Tika's dance training began at age 4 with classes in Isadora Duncan technique. Upon moving to India when she was 7, Tika was introduced to African dance, Traditional Folk, Modern, and Ballet. Upon returning to America at 14 she continued her training and studied Jazz at the Dupree Dance Academy (Los Angeles). In college classes she discovered the work of Katherine Dunham and later added the techniques of Erick Hawkins and
Lester Horton. In the early 1990s Tika studied, performed with and had mentorship with Dance therapist Amiyo Devienne under who's guidance she experienced teaching for the first time.

By the mid-1990s Tika had established her foundation in technique and her focus shifted to the dances of the African diaspora. Based in San Francisco since ,95 Tika has maintained a relentless study of Afro Brazilian Folkloric, Samba, Afro Haitian and West African dance from the region of Guinea. Tika has made several pilgrimages to Bahia, Brazil to study at the respected Escola De Danca.

As a company member of Mara Reggae and Aguas Da Bahia, Tika has performed at prestigious Bay Area venues including: The Palace of Fine Arts, The Herbst Theater, The Great American Music Hall, and The Filmore, among many others. Tika has choreographed for Carnival
Parades, Concerts and Musical Revues.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Since 1998 Tika has been developing and teaching her " Brazilian Rhythms" dance and fitness class designed to connect people with the universal and important themes of the diaspora. Rooted primarily in Afro Folkloric, Samba and Modern dance, her class invites people to focus on rhythm and culture, rather then heart rates and body image. Her high energy class is taught with great passion to both current and traditional music. Tika's motivation is to introduce people to the rich and important world of dance stemming from Africa, inspire them to learn more, and facilitate stress release.

Click here to watch Tika's Class Demo

In the spring of '08 Tika also became ZUMBA certified.

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE

"Dancing in Tika's class takes my breath away! It gives me an opportunity to get into my body and to forget the stresses of my day. I feel alive, excited, sensual, challenged and inspired all at the same time." - Snuey Pearlman (Site Director, Canal Child Care Center)

"I love the spirit Tika evokes. I feel I am dancing a bigger dance, not just making steps to music. I appreciate that she takes the class seriously as a dance class and not an exercise class. The focus required frees my mind from the rest of life; akin to meditation." - Linda Herman (Project Facilitation and Management)

"I love how Tika puts meaning behind the movements when she does the dances of the Orixás, the carnival choreographies, and Afro Brazilian Dance. She really captures the Brazilian Spirit!" - Natalia Carbonare (Student from Brazil)

"The energy of Tika's classes is phenomenal! I can go in feeling tired and come out totally renewed and energized. She has a way of inspiring us to dance with our full being. I am so blessed to be able to dance with her." - Zoe Harris (Art teacher)

"Tika employs an engaging teaching style... breaking down complex moves into their requisite parts so we can perfect them, then weaving them together into a seamless whole. Tika is an accomplished dancer, demonstrated by the fluidity and soul that emanate from her form. I respect Tika’s dedication to her art, which she shares passionately each week." - Tenaya Amelia (Artist)