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Close your eyes. Think about that signature dish that reminds you of home. You know the one that makes your eyes widen with excitement and fills your spirit from head to toe with just one bite.

Heather, Kamara and their guests discuss the layers of Black and other cultural identities, how these are expressed personally and professionally and the experiences that shape them. 

 

We want to connect with fellow creatives from across the African Diaspora whilst inspiring listeners with the woven stories told within the Yams & Yuca tapestry. 

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About the Hosts

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Heather Benson

Heather Benson, an Atlanta, Georgia native, received a BFA in Dance from The Florida State University (USA) and a MA in Culture, Policy and Management from City University, London (UK). She is a dance artist, producer and lecturer that has worked within the USA, UK and beyond. Heather is a former company member of Dallas Black Dance Theatre II, Urban Bush Women and Philadanco!

 

Now residing in London, Heather serves as a Horton Technique lecturer within various institutions and programmes, including Artistry Youth Dance and Roehampton University.

 

In addition to her performance and teaching experience, she supports individuals and organisations as a project manager, strategic consultant and creative producer. Heather's portfolio includes One Dance UK, British Council, Kauma Arts, Dickson Mbi Company and more. 

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Kamara Gray

Kamara is the Founder and Artistic Director of Artistry Youth Dance, a vibrant youth dance company that showcases and celebrates aspiring dancers of African and Caribbean descent, aged 12 to 19  years.


She is an experienced dance artist, dance teacher, choreographer, and project coordinator, who has worked extensively in the UK, Australia and Kuwait. Kamara is of Jamaican heritage, was born in Papua New Guinea and grew up in Sydney, Australia where she began studying dance at age 4.

 

Now based in London, she has taught and lectured at numerous schools, colleges, and universities including: Urdang Academy, Buckinghamshire New University, City and Islington College, Irie Dance Theatre, the Royal Academy of Dance school, and the British Academy of International Arts (Kuwait).

 

As a choreographer and performer, her credits include film, television and live events. She is also on the Board of Trustees for the English National Ballet.

All Images © Urban Decay Visuals

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