Philly! Meet Your Newest Teachers

NOV 13, 2024

In the world of movement, bodies, expression and community we know that change is life, is growth, is evolution. Philly, we know you’ve been in love with Natalie for almost two years (same, tbh), and we are equally certain that you’ll fall for new teachers Vyette Tiya (she/her) and Jeffrey Sykes (they/them). Vyette and Jeffrey go together like sea salt and vinegar: perfectly zesty, complimentary, and divergent in the best ways. They both devour books, they’re both adoring parents (Vyette to her houseplants, Jeffrey to their pup “Newton Apollo”), and they’re both avid community builders. While they’ve each been in a lifetime love affair with dance, they came to the joys of movement from different lineages. The crunchy-salty-perfectly-fresh-bag-of-potato-chips flavor that they’re about to unleash at Dance Church Philadelphia draws from the richness of who they each are as people and as artists.

How did you first find dance?

Vyette: Dance is part of some of my earliest memories. I first encountered movement at home with my family and at community functions. I grew up around a vibrant Kenyan diaspora and so whenever we would gather, there would be music and dancing. As a child, my favorite activity was coming up with performances and skits with the other kids and that spirit of “show and tell” continues today. I didn’t grow up with a lot of money, so in the absence of dance training at a young age, I would watch music videos and memorize the choreography and then try to put my own spin on it. Later on, once I studied dance in high college, I would remind myself to return to this origin of dancing that feels instinctual, communal – a practice that is altogether physical, expressive, and close to spiritual. Movement is how I process my existence, aspirations, and life experiences.

Jeffrey: I also found dance through family! Every party had dances growing up, so I always equate celebrations with dance. My aunts and cousins and I would dance for what felt like forever and not enough time simultaneously. I found “serious” dancing quite late, I primarily did hip-hop and mimicked whatever I saw on MTV. I used to create dance performances for talent shows where I would make an original mashup of my favorite tunes at the time (Britney Spears, Fatboy Slim, Missy Elliot) on a tape cassette and end each number with a glowstick section. I’ve always loved being able to connect with people through dance, whether it's celebration or sharing creativity.

Love that dance was a family and community thing for both of you. What was it about Dance Church that first drew you in? What bits of your deep love for movement were present for you right away in class?

J: The people of Dance Church made me fall hard for DC! My friend Jason introduced me and I – one who is always down for adventure – was curious about all the words he was using “it’s like a club but better, you sweat and work out in a fun way, the vibes are correct.” When I finished my first class, I knew exactly what he meant. The class was so fun and free, I felt lighter and more expressive in my everyday life. I couldn’t stop laughing and cracking jokes. That’s when I knew dance church was a must-have in my movement journey.

I loved the different textures and creative prompts that were interwoven within the class structure. I love when I can groove within an idea and have the space to do so. I never feel rushed in DC – it’s like I always dance with plenty of time, I’m never in a hurry or bored, I’m just dancing. I also love that I can dance with my friends! I’ve brought so many different types of dancers to DC and each of them leaves feeling empowered. Being able to be expressive and silly remind me of some of my favorite dance classes in my training. Hearing someone laugh in class is my favorite - cause laughs are contagious - so with a few beats everyone who heard the laugh is smiling a little bigger.

V: When I first heard of Dance Church, I was drawn by it being a sort of third space: part dance class, part fitness, part communal party. I had to check it out! Being in a Dance Church space felt like taking a shot of energy and release - without pressure. Personal inhibitions melted away. Being in the space felt like no one was “watching” you, but everyone was “seeing” each other. This feeling resonated with me and it made me recall how I try to ground myself in my movement practice, tapping into an expressive, share, visceral.

It’s so exciting that you’re both talking about the beauty of dancing with others in Dance Church; like, class isn’t just about you as an individual taker, it’s about community. How do you plan to bring that energy to your own classes? How do you value and grow community?

V: I hope to facilitate a space that centers care and inclusivity, where folks can release, connect, and throw themselves out there. We create community because we’re showing up for one another. So many other aspects of our lives (be it work, school, other responsibilities) push us to think only individually. I envision movement as a chance to witness each other. Community can be a resource that helps people feel even better, more recharged and connected than how they entered a space.

J: I've already created strong friendships at Dance Church (where we have seen each other's performances together and now are friends because of y'all's amazing class). Community is key for me in other places too: I've been an original member of a Queer book club for two years that is now full of other offerings and community. I love this group because I've connected with other queer creatives to create an inclusive community. Lastly, I'm in a bowling league (where we're solidly mediocre, but my team used to be strangers and now we've turned into besties). These communities share commonalities between participants, like showing up, consistency, and a sense of play.

Seems like connection and a kind of “exorcism” – of unneeded grit, or apathy, or just the detritus of the day – are part of how you both show up to teach class. Does that sound right? And what else do you love about teaching?

J: Heck yes! I’m a firm believer of “shaking off” what isn’t necessary in order to focus on what is important. And for me, that means going through it, but I do it on the dance floor! Stomping, booty-shaking, body rolls whatever it takes to get to feeling 1% lighter. Life can be heavy so I’m always working to bring lightness in my life.
I love sharing ideas with others and guiding experiences. I know that I learn a lot from my students, so I think being able to have a learning dialogue with people is such a rich part of teaching. I really like the conversations that surround dance either before or after class, it’s so enjoyable to catch up with friends or meet someone new. Dancers are incredible people and I feel so lucky to be around them!

V: My favorite thing about teaching is witnessing how others embody the ideas that I’ve shared with them. It’s a mutual exchange! I’m learning and teaching at the same time and it activates every part of me. I recall this old saying that you should leave what you’re going through at the door, that whatever emotions or experiences that you’ve had shouldn’t be brought into a studio. I think this notion is a disservice to who we are as people, as movers. Movement is my favorite way of channeling all the other stuff that I’ve got going on (consciously or subconsciously). I invite you to do the same. In a Dance Church class, we are riding through energies and wavelengths that bring us up, down, and in between.

Speaking of what we bring in to the studio… What else are you loving in your Philly worlds these days?

J: You can usually find me hanging out with my dog, trying a new restaurant, dissecting movies, singing loudly at a concert, or being mesmerized by a drag show. I'm a member of the Queer Book Club of Philadelphia. I love anything sci-fi or fantasy. (For inquiring minds, my favorite book series is The Wheel of Time). I also love to bowl, lose at trivia, watch my friends succeed, play pool, go on adventures, nap, and work out. I love going on adventures with my dogs and my friends - Newton has a backpack so he just goes along for the ride. We love going to different markets and events happening around the city.

V: I recently produced a new dance project and I’ve performed in two seasons of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. I also frequently accompany live musicians with improvised dance performances. I love learning, and have a Bachelor's degree from American University (international studies and dance) and a Master’s degree from Princeton University. I love snuggling up with a good book, bopping around town with friends, napping, and caring for my many plants.

Jeffrey, your dog’s name – Newton Apollo – is so epic. Is there a story?

J: Newton Apollo is a pretty dashing fellow. When I found out my application was being accepted for him, I made a list of at least 100 names. None of them worked, I needed something that matched this dog’s photo. It finally came to meet him and the cross streets that we met were newt and Steven. I didn’t give it much thought until I was driving home and realized I could combine those two names into Newton. His middle name comes from my love of mythology. At the time, there wasn’t much dance happening, so I gave Newton the middle name Apollo to remind me to keep being creative and to keep dancing no matter what form it took.

Lol, amazing! We can’t wait to get on the dance floor with you both! When are your first classes?