WHO AM I ?
My name is Zahra Badua. I was born in Tobruk, Libya to Ghanaian parents. I grew up in Montreal, Quebec and currently reside in Toronto. My dance journey started as a way to understand and learn more about my African heritage. My dance background is in Traditional West African (primarily from Ghana), Afro-Caribbean Folklore, Afrofusion, Dancehall and Soca.
I have had the privilege to teach and perform in both Montreal, Winnipeg, Kingston and Toronto. I like to fuse both traditional and street dance/modern African and Caribbean movements as well as explore the concept of storytelling through dance.
Throughout my dance career, I have had the privilege of being apart of prestigious dance companies such as Obaa Sima, WestCan Folklore Performing Company, Coco Collective, Alpha Rhythm Roots, Unrulygyal Performing Team and the BlackStars Collective.
In 2019, I launched my own educational and performance based brand called ZahraMoves (ZME). The educational aspect provides teachings on the historical and cultural history behind West African and Caribbean movements. I have provided lectures and talks to schools within the Toronto, Peel and Durham district school boards as well as post secondary schools such as York University.
The performance aspect of the brand provides dance opportunities for black/brown emerging female dance artists.
Lastly, I am the administrative assistant of a black-led organization called dance Immersion. dance Immersion produces, promotes and supports dancers and dances of the African Diaspora.
Credits: Inthesoulof - Elenna Jord
