Akua Parker

Dancer, teacher, model, and chef- Akua knew she wanted to pursue a career in the artistic field at an early age. After graduating high school, Akua would be invited to join Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she would embark upon what would become a lifelong career in dance. Thereafter, Akua performed as a leading dancer with the prestigious dance companies: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), Cincinnati Ballet and Ballet San Jose, and was the solo female dancer in the opera, Florencia en el Amazonas.

As a model, Akua has been featured in Dancer DIY magazine, Double Magazine photographed by Terry Richards, a book- Movement at the Still Point: An Ode to Dance, and participated in the Plié Project where dance is merged with origami and photography.

Onscreen she can be seen in the films Nighthawks, Ailey at Lincoln Center and In the Heights.

Along with having an artistic inclination, Akua has always had an interest in the business aspect of being an artist. Her tenacity landed her the appointment of AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) Delegate, in both DTH and AAADT. There she lead her fellow artists in administrative work and “Collective Bargaining Agreement” contract negotiations.

During her illustrious career, Akua took on the role of teaching professional company classes for LA Dance Project, Jessica Lang Dance, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet Hispanico and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She currently holds the ABTNTC (American Ballet Theater National Teaching Curriculum) certification in levels Preprimary- Level 5, and subsequently teaches, coaches and adjudicates young, aspiring dancers.

Since transitioning from full time performing, Akua was a visiting faculty member the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she served her dance community both in ballet and contemporary movements. She was on faculty at Ballet Tech School, in New York, and teaches around the world in summer intensives, as well as open classes and workshops.

As Akua has a profound appreciation for health and wellness, she is not only certified in the Zena Rommett Floor Barre technique, but traveled to Spain to become a certified vegan chef. Akua draws inspiration from her artistic experience to create plant based recipes and plans to further her culinary education and artistry. She uses her knowledge of wellness and love of all things DIY (do-it-yourself) to guide others as a health, lifestyle, and movement coach.