My background started with me being a major cry baby. I cried about everything on any given day, even while on stage. Based on my actions as a dancer back then, no one would’ve predicted dance to make it this far in my world. My mom even stated that my dance teacher told her not to bring me back until I was ready. At a slightly older age when I was ready to return, I had blossomed so much that my instructors would switch me to another area of the ballet barre to use me as an example of proper body placements.
When I became older, I started dancing with a couple of dance companies (at different times and in different states when I moved), auditioning and dancing for several productions and excelled in my training and craft. I began teaching and enjoyed pouring back into the dance community. Thinking about my background reminds me of my dance instructors. Many were nurturing and the reason why training was important and still respected.
Although dance has been a part of my everyday life, I had still worked in Corporate America for a long time. I was corporate by day and dance by night. Corporate America wasn’t a bad thing. I was already a dancer and instructor however, Corporate America taught me how to be a better leader. It taught me how to deal with people, personalities, behaviors, and how to dismiss others who may not believe in order or rules without me engaging in painful attachments if they decided to walk away. My background in both dance and the corporate world has propelled me into who I am today!
When did you decide to take up dance as a profession?
Before I left Corporate America, I was heavily seeing the fruit of my labor in many of the dancers that I’ve had the privilege of teaching. My heart began to yearn for more of that fruit and I noticed that my sacrifices for the arts had increased even more. I felt more respected for my work in the dance community than I did in Corporate America. I felt as if I was allowed to build & make bigger impacts while utilizing my work and vision without as much pushback. I still felt a sense of joy and gratefulness on days when I didn’t feel like doing it and days when I did it for free. I still felt joy even when dance brought long days, missed dinners, and shorter bedtimes. The comradery that dance provided even when dance days were exhausting was still worth the fight. I sat in traffic for it, people who I loved hurt my feelings and made me cry about it, took long drives for it, and did right by it even at times when there was no one to impress.
You are known for teaching your students not only how to dance but to live life through dance. Any comments?
Physically we arrive for dance classes to train and dance. I am a stickler for dance education and technique. While growing up, I was disciplined to know my craft whether on paper, at the ballet barre, center floor, and across the floor so I will never allow the representation of my instructors who paved the way for me to crumble or condone anything other than excellence on stage. My motto is, “Where technique is the key to grace & excellence.” It is imperative that their minds & bodies are healthy and their technique & choreography is clean and understood by all who watch their craft unfold. Not only do we dance but my job is also to prepare all students for their future whether their chosen path is dance or a different path. Dance classes expose them to life lessons and how to work independently or as a team. It teaches them how to listen and understand the importance of finding queues in the details. It also teaches them how to celebrate a victory and how to pick back up when their performance in an audition or interview isn’t to the standards of their leaders in the future.
Which one of your choreographies is the closest to your heart and why?
I’m a storyteller and entertainer! I love to touch everyone through dance, including the dancers. Every student that is chosen to make a story come to life or entertain a crowd has to understand the storyline and have a level of confidence to execute the work. I choreographed a dance for a group of little ladies with the vision of a song that was healing for me after losing so much after Hurricane Katrina. I had a choice of a couple of studios to choose from but I ultimately picked the one where I felt it would work. Initially, it didn’t. I had given up and my response after watching it was, “Not in this season.” I was asked to try again a couple of years later, it worked.
It told the story, it was clean, it was mature for them to handle at their level, it won a World Dance Championship and awarded me a World Dance Championship Choreography Award. The awards are not the reason it’s very close to my heart. It’s closest to my heart because it told a story, my story. I didn’t see it as a competition piece. It wasn’t choreographed to get paid to give little girls a costume, flaunt make-up, showcase the “Cute Factor”, nor for likes other than what it was for. It wasn’t even for all the credit as it should remain with the dancers who did the work, however, giving myself respect for my time, sacrifices, and energy is what kept me motivated even when there were times I wanted to throw it all away. Sometimes I had regrets and other times I was glad that I kept going. But with all that, we did to see the girls blessed and what it meant for me, it will always be one of the closest choreography moments to my heart.
How would you describe your leadership style and what has made it so effective?
I describe my leadership style as somewhat of a Visionary. Visionaries are known to create and articulate clear visions. I’m not very spontaneous but can be prepared to adapt as necessary. I value order, inspire creativity, unity, and base my leadership, decision making, & choreography on habits and skills that enhance future endeavors. Choreography is usually well thought out and marketed to the audience or event. I won’t arrive with the intent of only what I like or will throw something together. I would decline an invitation before putting dancers in a position to appear disorderly. Our goals are clear and outlined to equip everyone from the instructor to the dancer. Everyone will know what’s expected of them.
For example, unity is important when you’re working with a team. My dancers are encouraged to lift one another up. Laughing at mistakes or slip, trip, and falls while dancing or even laughing or passing judgment when attempting a skill isn’t an option. We clap to unify & encourage them to get back up. When working with other instructors my visions are shared visions to provide meaning & purpose. It shows in character, choreography, work ethic, and motivation.
What’s your advice for all aspiring dancers/choreographers?
There is room for anyone in the world of dance. For aspiring dancers, my advice would be to ensure that dance is something that you really want to do. You’re held to a different form of accountability when it’s more than just a hobby so make sure you’re clear on what your aspirations are. I would also offer advice of readiness. Comparison to whom you and your parent may think is the best or the worst compared to you can become very damaging. Like school, some people have natural abilities that others may have to study or train harder for and it’s not a bad thing. We train with only you in mind, not you and a clique of friends. Some of your friends may bypass you or you may bypass them. Be your own competition first! I’ve witnessed dancers stop the entire class to tell me that dance is their passion, only to quit and give it all up because they couldn’t stay with their friends.
For aspiring choreographers, not all are created equal. As an instructor that has been respected for her choreography and presented with choreography awards, my only advice would be to choreograph according to their current training. I’ve seen several dancers on stage falling out of skills, doing them incorrectly, and developing injuries to hips & tailbones. Never fail the dancer by putting in skills that are presented incorrectly on stage. Repetition is one of the greatest keys to growth. You can still choreograph the cleanest and greatest pieces with a beginner to the advanced dancer if you choreograph according to their level. Many already know that, however, some new/aspiring choreographers usually choreograph a full piece based on the dancer’s greatest potentials as opposed to what they have actually mastered safely & correctly. Keep your dancers encouraged, keep it fun, keep them working harder every day and continue to challenge those greatest potentials, but remember to choreograph from the proper place. You can still push them in class but it’s also okay to offer clean and simplified choreography as they continue to grow into strong and powerful dancers.
What have been your greatest challenges?
One challenge is watching dancers fight for high self-esteem, self- love, and endure insecurities that are sometimes brought from home, school, and/or peers. Mental Health has been on a major downfall, especially since our country has been plagued with disease, division, strong political differences, and lots of pain. I have seen more trauma come into the studio than I have ever experienced when I was their ages. I refuse to allow trauma to take over the greatness that’s in them and that awaits them in my classes so I have had meetings with dancers and their parents so that we can continue moving forward in a healthy and loving fashion. Because mental health isn’t as taboo as it was in the past, I am able to reach out to a few mental health advocates to ensure that I have what’s needed to enhance mental health in studio spaces.
Also, the pandemic has been the current challenge ever. Understandably, several parents are afraid to release their kids back into the wild with an invisible beast. I too have to protect myself so I am totally understanding of the reality of everything happening in our country. I hate that this has happened but I am very optimistic of what’s to come. My heart goes out to every business owner that has put their life savings on the line and lost their career, money, and energy. I know how it feels to have a great income, a low income, and no income. This season has been one of the most devastating challenges ever. However, being optimistic and a woman of faith keeps me going.
If you could go back in time and share some advice with your younger self, what would that advice be?
My advice to my younger self would be to shine own self be true. It’s okay to acknowledge feeling sad and disappointed when others aren’t as excited for you and your ventures as you care for yourself. When they sleep on you, tell them goodnight.
Remember to serve the girl that looks back at me in the mirror every day before serving others. Some people won’t have boundaries and may question your loyalty when you have to take time to pour back into your own cup. It’s okay to watch them walk away. Just make sure you’re full when they do. Feeling fulfilled, no matter the behaviors of others is a better feeling than feeling failed.
Fly Queen, even if you fly alone…Fly.
How is In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc. an organization that fosters individuals?
Fostering individuals means teaching them life lessons & values that will not end inside of a dance studio setting. Every dancer that I have the privilege of serving, must dance and represent with 3 core values in mind. They are Structure, Accountability, and Respect. Dance is not a core value it’s a given and the reason why we assemble. However, the core values are what takes them further. As they grow and blossom beyond the studio, whether it’s dance or Corporate America, they have to remember these values. Why? Because no one would be comfortable with a talented yet uncoachable individual. Some people assume that they should be top priority in life because they are good at their craft, however, if they aren’t trainable to have structure, accept accountability even if it’s to themselves, and respect even if you don’t like or value someone else, then many won’t make it far. The world is built with different cultures, different opinions, different backgrounds, and different environments. Everyone should be able to adapt and become a strong, confident, and fulfilled individuals even if they disagree with their leader or their peers. These are extremely important foundational grounds that begin in the studio. There are life and a real-world outside of their own bubble!
Where do you see In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc. in 10 years?
I see In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc. being a more acknowledged and well-respected entity beyond its current status. I believe that several large corporations, small businesses, and individuals will pour more heavily into donations whereby we can provide scholarships and travel to allow everyone to experience dance, life, and life lessons. Everyone will also become even more well-rounded and can adapt to any leader, any choreographer, and peers that they don’t know as they continue the opportunities to engage outside of their four walls.
The power is in giving it all that I have so that everyone will feel comforted knowing that they would’ve poured into an organization that can offer wonderful opportunities to help grow others into a huge success. I will also be able to gather a set amount of kids from outside organizations to provide 8 to 10week ballet/ tap programs (including wellness packages) every fall and offer a little holiday cheer to put smiles on their faces because of them not being able to have a wonderful holiday with a loving family. Cash Donations or ordering leotards, tights, & shoes on their behalf would be welcomed along with their own holiday show included for their loved ones. The greatness will be endless in 10 years.
See more of In The Key Of Dance at https://inthekeyofdance.com
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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