Linda LaNaija
Biography
MAWU Co-founder, Company Member
Linda LaNaija moved to New York City in 2004 in search of diverse cultures and forms of movement expression. She has developed a unique style that blends house dance as well as African and modern dance, and is known for her fluidity, her strength and her sensual musicality. Linda has worked with artists such as Camille A. Brown, Marjory Smarth, and Adia Whitaker, and has been a member of Ase Dance Theater, Fusha Dance Company, and Vissi Dance Theater. She has received training from Ronald K. Brown, Aleta Hayes, Dyane Harvey-Salaam, Bill T. Jones, Shani Collins and Juel Lane. Stage credits include On Earth Together (Ronald K. Brown and Evidence Dance Company), Every Day I’m Hustlin’ (Ephrat Asherie Dance), Ish Scoodah in which she appeared alongside Aleta Hayes, and The Hoarde (Vissi Dance Theater). She has appeared in numerous music videos featuring artists such as Louie Vega, Barbara Tucker, Mr. V, Wunmi, and Gregory Porter, and she also choreographed the musicals Bums & Monkey, Travesties, West Side Story, and Grace Falls, a musical debut at the 9th Annual International Fringe Festival. In 2007 Linda cofounded MAWU, and went on to perform at numerous venues including Lincoln Center, Alvin Ailey Theater, Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, and SummerStage. She has also won several competitions including New York City Jacks, the Freestyle Dance-Off in Miami, the House Dance Conference Battle, and Step Ya Game Up and recently taught workshops and judged at House Dance Crossing (Tokyo), House Dance Forever (Amsterdam), House Dance Europe (Italy), and Ladies of Hip Hop Festival (New York). Linda teaches workshops in and outside of New York, and continues to collaborate with various choreographers and companies.