Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line

There is no doubt that the institution of slavery and the treatment of those who would be enslaved were horrific evils and a blight on American history. The atrocities suffered during that period and beyond are well known. This production, however, pays tribute to those people who followed their conscience to do what they believed was right whether black, white, Quaker, Methodist or unknown; one person at a time making a difference.

This is a true story showing one incidence of the courage and decency of people in spite of what the political climate dictated. I dedicate this project to those who took risks, sacrificed, gave up resources and their very lives for the sake of someone else’s freedom.

As quoted from vocalists Kim and Reggie Harris, “The ‘Underground Railroad’ as we are fond of saying , was not a train …it was people …a rainbow coalition of various backgrounds, beliefs, colors and creeds who in a variety of ways created a lifeline out of slavery in Pre-Civil War America.”

Featuring

• WCDW’s Signature/Training Company

  • Rachel Harris – Inaijah Meaux

  • Mort Cunningham – Jerry Nathaniel Betts

  • Mrs. Worthington – Audrey Hammitt

  • Ensemble – Nasirah Henderson, Amanda Krenos, Aleksa Lawry, Madison Lewis, Candace Matthews-Bass, Aniyah McGibboney, Adam Nsereko

• Storytellers – Diane Matthews, Senfuab Stoney

• Percussionists – Senfuab Stoney with accompanist

• Vocalist – Dr. Sara C. Blanford with accompanying singers

• Pieces of a Dream, Inc. under the direction of Ashley SK Davis, featuring Kennedy Davis, Madison Lewis, and Karen Ridgley

• Phoenix Danse, the project-based company of Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble under the direction of Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore, featuring Clarrica Golden

• African Dance Artist – Patricia “Peaches” Jones

“We express our deepest gratitude to the following organizations whose generosity has made a significant impact and advanced our mission in lasting ways.”

Chester County Community Foundation

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

JD2 Environmental

Johnson & Johnson

Pincus Family Foundation

The Presbytery of Donegal

Vanguard

Program

“For the enjoyment of all guests and to respect the performers, we kindly ask that you refrain from flash photography and video recording during the performance. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Guest Performance Featuring Pieces of a Dream, Inc.

Choreographer: Ashley SK Davis

Music: Rise Up by Andra Day

Dancers: Kennedy Davis, Madison Lewis, Karen Ridgley

Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line

Narration written by Susannah Brody

based on actual recorded accounts

Prelude: In Silhouette

Part 1: Narration

Choreographer: Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore

Music: Wade in the Water by Cynthia Liggins Thomas

Dancer: Clarrica Golden

Part 2: Narration

Music: Wade in the Water by Kim and Reggie Harris

Dancers: Inaijah Meaux and Ensemble

Life, Liberty…Happiness

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Oh Freedom by Kim and Reggie Harris

Dancers: Audrey Hammitt, Inaijah Meaux, Adam Nsereko

Narration

Music: Sinner Please Don’t Let This Harvest Past by Kim and Reggie Harris

Mort - Bitter Suite

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Sweet In The Morning by Bobby McFerrin

Dancer: Jerry Nathaniel Betts

Narration

Music: Steal Away by Kim and Reggie Harris

Back Track

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Instrumental by Michael Roberts

Dancers: Jerry Nathaniel Betts, Audrey Hammitt, Nasirah Henderson (2/8), Amanda Krenos, Madison Lewis (2/6), Candace Matthews-Bass, Aniyah McGibboney, Inaijah Meaux, Adam Nsereko

Narration

Music: Go Down Moses by Kim and Reggie Harris

Bound and Broken

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: All My Trials Bahamian Lullaby, Traditional Spiritual

Dancers: Audrey Hammitt,  Aniyah McGibboney, Inaijah Meaux, Adam Nsereko

INTERMISSION - 15 MINUTES

Rachel’s Dream

Choreographer: Peaches

Recording: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Read and Written by Maya Angelou

Percussionists: Senfuab Stoney and accompanist

Dancer: Patricia “Peaches” Jones

Come Justice

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Motherless Child, Traditional Spiritual

Vocalist: Dr. Sara C. Blanford

Dancers: Jerry Nathaniel Betts and Inaijah Meaux

Narration

Percussionist: Senfuab Stoney

Dancers: Inaijah Meaux and Ensemble

Escape

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Trouble of this World by the Kinney Abbott Lighthouse Choir

Dancers: Audrey Hammitt, Aleksa Lawry, Inaijah Meaux, Adam Nsereko

Narration

Music: Deep River/Swing Low by Kim and Reggie Harris

Search For Refuge/Standing Still

Part 1

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Instrumental by Michael Roberts

Dancers: Audrey Hammit and Inaijah Meaux

Part 2

Choreographers: Diane Matthews and Candace Matthews-Bass

Music: Stan’ Still Jordan, Traditional Spiritual with pre-recorded musical accompaniment by Dr. Sebronette Barnes

Vocalist: Dr. Sara C. Blanford

Dancer: Inaijah Meaux

Narration

Music: Follow the Drinking Gourd by Kim and Reggie Harris

All Aboard

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Train Underground by Ruth Naomi Floyd

Dancers: Jerry Nathaniel Betts, Audrey Hammitt, Nasirah Henderson (2/6), Amanda Krenos, Aleksa Lawry, Madison Lewis (2/8), Candace Matthews-Bass, Aniyah McGibboney, Inaijah Meaux, Adam Nsereko

Narration

Music: Now Let Me fly by Kim and Reggie Harris

Heaven’s Gate

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Free At Last, Traditional Spiritual, Arrangement, Accompaniment and Vocals by Dr. Sara C. Blanford

Dancers: Audrey Hammitt, Amanda Krenos, Aleksa Lawry, Aniyah McGibboney, Inaijah Meaux, Adam Nsereko

Narration

Music: Wade In the Water by The Spirituals

Celebration, We Are Not Alone

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Immanuel by Tye Tribbett

Dancers: Ensemble

Post Performance Question and Answer

Join us for a special Q & A with WCDW Executive Director and Choreographer Diane Matthews, WCDW company dancers, and Kennett Underground Railroad Center historians.

The Kennett Underground Railroad Center (KURC) has dedicated the past 27 years to sharing the history of the Underground Railroad. Their efforts have brought this important story to the public through storytelling sessions, bus tours, and private tours, ensuring that the legacy of the Underground Railroad is preserved and accessible.

The mission of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center is to preserve the heritage and engage the public with the historical, abolitionist, and freedom seeker stories from this area and beyond.

Crystal Crampton, President

Debbie Burston, Vice President

Website: kennettundergroundrr.org

Email: Info@kennettundergroundrr.org

Location: 120 N. Union St., Kennett Square, PA 19348

This year, WCDW is In Pursuit…

...of service, artistry, and connection.

Our goal is to continue inspiring artistry and expanding community impact—with a special focus on strengthening visibility, outreach, and digital presence to ensure our mission thrives for years to come.

Learn more about our Annual Campaign here:

https://givebutter.com/WCDWinpursuit

Performance Garage Review

“Rachel Harris is a unique work of dance theater with powerful themes relating to the past and the present … an important and moving work that deserves a wider audience. The choreography emphasizes courage and liberation rather than violence, honoring the human spirit and those who risked everything to pursue liberty.”

-Melissa Strong, Broad Street Review for performances at Philadelphia’s Performance Garage

Community Voices

“Their professional company's original ‘Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the line,’ tells the story of a West Chester area slave's travel to freedom through dance. It is a performance not to be missed! A beautiful, emotional, historical story brought to life in a very personal way. The training the participants receive is top notch, the life experiences they gain from bringing their work to the community is fabulous.”

-Anonymous greatnonprofits.org

Meet the Artists

Diane Matthews

Diane Matthews is the Director and Founder of West Chester Dance Works and the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts. She is also the Artistic Director of the Signature/Training Company and the Annointed companies. “Ms. Diane” began her dance training at the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, where she was awarded a full scholarship to study ballet, modern jazz, tap, and gymnastics. She continued her education at West Chester University and Philadelphia College of the Arts. She was one of the original members of Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) and a featured soloist with the Philadelphia Civic Ballet Company. Ms. Diane has been teaching, performing, and choreographing for various schools, universities, and organizations for over 40 years.

Candace Matthews-Bass

Candace Matthews-Bass trained at the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts (DMSODA) for 16 years, studying ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling. While at Drexel University, Candace was captain of Drexel’s first Dance Team and a member/choreographer with the Drexel University Dance Ensemble. She graduated with a BS in Psychology and went on to complete her MA at Eastern University. Candace has danced professionally with Body Language Modern Dance Company, Freedom Theatre and West Chester Dance Works as both a corps and principle dancer for over 25 years. Additional performing includes freelance projects and contracted performances at colleges and sports venues throughout metropolitan Philadelphia. “Ms. Candi” is entering her 23rd year as director of West Chester Dance Works’ dance team “DM Dance Machine” and serves as the Artistic Coordinator and choreographer for “Expressions of Praise”, the intergenerational dance ministry of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown. Candace has been teaching dance at studios, colleges and conferences for over 30 years.

Jerry Nathaniel Betts

Nathaniel Betts is a USMC veteran, dance artist, and choreographer based in Philadelphia. A proud Philadelphia native, he discovered his passion for movement at the age of six, starting with circus arts and freestyle street performance. He later earned a BFA in Dance and a BBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management from Temple University. Nathaniel’s professional training began in January 2019 when he was awarded a scholarship for Philadanco! The Philadelphia Dance Company’s training program. He went on to join Philadanco’s second company for two seasons. His career includes studying abroad in Rome with Balletto di Roma and performing with prestigious organizations such as the Philadelphia Opera Company, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, Contemporary West Dance Theatre, and Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers as a guest artist. Beyond dance, Nathaniel has trained with the Philadelphia Wushu Company and pursued professional modeling. Today, he continues to choreograph and train, driven by his love for storytelling. Through his artistry, he aims to bring powerful narratives to life and inspire audiences with shared experiences and creative expression.

Dr. Sara C. Blanford

Sara is a sought after vocalist, musician and workshop clinician. She has been in music ministry all of her life. Her experience has not been limited to just local church music ministry, but has taken her across the country where she has shared the stage with well known Gospel artists. Sara holds various degrees in Music Education, Sacred Music and Theological Studies. She is the former Music Director of Philadelphia’s own Joy Unlimited Youth Mass Choir, a recording choir where she was afforded the opportunity to write several songs that were featured on the choir’s second album, “God Is There”. Sara is a member of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, where she serves as the director of the Cathedral Choir, Chancel Choir and the Praise and Worship team. Sara is married to the love of her life, Elridge Blanford and they reside in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia.

Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore 

Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore is the Founder/CEO/Artistic Director of Danse4Nia, a Philadelphia premiere performing arts organization. It serves as the home to project-based professional dance company Phoenix Danse, youth dance company Nia-Next, and award-winning arts education/performing arts training program Danse4Nia Conservatory. Antoinette holds a BFA & MA in Dance Education & Performance from the University of the Arts and New York University Steinhardt School of Education and currently pursuing her PhD in Dance Research & Philosophy from Texas Woman’s University. A former founding company member of Eleone Dance Theatre in Philadelphia and dancer with Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Company and Rod Rodgers Dance Company, Antoinette has had an extensive career in concert/commercial dance, theatre, television & film. As an established choreographer and teaching artists, Antoinette has taught & created works with schools and organizations nationally and internationally and maintains active, as well professional memberships with International Association of Blacks In Dance, Pennsylvania Dance Educators Organization, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As an adjunct dance faculty member of Drexel University for 14 years, Antoinette is proud to teach at West Chester Dance Works both to share and grow in the medium of dance as an art and tool of education and cultural exchange. 

Clarricia Golden

Clarricia began dancing at Miss Libby's School of Dance under the direction of Libby Singleton and Jennifer Alford-Reimer in Sumter, S.C. She continued her training under Gaynell Sherrod at Florida A&M University. Clarricia was a scholarship recipient at the Alvin Ailey summer program and spent summers training at Philadanco. After receiving a B.S. in health, physical education, and fitness with a concentration in dance she decided to move to Philadelphia where she initially joined PHILADANCO’s second company under the artistic direction of Donald Lunsford before becoming a member of PHILADANCO’s first company in 2017 with which she performed nationally and internationally for five years. Clarricia is a dance educator at Bryn Mawr College and Danse4Nia.

Audrey Hammitt

Audrey began dancing at 3 in Buffalo, NY before moving to Richmond, VA, where she continued studying ballet as well as modern, jazz, and hip hop. Audrey received her BFA in Dance from Belhaven University. After graduating, she moved to West Chester, PA in 2020 to begin dancing professionally with Glorify Dance Theatre as a Soloist and teaching dance at West Chester Dance Works. Audrey is grateful for more performance opportunities and to get to share the stage with some of her students in Rachel Harris this year!

Nasirah Hendereson

Nasirah Henderson is a 15-year-old freshman at Saint Mark’s High School. She has been dancing since the age of three and currently trains at Pieces of a Dream, Inc. In addition to her studio training, Nasirah is a member of her school’s dance team, where she performs at football games, basketball games, and community fundraisers.

Patricia “Peaches” Jones

Patricia “Peaches” Jones is a movement artist and educator specializing in African Diaspora dance. For over 20 years, she has taught, performed, and choreographed in schools, colleges, and community programs, integrating cultural lineage, trauma-informed pedagogy, and public health principles to foster wellness, reflection, and connection. Peaches has studied with master artists in Senegal, the Gambia, Guinea, Cuba, Brazil, and the U.S., and has performed with Kulu Mele, FlyGround, Troupe Da-Da, and Les Ballet Shango. She is committed to mentoring emerging teaching artists and creating community-centered, culturally responsive spaces where dance cultivates personal growth and collective liberation.

Amanda Krenos

Amanda grew up dancing in the Lehigh Valley. After graduating from Penn State with a B.A. in Art, she moved to Kansas City, began her career as a graphic designer, and found a love and passion for dance as an adult. She took classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and ballroom at Miss Dianna’s School of Dance. She was also in the ensemble in Gladstone Theatre in the Park’s 2017 The Wizard of Oz and on Kansas City’s indoor soccer team’s 2018 Comets Girls dance team. After stepping away while overcoming breast cancer, Amanda resumed dancing at Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts when a new job brought her to West Chester. In her four years at the studio, she has enjoyed being challenged in styles she already loved, exploring modern and West African, and forming friendships. This is Amanda’s third year growing, learning, and performing as a member of the West Chester Dance Works Signature/Training Company. She is honored to be part of Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line for a second run.

Aleksa Lawry

Aleksa Lawry is originally from Greenfield, Indiana, and graduated with Honors in Dance from Anderson University. She is currently a Company Artist at Glorify Dance Theatre, and teaches dance at Time to Leap and Twirl. She's been dancing for almost 20 years, and enjoys any opportunity to perform and to share in God's calling for her life. This is her first time performing with WCDW, and she is excited to share this important, historical reminder of the power of unity and community.

Madison Lewis

Madison is a 16-year-old student at Cab Calloway School of the Arts. She has trained at Pieces of a Dream Academy for eight years and is a Wilmington Ballet scholarship recipient. She currently dances with PD2 at Pieces of A Dream  with training in Acro, modern, contemporary, jazz, ballet, and pointe.

Inaijah Meaux

Inaijah began dance training in Philadelphia at the age of three before moving to West Chester, PA at the age of eight studying a wide range of styles at her home studio West Chester Dance Works and other local studios through intensives and masterclasses. She has performed with several companies, including West Chester Dance Works, Beat Addikts United, and The Lady Hoofers. Inaijah has been teaching dance since age 16 in studios across Pennsylvania and Maryland. She is currently a junior majoring in Psychology at Towson University and is excited to return to West Chester Dance Works to perform in this production!

Adam Nsereko

Adam is 18 years old and is a senior at Bayard Rustin High School. He has been dancing at the Diane Matthew’s School of Dance Arts for 11 years studying ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and modern. He also briefly studied at the Danza Academy of Social Dance studying several ballroom and Latin styles including the salsa, the cha cha, and the waltz. He has danced with West Chester Dance Works for the past five years. Some highlights include portraying the lead role of the Christmas production of “The Grinch.” He is in his third year of Signature/Training Company and his first year as a full Signature member. Outside West Chester Dance Works he is also a member of the Bayard Rustin Theater. He has been a member of both cast and crew, in the past playing a lead role in “Rent,” and assisting with lighting design. Other highlights of his career include co-choreographing with Nina Nsereko for the Franklin & Marshall Dance Company.

Senfuab Stoney

Affectionately known as Senfu or "the prince of percussion, this Grammy nominated 2021 Bessie award winner was recognized for his participation in most outstanding music composition/sound design for the internet favorite production "Chasing Magic." He has performed on countless TV/films productions, including Regis and Kelly, The Steve Harvey show, The view, & The Grammy Awards, The VH1 Hip Hop Honor Awards, Model City, and on MTV's Making the Band 4, just to name a few. His work colleagues include names like Tony award winning composer Jason Michael Webb (Choir Boy, The Color Purple, Michael Jackson on Broadway and more). Senfuab has also worked closely with Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton Tony-award winner, One Night in Miami), Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple Tony award-winner, Harriet), Renee Ellis Goldsberry, Diddy, Wycleff, Lauryn Hill, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Mos Def, KRS 1, Erykah Badu, The Roots, among many others. Senfuab has played on Broadway in A Free Man of Color (directed by George C. Wolfe, starring Jeffery Wright and Mos Def), and Off Broadway in Witness Uganda and RIO as featured percussionist in all three productions. He created drumming arrangements for groups such as Indoda Ensha, Forces of Nature, Ile Aiye, Silvana Magda at S.O.B.'s, Heritage, Asasseya, Carlinhos Brown, and Timbalada1q. Senfu has also taught and performed with Alvin Ailey dance theater and a variety of public, charter and private school programs. Having toured and entertained audiences in Amsterdam, Brazil, Italy, London, Mexico and West Africa, he is one of the most sought-after percussionists in his field.

Guest Dance Companies

Pieces of a Dream, Inc.

Pieces of a Dream, Inc. is a premiere organization for the performing arts and the only professional modern dance company that is based in the state of Delaware.  In recognizing that all forms of art are essential to the full development of our human potential, it is the mission of Pieces of a Dream to serve the people of Delaware and the greater tri-state area by providing superior exposure to meaningful art.  

Founded in 2007 by Executive and Artistic Director Ashley SK Davis, Pieces of a Dream Dance Theatre is a professional dance company that performs original modern and contemporary choreography.  The company is grounded in the belief that dance is socially relevant beyond its aesthetic appeal.  As such, the company’s repertoire discusses a range of topics that are specifically pertinent to modern society, like domestic violence and the historic riots that changed the emotional makeup of Wilmington, Delaware.  Pieces of a Dream, Inc’s professional second company, P*D2,   is a group middle and high school students who, in addition to our regular dance training, rehearse and perform locally and regionally. 

In addition to the company, Pieces of a Dream, Inc. Academy of Dance is the training arm, providing dance instruction to children and adults ages 2 through 72.  Movers of all ages are welcome to discover the joy of dance and embrace the good work that their bodies can do.

Phoenix Danse Project-Based Company of Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble

Founded in 2006 by Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore, Danse4Nia is one of Philadelphia’s premiere performing arts organization serving as the home to professional project-based, dance company Phoenix Danse, youth dance company Nia-Next and arts education/ performing arts training program Danse4Nia Conservatory.

Their mission is to educate, empower and create the next generation of well-rounded arts advocates and citizens by presenting exceptional dance works, collaborating with artists across genres and delivering high-impact residencies.

Since their creation, Danse4Nia has become known for drawing audiences “in” with its passionate brand of performance, showcasing excellence in various genres including the Horton Technique and contemporary movement vocabularies.

Acknowledgements

Historical Photographs courtesy of the Chester County History Center and the Library of Congress

Special Assistance and Support – Pamela Powell

Historian and Narrative Writer – Susannah Brody

Kennett Underground Railroad Center

Life, Liberty…Happiness Costume Design and Creation – Sandra

Luciano

Rehearsal Mistress – Candace Matthews-Bass

Stage Manager – Kelly Butterworth-Dhamo

Technical Assistance – Rodney Matthews

Guest Dance Companies – Pieces of a Dream, Inc. under the direction of Ashley SK Davis & Phoenix Danse, the project-based company of Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble under the direction of Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Executive Director – Heather Grayberg

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Technical Director – George Koenig

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Staff

West Chester Dance Works Volunteers & Families

Performers for endless hours of selfless work and sacrifice

Friends of West Chester Dance Works for continued support

Wilma Ford for a lifetime of inspiration

…and God from whom all blessings flow

Our Programs

SIGNATURE/TRAINING COMPANY

Signature & Training Company is our semi-professional modern dance company offering creative growth, performance experiences, lecture demonstrations, and residencies for artistic, cultural and educational outreach. One of the current focuses for this group is helping our youth and communities overcome the obtrusive barriers to healthy and productive lifestyles through our “Relevate Youth” project.

DM DANCE MACHINE

Teamwork. Technique. Total performance.

Targeted for intermediate to advanced dancers aged 13 through 18, DM Dance Machine makes room on its team for every hard-working dancer looking to share their gifts in dance with audiences in a variety of theater and community-based settings. Our dance team combines technical strengthening in contemporary jazz and hip hop with team building, personal goals and performance enhancement.

JUNIOR PERFORMERS

Junior Performers is our performance group that gives youth ages 9 through 12 an opportunity to have more serious performing experiences. Annually, we continue to build this group of young dancers with those that have the desire to improve their performing skills and train in a more professional environment.

ANNOINTED DANCE MINISTRY

Adults who have a desire to praise the Lord through movement in a fellowship of Christian believers are welcome to join our spiritual performance group, Annointed. Members experience the joy of interpreting uplifting songs and sharing their talents and faith through community outreach in the name of Jesus Christ. 

ANNOINTED TOO DANCE MINISTRY

Praising God through movement and music interpretation describes our youth dance ministry, Annointed Too. This ministry is open to anyone between the ages of 8 and 18 with the desire to praise the Lord through dance. 

In addition to community performances, see below for our focused dance programming:

DIane Matthews School of Dance Arts

The educational program of WCDW offering classes to students of all ages, beginning 2.5 through adult. A nurturing family environment that provides quality instruction.

Artist In Residence

Residencies are extended lessons that precede or follow a dance program. Dance is used to enhance or deepen the understanding of the topic by teaching students’ movement in a structured, more intimate setting. Residencies can range from occurring in a week-long daily meeting session, to a once per week meeting that may occur over three to four weeks. Our Black History in Dance Residency is a highly requested program that educates students on the rich history and lasting impact of African American dance. Covering styles from early social dances during slavery to 20th-century Modern Dance and Hip Hop, the program celebrates dance as a vital form of cultural storytelling and expression.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION

We are proud to continue our more than 30-year tradition of preparing an annual Christmas production in conjunction with the Greater West Chester Area Chamber of Commerce holiday activities. It continues to provide a festive seasonal outing for the young and young at heart. Auditions for our annual Christmas production typically occur in late September, and are open to dancers aged 8-18.

RELEVATE YOUTH

How can we work together to overcome the obtrusive barriers to healthy and productive lifestyles that are threatening today’s youth? In partnership with local schools and community organizations, our “Relevate Youth” project seeks to address barriers in youth development while affirming and building feelings of self-worth through interactive dance programs.

WCDW Leadership

Founder/Executive Director – Diane Matthews

Artistic Director & DM Dance Machine Director – Candace Matthews-Bass

Annointed Too Director – Adrianna “Nikki” Matthews

Annointed Too & DM Dance Machine Co-Choreographer – Kiara Bass

Junior Performers Director & Company Assistant – Kelly Butterworth-Dhamo

Technical Coordinator – Rodney Matthews

Performance & Booking Manager – Ashanti Meaux

Operations Manager – Stacie Scheer

Events Manager – Guillermina Rios

Financial Manager – Jennie Radford

Accountant – Scott Frankenfield

Board of Directors

President – Donna Hymes

Vice President – Rodney Matthews

Treasurer – Faith Nsereko

Board Members – Steven Datlof, Diane Matthews, L. Diane Toaltoan

The mission of West Chester Dance Works (WCDW) is to uplift, nurture and transform dancers and community through an accessible, inclusive dance experience.

We provide informed dance instruction, thoughtful community outreach programming and inspirational performances to audiences of all ages.

Our vision is for dance to become a vehicle for improved outlook, conversation, reconciliation, awareness and unity between all people regardless to ethnicity, socio– economic background, religion, race or gender.

WCDW works to: increase healthy lifestyles through physical activity and education, create a link between artistic expression and advocacy (particularly for participating youth), help improve self-esteem and peer-to-peer support, and hone leadership skills with a focus on team-building. Each of our programs focuses on bringing artistic enrichment to those who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience it.

Address: 315-9 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA 19382

Phone: (610) 692-3398

Email: studio@wcdw.org

Booking email: ameaux@wcdw.org

Website (dance instruction): www.dianematthewsdance.com

Website (performance company): www.westchesterdanceworks.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westchesterdanceworks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterdanceworks