( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Your Queens, Inc African Royalty Character Company Depicts the Stories of Non-fictional African Kings and Queens
ENSPIRE Contributor: Spencer Hatcher
Your Queens, Incorporated, a 501(c)3 organization, is the first registered African royalty character company depicting the stories of non-fictional African Kings and Queens. Their mission is to evaluate, educate, and express the dynamic lineage of real African women and men, through storytelling, song, and dance.
Founded by dance instructor Ekiuwa Asemota, Your Queens first registered African royalty character company depicting the stories of non-fictional African kings and queens. Your Queens ability to bring non-fictional characters to life such as Queen Amina of Zaria, Queen Makeda, Queen Cleopatra, Nefertiti, Goddess Isis, and King Tut of Egypt is what sets them apart from other character companies.
What inspired you to create your dance company?
I was inspired to start my entertainment company in 2015 by God and worldwide racial injustice. I felt it was the right time to be a part of other community leaders who provide self-esteem development to our youth and adults.
How do you incorporate storytelling into your dances?
We incorporate storytelling into our dance by reciting an exciting and authentic biography of each king and queen we portray.
What sets you apart from other character dance companies?
We are recorded as the first African royalty character company that provides storytelling, song, and dance. We set apart because we walk boldly in our greatness, and we teach all ages that we come from royalty. Lastly, as a group, we work very well together for the past five years and on, because we are stern believers in God, we accept each other for who we are and stand on the shoulders of our great ancestors.
How do you see yourself expanding your company in the future?
Our goal is to be a household name, where everyone is clear about Your Queens’ mission as we provide a variety of services and products. We are currently working on a documentary and theatre production.
Your Queens has provided services to over 250 organizations, including special events and art/music festivals, for the past five years. The organization has also made media and public appearances in Afropunk, Huffington Post, Essence, Elle Magazine, Hot 97, The Root, and CUNY TV. The company’s main purpose is to build its audience’s self-esteem and confidence and share dynamic history through royal costume dressed storytelling dance performances.