Your Dance Teacher:

Halima Mahdee

Halima Mahdee. Born and raised in the Bay Area who has survived the challenges of living under privileged neighborhoods of Oakland California. Mahdee grew up very shy with much to say but wanted to deliver her message creatively without using words. At the age of 14 she began to communicate through the art of dance movement where she trained in West African dance while attending Castlemont High School.

Graduating from high school she wore many hats, now a teen mother, dancer and academically focused on setting an example for her community she continued with her dance training and higher education by attending Bryman college, Laney Jr. College and San Francisco State University where she obtained her certificate on Medical assisting, multiple degrees in anthropology, dance, social science and language arts. Mahdee is a strong advocate for education through travel.

She has gained majority of her academic and dance knowledge through her travels by participating in multiple study abroad programs where she experienced the art of dance, culture and traditional practices in Cuba, Ghana, Brazil and India as well as being awarded many academic scholarships. Today, Halima is focused on making an positive impact on the community by providing safe space to community members to dance, inspire healing  as they continue to stand in their power.