Amaniyea Payne, Artistic Director of Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago for three decades and Adjunct Faculty at Columbia College School of Dance for three years, is an artistic force in global dance communities around the world. She is recognized for her talents as a dancer, singer, consultant, researcher, director, mentor, producer, choreographer, arts educator, costume designer, and humanitarian. Amaniyea has been the recipient of many awards. Her style of dance evolves from natural rhythmic movements based and influenced by dances and cultures of the African Diasporas. She has studied/trained, performed, and toured globally with prominent companies and well-known music and dance legends, such as Koumpo West African Touring Ensemble, Stevie Wonder, Cab Calloway, Ben Harper, International African-American Ballet, Bunny Wailers, Lindy-hop innovators Norma Miller, Frankie Manning, Momma Lou Parks, Mickey Davidson, and Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, to name a few.
