Sabra Logan

Sabra is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Iibada Dance Company, Indianapolis’s premiere African and modern dance company for youth. The pre-professional dance company trains juvenile and young adults, with specific emphasis on students in underserved communities, in all styles of dance including African, ballet, jazz, and modern. Sabra’s mother introduced her to dance at a very early age and that has shaped her into the woman she is today. She taught at the kindergarten level for years and treated every student and dancer with respect, and taught the importance of academics, teamwork, and physical fitness.

As an African American, female owner of an African American dance school, Sabra wanted to travel to Africa to be formally trained in the various styles of African dance to provide better instruction for her students. Because of a recent diagnosis of a life-threating illness, she had to postpone her trip until May 2015. “I am anxious to see and dance with the people of Africa in their habitat, their apparel, and witness their mannerisms and customs. I believe the time traveling through Africa will give me a new perspective and understanding of self and my interactions with others.” Her journey includes traveling to Accra, Ghana for a month to explore the county. She will immerse herself in the culture and enjoy dancing and drumming classes and performances, explore Ghanian fashion including a head wrap class, visit historical areas, and learn how to cook authentic meals. “As the center of my dance school, I develop the concepts, or acting as co-choreographer, I want to ensure that I am teaching students accurately and entirely. I believe it strengthens ones learning and teaching ability when they have an authentic learning experience. I believe my journey to Africa will allow me the opportunity to renew my mind as well as saturate myself in learning.”