OUR STORY. OUR MISSION.
Footwork And Sole Dance Company was founded in April 2016 by Artistic Director, Latoya Nickeela Walker. Footwork And Sole emerged from her frustrations with the sociological disparities she was experiencing as a dance professional. Throughout her dance career she has endured people regarding her work as a hobby, patrons undermining her academic value, and the general public failing to understand the impactfulness of dance as a whole. But the aforementioned are systemic issues that dance studios, companies, and churches keep perpetuating. Having lived in 5 states across the United States and touting more than 15 years of teaching experience, Latoya came to realize that most organizations focused their efforts on winning trophies, winning parents, or church attendees by positioning dance as an extracurricular and/or nonessential enrichment. The truth of the matter is that professional dancers buy into this narrative because they otherwise risk financial instability or budget cuts that erase them. Moreover, the quality of dance education being offered greatly varies because of the limited professional development available outside of collegiate study.
Footwork And Sole Dance Company features a community-based dance ministry and Christian community dance division. These two dance departments are structured with the intent to elevate the quality of dance training available to followers of Jesus Christ. We have had the opportunity to serve numerous communities throughout Connecticut and across the United States. Our past collaborations include Full Expression! Dance Collective in Colorado, Canyon Concert Ballet in Colorado, Colorado State University, HartBeat Ensemble, Arts for Learning CT, CT Association of Schools, Promise of God Deliverance Ministry International, and Liberty Christian Center.
MEET OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Latoya Nickeela Walker (professionally known as Latoya Nickee) is a passionate dance educator, choreographer, and actress based in Connecticut. She brings over 15 years of teaching experience and 30 years of formal training, combining artistic excellence with a deep commitment to community engagement. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Footwork And Sole Dance Company (FAS), established in 2016. Through FAS, Latoya leads a mission-driven effort to provide dance education that integrates strong technique with ministry through movement (for children and adults).
Latoya graduated from the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and continued her studies at LIU Brooklyn and Central Connecticut State University, where she expanded her knowledge base in both dance and sociology. Professionally, she has worked under renowned choreographers such as Deborah A. Goffe, Jennifer Weber, and Brian Brooks Moving Company - experiences that continue to shape her creativity. Outside of her company, Latoya conducts workshops and residencies focused on social-emotional learning and team-building through dance conditioning. The aforementioned programming is offered through partnerships with organizations like Arts for Learning Connecticut, reaching K-12 schools across the state.
She has been highlighted by the Urban League of Greater Hartford Young Professionals as a local arts leader and advocate. Latoya continues to inspire many through her asserted belief that dance is more than entertainment - rather it is a tool for ministry, healing, and social change.