Dancing Between Two Worlds: My Experience as a Black Dancer with African Roots and Faith
By: Kawsandra Lassanah
Growing up as a Black dancer in America with roots in Liberia and a strong foundation in faith has been a unique and, at times, challenging journey. My family didn’t know anything about the dance industry when they moved here, but they knew they wanted me to have every opportunity American kids had. That’s how I ended up in my first ballet class at seven years old.
My first ballet teacher was a Black woman, which made an impression on me. I could relate to her in some ways, but she was American, and I quickly realized that my experience was still different. As I continued in ballet, I often found myself as the only person of color in the room. It became clear that I was different, and it was difficult to relate to the other kids.
Coming from a lower-middle-class background, dance was expensive. My mom could only afford one class per semester, while most of the other students were taking multiple classes. I loved dance, but I couldn’t train at the same level they could. On top of that, little things reminded me that I wasn’t like the others. I was a girly girl who loved pink and glitter, but when recital season came, I was always given the yellow costume because it “matched my skin tone.” My hair was always different from the other girls’ because I couldn’t do the styles my teachers wanted. These moments—small to some—made me feel like the “other.”
That feeling stuck with me. It made me more introverted and shy in class, even though dance was something I loved. I saw how my peers bonded over shared experiences I didn’t have, and I often felt like I was on the outside looking in.
The Reality of the Industry
As a Black dancer, I’ve had my fair share of difficult experiences, but my perspective is also shaped by the fact that my family’s roots aren’t in America. I see things from a different lens than those whose families have been here for generations. My upbringing was a blend of African culture, American influences, and my faith, which shaped how I navigated the dance world.
I think the dance industry is hard for everyone—making a name for yourself and getting that big break isn’t easy. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue dance. The issue I have is when dancers enter spaces without knowing the history behind the styles they perform. So many dance styles, especially in hip-hop and street dance, were created by Black dancers and communities. When people perform these styles without understanding their roots or respecting their origins, it takes away from those who lived that history and those who are still fighting for recognition.
Faith and Creativity
Through all of these experiences, my faith has been my foundation. Being a Christian has taught me to take everything—every struggle, every opportunity, every doubt—and put it in God’s hands. I’ve learned to trust Him with my dance career, even when I don’t know what’s next.
Because of my background, I create differently. I don’t create from a place of competition or comparison—I create with a joy that surpasses all understanding. My faith allows me to move with freedom, and my culture gives me a deep well of inspiration to pull from. Whether I’m choreographing, performing, or teaching, I know that dance is more than just movement; it’s an extension of my faith and heritage.
Dance is an expression of culture, history, and struggle. When you step into a space as a dancer, you should honor that. My journey as a Black dancer—shaped by my African heritage and my faith—hasn’t always been easy, but it has given me a deeper appreciation for what dance represents. It’s more than movement; it’s a story. And as dancers, we all have a responsibility to tell it the right way.