Amaniyea Payne

Amaniyea joined Moving History as the Dance Program Coordinator in 2020.

A viable force in the field of dance is recognized for her many talents as performer, director, producer, choreographer, educator, designer and humanitarian. Her style of dance evolving from natural rhythmic movements is based and informed by dances & cultures of the African Diasporas. She’s studied, performed and toured globally with prominent companies and well known music and dance legends, such as Stevie Wonder, Cab Calloway, Ben Harper, Lindy Hop innovators Norma Miller, Frankie Manning & Momma Lou Parks, Reggae icons Third World, Rita Marley & Bunny Wailer (to name a few) and Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, where she served as Artistic Director for 3 decades. Amaniyea has collaborated with and choreographed for international artist and arts organizations throughout the diasporas, focusing on finding new ways to translate dance for the stage while also preserving & respecting traditional parameters for performance. Known as a “National Treasure”, Ms. Payne is the recipient of many awards, which speaks to her outstanding career achievements. Having a deep sense of responsibility, she is committed to preserving & honoring the legacy of great expressions as well as aid in the development of a future generation of dancers who carry the aesthetic and spiritual base of Black Dance.

“As the drum calls, the soul responds...
Listening... Feeling... Moving... Being
WE MOVE AS ONE!”