Karen Phelps, Esq.
With rhythm in her soul and community in her heart, Karen Phelps has danced her way into a life of cultural celebration and service.
Her Story
Karen Phelps, Esq. has always been a dancer at heart and got her first introduction to traditional dance in 2003 studying Afro-Brazilian dance while a college exchange student in Santiago, Chile. Karen moved to Charlotte, NC after graduating law school and her passion for dance led her to professional Salsa classes, where she learned to dance Salsa “On 2” and traveled the country attending workshops with professional instructors when she was not out enjoying local Salsa socials.
A fellow salsera introduced Karen to Traditional West African Dance classes (hosted by Shae Movement African Arts) and the rest was history. Her love with Traditional African Dance was instant and in 2015 she was invited to perform with Shae Movement African Arts Dance Company. In 2017, she met Cheick Sissoko from whom she learned to play traditional drums and she extended her drumming and dance experience into performances with Cheick Sissoko and Dr. Tinka Barnes for various Charlotte events.