Ione Nash

Ione is a Philadelphia-based dancer who has choreographed more than 600 dances in her lifetime and is continuing to do so at the age of 82. When Ione performs, she says that she seems to be outside herself—reaching and connecting to her audience through her inner spirit, a universal and heavenly spirit that she is able to give to those who take her dance classes and to those who attend her performances. She has created her own dance technique that she calls BACCMAHJT that encompasses Brazilian, Ballet, African, Cuban, Caribbean, Modern, American, Jazz, Haitian, and Tap dance forms, along with the martial arts. All of these forms are infused together to create a dynamic and eclectic style of dance. Ione has been teaching dance since the 1950s, most recently with the Village of Arts and Humanities. Art, and dance in particular, has been an integral part of her life’s work, as she has tried to change the community’s concept of dance, focusing and showcasing movements and rhythms with root in Africa. Her dance classes and ensemble’s performances entertain and educate people about the dances and drumming of Africa and its Diaspora that were relatively unknown before; to expand the appreciation of the rich and complex art forms. Her dances deal with issues ranging from relationships and friendship, as seen in her earlier work, to themes of bondage and freedom, and more recently on generations and legacy.