Ifetayo ‘Ife’ Kitwana is a registered dance/movement therapist, licensed clinical professional counselor, professional dancer, instructor and group fitness professional. She began her dancing career at a young age, founded within the African drum and dance community of Chicago. Studying African and Caribbean dance techniques, the Chicago native was a part of such companies as Alyo Children's Dance Theatre under the direction on Kimosha Murphy, Sundance Productions under the direction of Danny Diallo Hinds, and Minianka African Dance and Drum Ensemble under the direction of Naghree Sutton-Silas. With the foundation of her training in traditional West African dance, Ifetayo went on to study Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Dunham dance techniques with Mayfair Academy, under the direction of Peggy Sutton and the Chicago Multicultural Dance Center under the direction of Homer Bryant. Ife has over 22 years of professional training and performance experience as well over eight years of teaching experience. It is Ife’s philosophy that wellness manifests itself through mental, physical, spiritual, and communal development. In addition to her dance/fitness classes and therapy practice, Ife also serves as part of the artistic staff and principal dancer with Ayodele Drum and Dance Company, under the direction of Tosha Ayo Alston.
