Coach Lay's Journey to Dance Grenada: Celebrating Tradition and Innovation in Dance Education

This year, Coach Lay, a dedicated ASU dance student, had the incredible opportunity to travel to Grenada for an intensive dance workshop and cultural conference led by her mentor, Dr. Shola K. Roberts. Dr. Roberts, founder of the transformative From the Ground Up initiative, celebrated the fifth anniversary of Dance Grenada this year, making the festival even more momentous with the confirmation of her own doctoral degree. Under her visionary leadership, Dance Grenada has grown into a platform where Grenadian and international dance artisans converge to explore, share, and preserve dance as a powerful cultural expression.

Dance Grenada brings together dance artists, choreographers, and educators from around the world, each year offering a unique opportunity to engage with both traditional and contemporary styles. From hands-on workshops and thrilling performances to insightful panel discussions, each session encourages participants to connect with Grenada’s rich heritage while cultivating a shared global perspective on dance. This experience was particularly significant for Coach Lay, who not only expanded her technical dance skills but also gained deeper insights into cultural preservation and community building through dance.

Under Dr. Roberts’ mentorship, Coach Lay immersed herself in the festival’s mission of honoring Grenada’s cultural practices and strengthening the local dance community. The program reinforced a profound understanding of the ways in which dance can foster community bonds, contribute to cultural preservation, and offer a platform for artistic expression.

For Coach Lay, the experience was a reminder of dance’s universal power to unite and inspire. As she returns to Phoenix, she carries with her the spirit of Grenada and a renewed commitment to infusing her teaching with the values of cultural respect, community, and creativity. We look forward to seeing how this unique journey will enrich her work with students, helping them connect with the world through the art of dance.

To learn more about Dance Grenada, visit their website here!