#jerijah west

West& NYC Afro-Fete 3 day dance conference

I had the pleasure of teaching apart of the NYC Afro-Fete 3 day dance conference with 7 other amazing choreographers (9.30.17). We all work so hard at representing our culture so it was an honor. I've only actually met 5 of these wonderful artists prior to the conference. But I plan on building on these connections.  Major shout out to Kiara Ross (The Kross Movement) for being the woman who facilitated the event. Thank you to all the supporters that came out to make the event such a success! 

 Choreo   By Jerijah West / @WESTAMPERSAND 

Stargo Song:  Wawolo (Remix)

Artist: EL, Dex Kwasi and Stargo

West& DanceAfrica 2017 |

I had the distinguished honor of performing at the 40 year Anniversary of DanceAfrica! I’ve studied, traveled and been in love with traditional vernacular for over 20 years. So being able to perform on that platform was a tremendous honor. Dr Baba Chuck founded this illustrious event (that occurs throughout the Country and beyond) in 1977. He recently transitioned to being an Ancestor. This only made this year even more significant. His impact on all us is immeasurable. And it’s out time now to do the work as cultural carriers.

The DanceAfrica 2017 theme was, “The Healing Light of Rhythm: Tradition and Beyond.” Celebrating the movement and rhythmic traditions of Guinea. We did 7 shows in 5 days (May 25-29, 2017). Performing,"The Healing Sevens," under the direction of Baba Abdel Salaam. Thank you to everyone that came and made it possible for 4 out of the 5 public shows to sell out. Featuring Asase Yaa, Illstyle & Peace Productions and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. In honor of Dr. Baba Chuck Davis,#WeGotThis!

West& My Freshman Year of Life |

Letter to my younger self | "I'd tell my younger self, understand how important resilience will be in your journey. Stay committed and be YOU! You have a lot more power then you know! Trust the process, stay humble– give thanks. KEEP GOING! I am honored My Freshman Year of Life  selected me for the, On the Rise Spotlight. Please check it and this amazing website that is dedicated to capturing the early stages of the lives of young professionals lives. 

Click here:

West& Occulus: Zulu- Circle Children Dance Visual

I am pleased to return with my latest  Westampersand dance visual!  I want to thank everyone that has supported my blog and journey. I am forever grateful and I mean it from the heart, thank you all. Cheers to an incredible year filled with purpose.

Filmed: Kiwayne Jacobs /@ASHETHAN1

Choreo: Jerijah West/ @WESTAMPERSAND 

Artist: Circle Children

Song: Zulu (Change Mix)

Be sure to comment, like, subscribe, share and follow us! Thank you,                http://westampersand.tumblr.com/  

Sincerely,

West & Niniola - Sicker improv by J.West

FREESTYLE: This new @officialniniola track Sicker is 🔥. I had to do a 1 take improv before teaching my students today. I want to thank everyone that has supported me and my channel.  I am forever grateful and I mean it from the heart, thank you all. 

Choreo: Jerijah West / @WESTAMPERSAND    

Artist: Niniola -Sicker                                                  

Westampersand does not own the rights to this music, it is being used solely for creative purposes and art. 

Sincerely,                                                                                                              

West& Art Saves Lives 2017 Vlog 

This vlog chronicles my experience as a teaching artist for the Art Saves Lives foundation of St. Maarten. The  annual week long intensive program themed "Continental Drift" explored the history of Africa's relationship to St. Maarten how that relationship has affected it's past, present and how it may effect the future.

I taught and choreographed the African dance portions along with Shaun Kelly who did the musical direction and musical accompaniment.

Art truly does save lives and I could only hope that I impacted our students a fraction of how much they touched me. Keep up the great work, the best is yet to come!

A huge thank you to Tracy Ann of Miami Culture Maven for the additional clips and editing.

Choreo:Jerijah West (@westampersand Musical Dir: Shaun Kelly (@orinugo77) Original Music: Shaun Kelly (@orinugo77)

Booking inquiries [email protected]

-J. West

West& Purpose |

This particular day (6.7.17),  I'll never forget. Doubt has been manifesting and the most high put a stop to that. All four of my 3rd grade classes smashed their showing. But the ultimate reward was speaking to their parents and the testimonials. One parent gave me a huge hug and informed me that her son suffered from over 20 seizures the previous year. They thought he wouldn't be here. But seeing how much he enjoyed my class and how well he remembered the choreography was something​ they never thought would be possible. I kept it together but when I got on the train I broke down. I received that and will NEVER forget it. When I tell you the Arts saves lives! I'm on my way and fulfilling my purpose.

West& DanceAfrica 2017 Street Style |

This photo was taken at the DanceAfrica Bazaar in 2016. Thanks again to my Brother Sekou Camara for the customized top made in Guinea . This literally is my favorite time year. Between the show, vendors, movies and the beautiful people it always leaves me full of joy. I was so honored to perform this year.