520 Clinton Avenue
Tunu Thom
West African Instructor
TUNU THOM has studied, taught and performed traditional and contemporary African Dances and costume design of the diaspora for over 35 years. She has performed nationally and internationally with companies such as Izulu Dance Theater, Ifetayo Youth Ensemble, Calabash Dance Theater, Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, SoulRebel Dance, Kowteff African Dance Company and El Shabazz Djimbe Orchestra Featuring Iyataiye to name a few. She has performed nationally, at venues from the world famous "Apollo Theater" in Harlem, to the "New Victory Theater" on Broadway and internationally from the West Indies, Nigeria and the Philippines. Tunu is a graduate drama major of Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts and holds a Bachelor of Science in African Centered Education and Performing Arts from the CUNY BA School of Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies. She has studied at NYU Steinhardt in the area of dance education. As an independent artist she focuses on works that center on the themes of motherhood, futurism, culture and community.As a change agent and artistic visionary, Tunu utilizes the mediums of dance, choreography, acting and writing, and bead design to create her works. She is influenced by revolutionary artists and thinkers such as John Coltrane, Prince, Gordon Parks, Leonardo Da Vinci, Nina Simone, and Paul Robeson.
Jona Biddle
Hip Hop Instructor
“Trust The Process” is Jona Biddle’s moniker and can be heard resonating from any class @thejonashow is teaching. More than a choreographer, Jona has a special gift to inspire, lead, and transform the younger generation to strive for greatness while building their self-esteem.
Jona Biddle, artistic director and choreographer originally from Atlantic City, NJ has made his mark on NYC conquering his big city dreams with a dance formula for success. Discovering that dance is an art that transcends all boundaries, Jona’s focus and determination has landed him to international success with tours in Hawaii, Panama, Canada & Jamaica to name a few.
Realizing that Strivers Achieve, What Dreamers Believe, Jona rose above his humble beginnings and created a lane for himself. With hard work, resilience and dedication, Jona unleashed his signature style of Hip Hop Fusion which keeps his clients coming back for more.
Jona is one of the most sought after NYC choreographers, his fresh and innovative choreography gives him an edge, as he creates each piece unique, different and tailored for the specific artist.
Jona’s choreography has been recognized by Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Ciara and The Ellen Show. He has worked with Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Usher, FOX Studios, Interscope Records and countless media and talent agencies.
Most recently his work was featured in the 95th Macy's Day Thanksgiving parade.
Recognizing to ‘Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required’ , Jona is blazing forward as a social entrepreneur launching a series of successful ventures around B.O.S.S. – Born Original Striving Successfully. Jona’s commercial dance team BOSS Kids (@imabosskidnyc) won title at Monsters A-List Competition April 2019; 1st Place @Kaos 2022, and 2nd place Monsters A List 2022. With numerous successful spring and summer intensives under the BOSS Eventz umbrella, Jona knew it was time to capitalize on the momentum. He’s showing a generation that they don’t have to be comfortable being the talent for organizations, but they can start building their own enterprise.
The kick off of the BOSS Xperience is special and ground breaking to Jona. With over 20 years of success in this industry, it’s time for him to create a platform to welcome choreographers and dancers from across the globe in one place to Train, Inspire and Grow!
Jona is planning to open his first studio in NYc this Fall.
Jona is available for direct bookings for conventions, studios, privates and media choreography.
Awa Ayesha
Afro Dance
Awa "Ayesha" Bakayoko is a self-motivated dancer, choreographer, and creative director. Although she has been dancing since the age of 4, she has been teaching Afro-Dance in NYC for 5 years now, after training in various styles such as Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Dancehall for 17 years. She's also choreographed for various Afro and Hip-Hop artists throughout the country, directing music videos and performances with her creative style. She's grown a love for teaching dance and performance to youth and adults all over the country. After hosting 2 dance tours in the span of 2 years, Awa Ayesha craves to share the dance floor with young talented individuals and provide a safe space where they can leave their emotions on the dance floor and perform like there is no tomorrow.