About AWJ
DANCE. CONNECT. PUSH BOUNDARIES.
At Afrowithjeevi (AWJ), we bring African dance to Singapore! We are passionate about sharing the culture, rhythms and movement of African dance with students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner, we offer classes designed to challenge and inspire you. Our instructors will guide you through each step, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident as you explore this vibrant dance form.
Meet the Founder
JEEVI
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While dance has been my first passion since I was only 4, enthusiastically ready to shake my bum at any second, it is my second and third love that helped me establish Afrowithjeevi.
My dance story begins with learning a kaleidoscope of dance styles ranging from Chinese dance, to Ballet, to classical Indian dance (Bharatanatyam), modern Indian dance, Reggaeton and Hip Hop. But travel is what took this love to the next level. I experienced dances from around the world, be it teaching for Indian sangeet’s, performing in Dans Festivals or just learning moves from the locals. Learning about African culture, dance and music, when I was living in Cairns, had me completely enamoured. I was inspired to bring the beats, bops and booty shakes back to Singapore and share the magic with everyone!
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Combine that with my experience and expertise in Sports Psychology, where I have worked with athletes on their performance and wellbeing, which has allowed me to understand what motivates a person - secrets that I bring to every dance class. As an instructor, I am committed to sharing the joy and energy of this vibrant art form with others. Whether you're a beginner or experienced dancer, I invite you to come dance with us and experience the beauty and power of African dance for yourself.
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Experiences/ Accreditations
Sport and Exercise Psychologist accreditation under BASES (UK; 2019 to 2022)
Programme Director at Dance Embassy (2015 to 2017)
MSc Sport & Exercise Psychology from Bangor University (2018 to 2019)
Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology - James Cook University (2012 to 2015)
African Dance Revolution License (2015)
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Publications
Effects of 15-mins of electroencephalographic neurofeedback on time perception and decision making in sport - The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science (2021)
Exercise and Time Perception: An Exploration of the Impact of High Intensity Cardio Exercise (Zumba) on Human Timing - Timing & Time Perception (2016)
Meet The Instructors
KRIPA THOMAS
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AWJ INSTRUCTOR
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Kripa’s love for dance started in pre-school when she joined ballet classes briefly. She would then go home and do the funniest version of the dance moves to evoke smiles from her parents. Kripa has always loved to connect with people, and dance was one avenue to do that. Formally, she has had more than 5 years of training in a South Indian classical dance form called “Bharatnatyam”, starting from the age of 7, and has reconnected with it as an adult.
Kripa’s love for Afrobeats began when her college friend from Kenya introduced it to her, and she has never looked back since. For Kripa, dance is more than self-expression, it also tells a vivid story of culture, offering a unique opportunity to represent one’s roots and constantly grow in understanding of other cultures, especially ones who have had their stories misrepresented for a long time.
Kripa is proud to be on this mission with AWJ!
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MAY BASSE
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AWJ INSTRUCTOR
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When May's mother enrolled her in Mexican Folkloric Dance classes at the age of 5 as an outlet for all her energy, little did she know how big of an impact dance would have on her life. Although she had to put a pause on her journey with folkloric dance when she and her family moved to the United States when she was 6, that experience left an indelible impression. May went on to find other ways to make dance a part of her life again through cheerleading and dance teams at her middle and high schools.
In her late 20s, as part of a journey to reconnect with different aspects of her Afro-latina identity, May tapped into dance as the first way to do so. It was then that May rediscovered her love for dance through Zumba, eventually becoming an instructor of the dance fitness format, and then she eventually came to fall in love with Afrobeats. She hopes to continue to learn about the rich cultures tightly woven into its fabric and her own identity.
May is delighted to join Jeevi on this journey of bringing the cultures, stories and joy of Afrobeats to our community.
THE AWJ TEAM
At AWJ, we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for all to dance their souls out. Our goal is to create a community where everyone feels connected, no matter who they are or where they come from. We believe that dance is one of the most powerful forms of expression and we strive to bring this to everyone through our African dance classes.
We also acknowledge that African dance is not like other dance fitness classes and we take that responsibility seriously. We are constantly educating ourselves about the culture and heritage of African Dance, and do so with utmost respect.
