Lanecia Radcliff, aka “Nkachika” (chikamoves.com) is a South Florida artist and fitness advocate, who for the past twenty years has been a vital part of the cultural arts community as a performer, teacher and supporter of African dance and drum. She will be presenting a dance and drum workshop, along with Ivory Coast Master Drummer Dr. Djo Bi, entitled “A Journey to West Africa” on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the South Side Cultural Arts Center in Fort Lauderdale. Miami Dance and Drum caught up with her (which is not easy, as she moves very quickly) and was able to speak with her about the upcoming event and a few other things.
MDAD How and when did you start dancing?
NKACHIKA I started modern dance when I was a little girl and picked up African dance in college at the age of 18. I was away at Michigan State University and I had gained the freshman 15. My friends told me about an African dance class so I said “Why Not”. When I took that first class I decided that this would be part of my life. I didn’t think I would perform or teach. I was thinking I would take lessons for the next 50 years. Which I am still learning now.
MDAD Who are some of the people, past or present, who you look up to within African dance and drum and how have they inspired you ?
NKACHIKA One of the people who inspired me was Keba Cissoko. He was from Guinea Bissau and was a master Kora player and singer. He helped me to understand the music and I was grateful to know him and perform with him. Unfortunately he passed away in 2004. Some other teachers are Katherine Dunham, Samba Diallo, Dr.Djo Bi, Marie Basse, Youssouf Koumbassa, and Maimounatou. And of course Sheila Mccray, CEO of SASA African Dance Theatre. You push me to be a cultural ambassador and to not be discouraged!
MDAD Congratulations on your fitness certification. How important is fitness and conditioning to African dance? Why was it important to you to get certified?
NKACHIKA Thanks! I have always been into fitness while I was concurrently learning African Dance. It has helped me to have stamina while I am dancing and drumming. Believe it or not, fitness also helps me with my eczema and releasing toxins. Fitness definitely helps my mood. It was important for me to get certified so I could have more opportunities to teach in community centers. Some of these centers require the certification in order to teach any kind of fitness. Even if it is African Dance. I love incorporating African dance moves into my aerobics classes. Nothing works out your body like the original dance and drum from the Motherland.
MDAD Can you tell us about one performance or experience with African Dance that stands out in your memory?
NKACHIKA Oh wow, I really have to think back. Maybe one of my first African dance performances with Samba Diallo in the Atlanta area. I had performed Afro Haitian dance before but not traditional African dance. This style was Ivory Coast. I was taking his classes and he asked his students to perform. He then put me in the dance and said I was going to lead. And I asked”Why Me”. I was petrified! I did not think I was good enough. But it started from there. I am glad he pushed me. I will be forever grateful.
MDAD I heard you have a vegan diet. What do you eat to maintain energy for dancing and just everyday life?
NKACHIKA I eat a mostly vegan diet. Everyone once and awhile I will have eggs, cheese, or fish. But rarely. This diet helps me to eat to live instead of living to eat. Eating a mostly plant based diet helps the cells in my body and eases my arthritis and ezcema. This helps me in dance and my everyday life. My food is my medicine.
MDAD Historically, African dance and drum was relegated to Black History Month and Kwaanza. It is now being slowly integrated into the rest of the calendar year. As someone who has been a participant and supporter from the beginning, how do you feel about that?
NKACHIKA I think it is awesome. I am grateful to educate the community about this culture during Black History month and Kwanzaa, but it is so much more than that. This culture can be appreciated and loved 365 days of the year and I am glad others in the community are starting to recognize that.
MDAD Where can people find you online and where can they go to take your class?
NKACHIKA
- www.chikamoves.com and https://www.facebook.com/chikamoves/
- http://instagram.com/chikamoves
- https://www.meetup.com/ChikaMoves-West-African-Dance-Drum-and-Fitness/events/251153437/
MDAD You must be excited about your upcoming workshop. Tell us a little about “A Journey to West Africa”.
NKACHIKA Yes I am excited. This is just an event to spread the word in the community of this beautiful culture that is in Broward county. Having drummers, students and individuals from the community come and celebrate will be awesome. I will also invite youth and teens from foster care to the event. I am so grateful that the Broward County Cultural Division helped to make this happen!
MDAD What advice would you to any aspiring African dancers or drummers out there?
NKACHIKA Stay humble, flexible, grateful, committed, and open minded. There is so much to learn in West African culture, and if someone takes the time to teach, be grateful that they are sharing this beautiful culture with you.
MDAD Shoutouts, props and shameless plugs HERE
NKACHIKA GET OUT AND VOTE IN 2018! Please register to vote. If you have moved, please update your registration.
https://registertovoteflorida.gov/en/Registration/Index
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