| Beverly White-Yates 216 650-3914 |
Hi: I am Beverly A. White -Yates,also known as Jamila Yaa, (Beautiful Thursday)the name given to me by two friends. I have been in the performing arts since I was a child while living in Cleveland,Ohio. I started singing at home for my parents gatherings and later in talent shows and school and church choirs. I took Modern Dance at Karamu House in Cleveland,Ohio. And later, I became a cheerleader in high school and cheered for special events at Case Western Reserve Upward Bound and college programs at Kent State University. While at KSU I graduated with a degree in Education with a minor in African American Studies, where I was first introduced to African Dance,performing in programs for the Institute of African American Affairs,now known as the Institute for Pan-African Culture. Sometime after graduation I moved to California and owned operated an Aerobics studio and Herb Shop. I have been in the natural health business since 1979. Upon returning to Cleveland,Ohio I opened and Herb shop The Body Workshoppe II. I have taught Ballroom dance to youth at the EYE program at Unity Center on the Heights,as well as moderated "The Artists Way Workshops" I have studied Belly Dance since 2000. My teachers have been,Cassandra Warda,Cleveland Ohio,Sunyatta Amen,Washington D.C.,Lotus Niraja,Sadie,Ahava,Hassania of Morocco,Makeda,Carmen and drummer Souhail Kaspar ,and Mayasa Telfair. I also have danced,laughed and trained with the sisters of Belly Dancers of Color, BOCA and I am honored and blessed to be a member. I have taught Belly Dance at Unity on the Heights,Cleveland Public Library,Salvation Army,Indian Hills Community Center,Senior Outreach Services, and Different Styles Of Dance. Belly Dancing has been a blessing in my life. Teaching and sharing this sacred dance has been an honor. For woman by woman,together we are building community,self-esteem,and positive body images,and LOVE. NAMASTE |