MEET MALENA
Hi!
I’m Malena Amusa, founder of AddLife! Studio, a global African dance company determined to inspire the success of people everywhere, through daring master classes, concerts, programs, and creative works.
I'm thrilled to have you visit my site, and even more so, to work with you in the near future!
A dance innovator, producer, and entrepreneur, I launched AddLife! Studio in 2011, after an international career in newspaper journalism.
In addition to operating Addlife!, I'm currently the African dance choreographer, instructor, and office manager for the new, state-of-the-art Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center in Brooklyn. I'm also co-founder of Africa United Ballet International, LLC, and the Grandmaster Djembe Xplosion Mega Conference.
I love to propel people, companies, and communities by teaching bold dance classes, producing concerts & exceptional entertainment. As a result, I have produced dozens of dance workshops and performances attended by thousands worldwide.
A graduate of Northwestern University and Columbia University in New York City, I’ve worked and studied dance in Guinea, Senegal, South Africa, India, Nigeria, New York City, and across America. I wake up everyday ready to teach, entertain, and ultimately, bring the best out of people and dance!
TEACHING & CHOREOGRAPHY
Since 2011, I've taught more than 3,000 students African dance and staged three original musicals. I specialize in dynamic teaching, program development, writing, choreographing, producing, and performing bold African dance experiences. Teaching stints include a lectureship at University of California-Riverside (2013-2014), guest teaching at Cal-Poly Pamona (2014), and at dozens of public schools, studios, and centers nation and worldwide.
I take pride in bringing African dance to its full dimension and being a head-to-toe, heart-and-soul dancer whose dance ultimately expresses a love of life, and propels people to action. I combine my extensive training with a fierce expressive style and motivational flare that simply adds life!
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE
I've toured and served as principal dancer of several elite companies including New York's Harambee Dance Company (2007 – 2010), Cirque Zuma Zuma (2015), the
premier Afriky Lolo Dance Company in St. Louis (2012 – 2013), and Northwestern
University’s African Dance & Drum Ensemble which I co-founded with Dr.
Habib Iddrisu (2006).
I started training in dance at the age of 17 and have pursued a path of mastery and artistry in partnership with
the world’s leading Grandmaster dancers. My master teachers
include Moustapha Bangoura of Guinea, Dr. Habib Iddrisu of
Ghana, Diadie Bathily of the Ivory Coast, DeBorah Ahmed of St. Louis, Missouri, Sandella
Malloy of New York, and Malinke Grand Master Djembefola Bolokada Conde of Guinea.
A CALLING
At the heart of my work is an insatiable drive to make a difference in people's lives, and to ignite the creative and global consciousness of
our century’s young leaders.
