Our FounderJai Hinson is the Founder and Artistic Director of Life Force Cultural Arts Academy. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, she began studying ballet at Thompson’s Dance Studio in Newark at the age of 9. At age 14, she received a dance scholarship at the Dance Theater of Harlem and studied under the direction of Russian Ballet Master Karl Shook and DTH Founder Arthur Mitchell. At age 15 Jai became the director of the Arts High School African Dance Ensemble and choreographed several of the school's annual musical productions. Jai studied ballet, modern, jazz and ethnic dances by choreographers such as Eleo Palmeri, Fred Benjamin, Pepsi Bethel, Tommy Johnson and Alvin Ailey. Jai enjoyed her exposure to ethnic dance and began studying and performing with African artists such as Ladji Camara from Les Ballet African, Chuck Davis, Chuck Davis Dance Co., Youseff Koumbassa, Djoli Ballet, Marie Basse-Wilkes, Senegalese Ballet and Moustapha Bangoura, Guinea Ballet. Jai has a Masters Degree in Human Services Administration from Springfield College. Ms. Hinson was the recipient of the Pinellas County Arts Council ARF grant, which enabled her to study at the Bagatae School with Moustapha Bangoura in Guinea West Africa. She has received many community awards and been featured on several TV shows such as “Good to Know,” “What’s Right with Tampa Bay,” News Channel 13 Special Feature. Jai’s choreographed productions entitled “Dances From the Motherland” and “From Africa and Beyond,” have received critical acclaim. Jai’s film works include John Singleton’s movie “Rosewood.” For eight years, Jai has also been a choreographer for LaVern Reed’s “Chocolate Nutcracker” Production. Through Life Force Jai has developed several community programs such as:
Jai is also the Founder and Artistic Director for Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet whose riveting performances have been seen at many universities, theaters, conferences and performance venues throughout the United States.
Dundu Dole’s most recent tour included performing at the New Jersey School of Performing Arts and the Apollo Theater. Jai established Dundu Dole in 1991 and incorporated Life Force in 1997 as a non-profit organization in order to promote performing arts, cultural competence, educational enhancement and diversity programs through out the Tampa Bay community. |
