Funmilayo Judy Chesney

Funmilayo has studied Ballet, Modern, Tap, Sabar, Guinean, Haitian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, Dahome, and Dunham.  She is employed by the Department of Education where she teaches ethnic dance to pre k through 12th grades in the artist in residence program. 

Funmilayo realized that the ancient dance of the Congolese people, combined with the genius creations of their descendants have shaped the musical culture of many music and dance styles in the diaspora i.e., Samba, Soukouss, Cumbia, Salsa, Hip Hop, Reggae, Calypso, Cassav, Jazz, Hawaiian, Belly Dance, The Electric Slide, and even Michael Jackson's "Moonwalk".  She became inspired to form Fusha Dance Company to empower and educate people on the healing powers of dance and to celebrate the richness of dance, drum/music and culture from Africa and the Diaspora.