Dancehall...it's time to buss di dance and free up yaself in this raw energy, action packed dance class. Feels more like a party, as the session organically moves through authentic Jamaican Dancehall steps, technique of the movement, songs, & history. Vibez, Feeling, and Flow is the key to learning this style...open to all!
essica Phoenix is the owner of FIYAH Productions, LLC which produces FIYAH! Dancehall Theater, a full theatrical performance featuring energetic Dancehall music, vibrant choreography, and moving storytelling! It premiered November 2013 at Roulette Theater in Brooklyn and received great reviews spawning a 2nd season that was staged in 2014. A third season is in the works with plans to begin touring in 2016. As a blossoming choreographer, Jessica's first major work was for an MTV Networks National commercial featuring International Artist K'Naan. Jessica has toured nationally with Universoul Circus U.S. Tour 2009 & 2010 as well as King Michael International and National Tour, a live Michael Jackson tribute show traveling to Canada, New York, & the West Coast. After a few years of touring, Jessica landed a principle role in the first full production of iLuminate Dance (America’s Got Talent Finalist) at Six Flags Over Georgia. Jessica was introduced to dance at a very early age via Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop at Pizazz Studio and Joyce LaVerne Dance School in Maryland. In high school, she joined the Eleanor Roosevelt High Dance Company led by Maya Yamada. While studying at Howard University she became a member of Urban Moves, later called X-Faction, a professional hip hop dance company studying under Derek Brown and Cheryl Brown, the Directors who named her Phoenix. Jessica's dance life and college education was abruptly stopped by a severe car accident in 2007. After a two year recovery period, this experience raised her level of intensity, passion, and dedication to creating a life of joy. The name Phoenix meant more than ever. Jessica graduated from Howard with a B.A. in Audio Production and moved to Atlanta to pursue her dance career. Atlanta became the seed for the early stages of FIYAH working with Cici Kelley, Quincy Lamar, Rikki McKinney at Gotta Dance Atlanta. Frequenting clubs, dance competitions, and performing with artists like Verse Simmonds, her love for Dancehall grew. Jessica was the first to bring a popular weekly authentic Dancehall class to Gotta Dance Atlanta and caught attention of Kingston, Jamaica’s DanceJA owner, Latonya Style. Jessica soon formed Fiyah Squad in Atlanta, an all female performance group that helped to bring authentic Dancehall to the mainstream dance scene. Jessica remains close to Dancehall’s home in Jamaica by making annual trips to the island for continued inspiration. While in JA, she studies and connects with veteran and young Jamaican dancers. In 2013, Jessica was the only American guest instructor teaching at the International Dancehall Homecoming Event and competed, landing 3rd place in the first-ever International Dancehall Championships held in Kingston, Jamaica. Now living in NYC, Phoenix is currently a Dancehall and Dance Fitness Instructor at Broadway Dance Center, Breakin Boundaries, and Gymstars in Brooklyn. Jessica is still an active company member with iLuminate, highlighting her recent performances in Mexico City, Obama’s Presidential Inauguration, and Magic TV in Paris. Jessica is very excited and thankful for the opportunity to join Latonya Styles’ Dance JA teaching roster and has partnerd with new FIYAH! Brand Manager, Lady Sol Inc. Both entities will help bring FIYAH! worldwide for 2015 and beyond.