Jocelya Lewis

Background

Lewis, Jocelya was born on June 9, 1953 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Daughter of Joseph and Bertha (Hack) Smith.

Education

Business student, Community College Philadelphia, 1971-1972; dance student, Arthur Hall Dance Ensemble, Philadelphia, 1971; studied under Nana Parabia, 1977-1978; studied under Papa Hilaire Michel, Mariane, Haiti, 1978-1983; studied under Mambo Josephine, Delmas, Haiti, 1978-1983; studied under Hungan Rejje', Kenscoff, Haiti, 1978-1983; studied under Hungan Daniel, St. Louis, Haiti, 1978-1983; studied under Hungan Marcell, Mais Jace, Haiti, 1978-1983; studied under Hungan Lieonells, Haiti, 1978-1983.

Career

Instructor, Arthur Hall Dance Ensemble, Philadelphia, 1973-1977; founder, director, Spirit Cultural Dance Ensemble, Philadelphia, since 1975; founder, high priestess, LePeristyle Haitian Sanctuary, Philadelphia, since 1982. Director African Dance Department Lacher Latari, 1976. Board directors Le Peristyle Sanctuary, Mariane, since 1990, Center African Culture, Philadelphia, since 1991.

Danceinstr. various colleges universities.

Achievements

• Jocelya Lewis has been listed as a noteworthy religious leader, choreographer, ethnologist, playwright, dancer by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Tour conductor, lecturer Ile Ife Museum, 1974.

Connections

Married Ahmed Lewis, December 2, 1977. Children: Ahmed Junior, Angela Novanyon.

Father:

Joseph Smith

Mother:

Bertha (Hack) Smith

Spouse:

Ahmed Lewis

child:

Angela Novanyon Lewis

child:

Ahmed Junior Lewis