About
My name is Zonia Perry and I am the founder and director of Fetch du' Senegal dance Company. I've been dancing professionally for the past 25 years. I'm a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a 17 year Alumni of Ko-thi dance Company. I've studied under several West African Masters throughout my dance journey. Fetch du' Senegal is a west African dance company that I started in May of 2001. My Company specializes in west African dance, music, and history. Fetch du' Senegal services the entire MPS, Choice, and Charter school systems in the form of artistic residencies, performance demonstrations, concerts.
My passion for dance as far as I can remember has been a huge part of my life's expression and focus. In my mission for my Company I pride myself on teaching love, and unity through African dance because in my studies on African culture and tradition I learned that the culture is based on the indigenous heartfelt truths and history of the people.
What makes Fetch Du' Senegal stand out from the rest? We provide our students with a very surreal experience of traditional African exposure,and education. Teaching them to develop their own voice and own their story through traditional African movements coupled with expressive, historical facts to help tell their story. (Qualifications etc.. Are available upon request).
I enjoy most about my artistic gifts the many opportunities I get in helping children of various ages improve in their academic skills as result of experiencing the cognitive release of the endorphins that young minds of these school districts are otherwise cut off from. Witnessing that "ah ha" light come on in the minds of urban school children for me something close to having a prayer answered for me..... All smiles 😆😆
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Zonia P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My process for working with new students entails a formal introduction of myself that explains who I am , what I do and my years of experience. I then allow them to introduce themselves also with a brief descriptive profile followed by what they expect to receive from my class.
I end introductions with explaining my class syllabus to my first time students with an expectation that they leave my class better than they came.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education and training that supports my work is a license in special education. A certification in Evangelism ministry as well as classroom management. I'm also a certified Professional Dance instructor, and I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business management. Finally, I am the Director and Instructor of Dance ministry at my church home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Price list for lessons and classes
Private lessons: $25 per hour
School Residencies: $50 per hour
Performance Demonstrations: prices began at $700 and up.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching dance as a requirement of studies as a trainee with Ko-thi Dance Company. I was required to assist lead Dance teachers while in dance sessions. I was also required to observe as well as take notes. I was given assignments to compose that would also help me develop my skills.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of students, including special needs students. I truly love the creativity that comes from the minds of children.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my recent events that I'm most fund of is every summer I get the awesome opportunity to work with 60-90 girls ages 3-16 years old. All of various backgrounds each summer during a six week intensive dance camp.
Myself and about 15 other professional artists get to pour into these young beauties as much of our artistic gifts as possible. We impact their entire lives with various artistic exposures from 9am until 5pm. This past summer was the most impactful to witness the transformation of the out stretched experience they had displaying their artistic potential.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise any student that studies under a traditional African instructor to expect amazing teaching tools from them cause that's nothing short of what African studies have to offer in dance, history, and culture.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should first think about their need/desire. Then seek the teacher that best fits their service need