laila abdullah

resident teacher

Laila Abdullah is a dancer, teacher and choreographer. Laila began dancing at the age nine with the Katherine Dunham Youth Company under the direction of Ruby Streate and Theodore Jamison.

She has also studied with Diane De Franco-Browne at Trade Technical College and Pasadena Civic Ballet, Winifred R. Harris (Between Lines Dance Company) and Michael Mizerany (Mizerany Dance!). Laila received her B.A. in Dance at Loyola Marymount University and is a trained instructor with the National Dance Institute. She teaches regularly for the Kittsville Youth Foundation Cultural Arts Program founded by Eartha Kitt as well as the CiARA Dance Studio. Ms. Abdullah is an active Choreographer and a Master Teacher for many Junior Colleges and Universities.

Her extensive training includes Dunham Technique, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Ballet. She is currently completing her teaching credential at CSU Dominguez Hills. In 2005, Ms. Abdullah was nominated for the Lester Horton Dance Award for best female performance for Yabas/Queens with the Viver Brasíl Dance Company.