For as long as I could remember dance has been my primary form of expression. Dance has guided me through an unprecedented journey of adversity and triumph, which has shaped me into the man that I am today. I started dancing professionally with Batoto Yetu at the age of 8 years old, breaking away only while receiving my bachelors of science from Syracuse University. Since graduating in May 2011, I’ve been one of the rehearsal assistants for Batoto Yetu. From June 2013 to September 2014 I was the rehearsal director. My former title allowed for me inspire the new generation of the company and provide them with the necessary tools in order to surpass the level of success that I’ve been privileged to accomplish with the company. My career in dance has giving me the opportunity to both travel and perform in Africa, Brazil, Barcelona, Hong Kong and London. I’ve performed everywhere including the world famous Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, Jacobs Pillow, Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall. I’ve also performed off Broadway at the New Victory Theater and performed for Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary along side the late Whitney Houston, Usher, and Mya in 2001. I have been featured on the cover of the NY Times Arts Section as well as a Vogue magazine fashion spread. This blog will chronicle my journey as a dancer/choreographer, following my prophecy, which, is “to lead the children to God through dance.” In addition to dance, my everyday sense of style will also at times be the focus of content, which reflects who I am. Although this will be far from an easy journey, I adamantly believe that I am in the right direction, so I urge for you to join me.
Wishing my lil Bro/ Best Friend @cakesdakilla a Happy Solar Return! You deserve every accolade, international tour and blessing that has has come your way. You've been a trailblazer since birth. But throughout our 13 years of friendship you've never compromised yourself for the convenience of anyone. I love you more than you'd ever know. This video is the perfect embodiment of whenever we link up! Wishing you happiness, love and prosperity in your New Year! Footage rocking with the Bro from BK to Germany. #BirthdayBoy #MyHitta #Bestie #CakesDaKilla #tbt
I'm claiming that we will be victorious tonight at the @bessieawards. "The dance world's highest honor." 'The Healing Sevens,' by Baba Abdel Salaam is nominated for a 2017 Bessie Award for Outstanding Production. The production featured @asaseyaa Foundation, Illstyle & Peace Productions and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre (@fon_dance_theatre) . I want my Sister Daaimah Taalib-Din (@dtdancer) who is also nominated for outstanding performer to win also! This is a snippet featuring me dancing in the @bessieawards nominated production 'The Healing Sevens,' by Baba Abdel Salaam. #ForcesofNatureDanceTheatre #FONDT#Abdelrsalaam #JerijahWest #bessieawards2017 #danceawards #BlackExcellence (at BAM)
I had the pleasure of teaching apart of the NYC Afro-Fete 3 day conference with 7 other amazing choreographers in the NYC area. We all work so hard at repres...
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!
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 supp...
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.
West& TEACHING ALERT 🚨🚨🚨
This Weekend, join us for the Three Day AfroFete Dance Conference!!!🕺🏾😆 (Link In Bio) for more details! Discount Tickets - $15 Almost Sold Out
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Dance Instructors:
@meka_oku
@ebinje
@born2performki
@bennu_rising
@queenbosa_bosa
@dance_with_judithmccarty (@missjayretro)
@sayrahchips and yours truly!
Pull up, It's lit🔥!
I was fortunate to completely immerse myself in the culturally rich La Habana, Cuba from August 22-28, 2017. I was absolutely floored by all the beauty and pride. But there was one place in particular that resonated most with me, Callejon de Hamel! Callejon de Hamel is a unique tourist attraction in Havana Centro, the venue is known for its Afro Cuban art, Santeria rituals with rumba dance sessions. The Alley (El Callejón de Hamel) is literally a treasure for photographers. Tucked away between two streets in Calle Aramburu.
I’ve have been eager to learn more Afro Cuban and this was definitely a great resource. It is important to note that Salvador Gonzáles Escalona is the visionary behind all of the paintings, murals and sculptures.
"In reality, the Callejón de Hamel is a heavy load of poetic images and sculpture that you have to live through, as you have lived it in the rumba, in all of the goings on that take place around it. This is, for many, a thing of magic, because it is the result of a conversation with the orishas over a period of many years. It's where you can see landing that white dove of Obbatalá that flies and flies and flies until it finds its place here."
My spirit was compelled immediately upon arrival. This sacred place represents, “the religion known as Santería, which comes from the Yorubas; Palo Monte, which comes from the Congo; Abakuá, which has to do with Calabar [the Cross River Delta in Nigeria]; and maybe some manifestations of spiritism, a cultural expression of working class people, the ordinary folks in our country." I also learned about Famba, which apparently only Men practice.
I had a private Afro Cuban class where I was taught by one of the incredible performers. Regardless of the language barrier we were connected through dance. She focused on showing me steps that would be performed by Elegua. In addition to the gorgeous street murals, gallery, bar and art shops, the main reason to come to Havana's high temple of Afro-Cuban culture in Centro Habana is the frenetic rumba music that kicks off every Sunday at around noon! I would advise you to arrive early and brace yourself for an experience. And if you go be sure to say J. West sent you!
Quotes provided by: CALLEJÓN DE HAMELPROJECT OF SALVADOR GONZÁLEZ ESCALONA
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 "Con...
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)
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.
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.
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.
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!
I had the pleasure of rocking to the tunes of Cuppy in the OkayAfrica office. Big up’s to Scott Bernard for holding it down with me! Watch the video on OkayAfrica’s FB here. I’m rocking OkayAfrica Shop SS 17 Afican AF collection. Get yours here! It's always great working with the OkayAfrica team!
West& A day at the OkayAfrica Office Video Recap |
I had the pleasure of rocking to the tunes of Cuppy in the OkayAfrica office. Big up's to Scott Bernard for holding it down with me! Watch the video on OkayAfrica's FB here.
The architecture featured in these photos reminded my Mom and I of the Dogon Tribe of Mali, West Africa. Growing up I had the pleasure of dancing with Dogon mask in my B.Y days. They are stunning. Dogon art is primarily sculpture. Dogon art revolves around religious values, ideals, and freedoms.
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