“I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”
— Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President.
How we got here
It’s simple. Charlotte needs more inclusive and welcoming spaces for wellness and creativity - especially for communities of color. From yoga and dance to content creation and learning experiences - there’s a clear distinction in access and opportunity available to creatives of color. We’re proud to provide a space for creativity, growth, learning and healing with the goal of supporting the broader health, wellness and creativity of our community.
About Niche
I am an African dancing, yoga loving, diversity focused, free spirit who lives my life by the Xhosa principle of “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”. Simply stated, it is the belief that “a person is a person through persons” and that we are bonded through common humanity and oneness. I am an advocate for the building of community, personal transformation and self care. It is my intention to be a stand for the underrepresented, especially those who do not fit the traditional standard including body image, ethnicity and socio-economic status. Outside of Our Space, you can find me teaching West African dance, on my yoga mat, spending time with my family, laughing from my gut and living my life unapologetically and free.
About Sydney
I always say dance saved me. I mean it figuratively and literally. Growing up, I could have spent my afternoons after school hanging out with friends but I chose to spend them in dance class. As an adult, dance - and the community within it - kept me at some of my lowest moments. Dance, movement and creativity brought me some of my closest friends and taught me so much about discipline, creativity and integrity. It's the most immediate and explicit example that you get out exactly what you put in. To live in a place that (seemingly) doesn't afford the same access and opportunity to cultural arts as other artistic endeavors was equal parts disappointing and compelling. Our Space is a love offering. And it's just that 'Our Space'. Here's to never forgetting to play, move and create. May we forever let passion, inspiration and creativity unit us.
I am a corporate communicator by day. Off the clock, if I’m not pouring into Our Space, I’m working on my fitness, finding time to dance and enjoying the wealth that is my friends and family.
“Taking up Space”
Do health, wellness and creativity intersect? We think so. Like to hear about it? Here it go…
“I tell them this, it’s so simple… do you have the vision? It doesn’t matter what you do. Do you have the vision?
— Mama Kadiatou Conte. Founder of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble.