Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Poole
Hi Imani, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was introduced to West African dance at the age of 5 when I saw Chuck Davis’ African American Dance Ensemble perform at the culminating Kwanzaa event on January 1st in Durham, NC. I knew I wanted to learn and share the joy I experienced in that moment with everyone. I used to think that only meant being a lifelong student and performer which is where I initially directed my energy and focus. Now, almost 30 years later my journey has lead me to start a nonprofit that encourages youth and strengthens communities by embodying the principles of Kwanzaa through cultural arts programming with a focus on wellness.
At one point I started receiving requests for African dance performances which pushed me to start The Collective – community members with African dance experience who join together to provide an engaging performance in various settings.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
African dance has always been my constant; how I found community and formed connections. When my family and I moved to Savannah 3.5 years ago, I set out inquiring about African dance classes in the area but I was told on several occasions that I would only find that in February during black history month. That hurt to hear because African dance is what I have always depended on to remain grounded and connected. Knowing I had to be in the area for at least 3 years (husband is in the military), I started to hold dance and drum circles in Forsyth park with my brother who is a drummer, for anyone interested in stopping by. I then proposed an African cardio class to the African American Health and Information Resource Center which I have now been teaching free weekly classes for 2 years. Last year I added a bi-weekly African dance class with live drumming at the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center. There were times no one showed up to the classes. I could have got discouraged but instead I used that time to increase abs practice my own learning and develop future choreography. Building community is a slow process and has small wins along the way.
This year my drummers and I, who are also my husband and brother, engaged and taught 8 youth for 2 months for them to perform at the Savannah Youth Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival. Since the initial response I received when searching for the African dance and drum community in Savannah, I was motivated to engage and educate the community in African Diaspora cultural arts through teaching and performing. I use the term African Diaspora to reference the different parts of the world people of African descent have maintained and developed traditional and social dances, music and art. Although my training is mostly in West African dance, I feel it is important to acknowledge and create connections to all of our distant cousins.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a community organizer and African dancer, teaching and performing to build a connected and empowered community. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with majority of my dance experience being West African dance with additional formal ballet, modern and contemporary training. I am known for being an energetic and passionate dancer with joy beaming through whether I am teaching or performing.
I am proud of the growing impact the classes and engagement I have offered is having on participants. Seeing two strangers whose paths would not have crossed greet each other like old friends when arriving to my class has been a shining moment. Making life long connections with visitors to Savannah who attended class for 3 months and shared the joy they felt. Seeing increased confidence in the youth I worked with and performed in just 2 months have let me know I have to keep going.
I am also extremely proud of the collaborations from the Inaugural Afro-Rhythm Dance & Wellness Conference on October 19th. This is a multi-location, all day event including a vendor market, African dance and yoga classes, and a free showcase. This event offers a unique experience combining Afro-inspired dance, holistic health practices, and community resources. Whether participants are looking to dance, practice yoga, or explore local wellness offerings, there’s something for everyone!
All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the mission of Kwanzaa 365 Connection. Additionally, in the spirit of the Kwanzaa principle, Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility, part of the proceeds will directly support victims of Hurricane Helene.
What sets me a part from others is although I am sharing and teaching, I will always value being a lifelong student.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As someone who is not a native to Savannah I stepped out on faith and took risks to consistently engage a community where I am not well known. There have been classes where no one has shown up for class, but there have been more classes where I see new faces and returning faces that display joy and I see connections being made.
Starting a nonprofit is not an easy or inexpensive task, so there is a financial and time risk continuously being taken.
Thankfully, I have a strong and growing support system who sees my passion for community service, engaging the community in African Diasporic cultural arts and recognizes the need and benefit.
I believe risks are necessary and seen differently when there is faith. Being that my name is the seventh and last day of Kwanzaa and means Faith in Swahili, I have an overflowing amount of faith and motivation in what I am working to create.
Pricing:
- $10 African dance classes on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
- Performance packages available, prices vary
- Donations are always welcomed to go towards instructors and guests artists
- $20 Afro-Rhythm Conference Classes eventbrite.com/o/kwanzaa365-connection-75088978063
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/kwanzaaconnect.org/k365/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livekwanzaa365/
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/75088978063?ref=eofblike
