Karisma Jay

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Teacher Bio

True to her name, Brooklyn-native, Karisma Jay is the epitome of Multi-Hyphenate. Dancer, Actress, Singer, Director, Playwright, Choreographer, Wellness Coach, Teacher, Entrepreneur and Host, she has performed/toured with prestigious dance companies and has been featured in programs aired on Netflix, Lifetime, BET, MTV, NBC, and VH1.

She is a City College Mathematics Education Master’s certificate Student. Teaching dance since the tender age of 11, she has honed her s...read more

Class Descriptions

Afro-Ballet

As an Afro-Latina entrepreneurial artist and award-winning performer and professor, Ms Karisma noticed early on in her dance career that her hair texture, body shape and movement quality wasn’t like everyone else’s. In an effort to foster inclusivity, she began teaching students from different cultures with varying levels, body shapes and socio-economic backgrounds. The goal- to provide access to the fundamentals and benefits of a Western dance discipline while still honoring the passion, sacredness and spirit of West African Dance technique. Thus, Afro-Ballet was born. Pulling from Social Dance and staying true to Ballet form, Afro-Ballet combines Traditional and Contemporary Dance Styles and Structures of Both West-African Dance Technique and Ballet. Afro-Ballet is a fun, fitness-focused dance experience, open to all levels. With traditional and contemporary movements, this class is an energetic dance and full body experience with funky routines to keep students engaged and enriched.