The Jali Ep 131: Artistic Expression

The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

This week I am joined by the founder and Director Lula Washington and the Associate Director Tamica Washington-Miller of the Lula Washington Dance Theater as they navigate through the history of dance serving as a vehicle of communication and self-expression. They explore the healing powers of expressing oneself freely through artistic movement and how dance can accomplish building meaningful connections with others.

Lula Washington is Founder and Artistic Director of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre (LWDT). Lula founded the Company in 1980 with her husband Erwin Washington to provide a creative outlet for minority dance artists in the inner city. Today, Lula and her Company are revered across the United States and around the world.

Lula has dozens of other accolades including the 2003 “Lady of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Modie Bell Senior Citizen’s Foundation; the 2002 “Master of the Arts Award” presented by Recycling Black Dollars for her tireless commitment to dance; the 2001 “Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Performing Artists in Schools Association for her work to bring dance into classrooms at public schools; the 2001 “Educator of the Year Award” presented at the 7th Annual American Choreography Awards Gala; the 2001 “KCET Celebrating The Women of Our Community” Award; the 2000 “Lifetime Achievement Award” presented at Dance Fest 2000 for her concert dance work in Los Angeles; and the 2000 “Lester Horton Award for Sustained Achievement” presented by the The Dance Resource Center in recognition of her 20 years of continuous excellence in dance in Los Angeles.

Tamica Washington-Miller is the Associate Director and named successor for the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, (LWDT), an International touring company, a training school and community anchor for dance and cultural performing arts. Tamica is a Performing Artist, Choreographer/Director, teacher, wife and mother of two. She is the daughter of LWDT Co-Founders, Erwin and Lula Washington. Her credits span film, television, live theater and dance. She has performed throughout the United States and abroad on a range of projects including with LWDT. Tamica was blessed to study and grow up under notable pioneers and legends in dance and theater. Tamica has a rich performance background. She has performed and choreographed for concert/live performance, film and television. She was the lead dancer for LWDT 1992 to 2004. Donald McKayle set original works on her. Tamica continues to perform.

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