Rita Burns, originally from Williamsburg, VA, resides in Metropolitan DC. She is an independent dance artist, instructor, DJ, and culture bearer. Her background is in musical theatre, modern/jazz dance, and is deeply rooted within the dance music culture. Rita has been a member of various dance companies with notable choreographers including Ronya-Lee Anderson, Monstah Black, Gesel Mason, Tony Powell, Deborah Riley, and Vincent Thomas. She has offered choreographic support in various projects, including Nehprii Ameni’s performance installation, ‘Food For The Gods,’ and was featured in Seshat Yonshea Walker’s multimedia choreodrama, ‘CHRCH, A Black Music Story’. She was a guest artist in Bessie’s Outstanding Creator/Choreographer, Latasha Barnes’, The Jazz Continuum, and worked with esteemed choreographers, David Roussève, Bill T. Jones, and International Dance Music Awardee, Ultra Naté. Rita has held DJ residencies in fashion boutiques and has performed at various events, including the National Minority AIDS Council, the Kennedy Center for National Dance Day, and the Capital House Fest – Salute To Sam “The Man” Burns. Currently, she hosts a radio show, ‘Meeting In The Ladies Room’ (A Collective of Women DJs) on WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington, DC. Rita has decades of teaching experience. She has been a guest presenter at American University, Howard University, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (MAAHC), and recently moderated for the DC Caribbean FilmFest. Rita continues to refine her skills as an artist and educator while positively impacting her communities through her work. She believes music and movement are healing.