of the IMANI dancer. They represent the highest level of dedication and commitment to their training, and in turn become the role models for the younger generation of dancers in our program.
The company has had the opportunity to work with exceptional industry professionals such as Darrell Grand Moultrie, Amy Hall Garner, Abdur- Rahim Jackson and Olivia Bowman-Jackson, Jona Biddle, Natrea Blake, and Sheila Barker.
Last summer they were invited to the Creative Arts Project to participate in a workshop for young campers on the dance creative process that exemplified PPA's mission to "building community through the performing arts." Past performance opportunities have also included PPA's annual OnStage! Recital, ProVoice's 3rd Honors Award Dinner, the youth summit at St. Phillip's Church in Harlem, and the 'Do It For the Culture' Gospel Festival at CNR.