Esther Grant Walker, Rehearsal Director
Esther Grant-Walker has been an integral personality in the West African Dance community for over 25 years. She has carved a niche in the folkloric dance instructor community of Harlem, by providing free intergenerational classes, community events, and workshops. She has worked with numerous premier dance companies in the city such as Forces of Nature Dance Company, Papa Ladji Camara’s African American Dance Company, Sabar Ak Ru Afrique (currently named Drum Song), Mama Tongue, Opus Dance Theatre, and Cinque Folkloric Dance Company. She has performed at world renowned venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Newark Symphony Hall, Symphony Space, and the Apollo Theater.

Esther has lent her artistic abilities to various dance companies and community-based organizations over the years. She has taught for arts-in-education organizations such as Jazzmobile and Arts Connection. Esther has designed and constructed costuming and accessories, mounted productions and organized major events. Her work in intergenerational dance instructor includes consulting with The Valley, Rheedlan Foundation (renamed Harlem Children’s Zone), PAL, the Harlem Y, Oberia Dempsey Center, NYC Mission Society, Brooklyn Restoration Youth Arts Academy, and Harlem School of the Arts, to name a few. Esther served as the Artistic Director for Opus Dance Theatre & Community Services from 1995-1998.

Esther is involved in the Youth Development/Leadership field and currently holds the position of Director of School Age & Family Engagement Services at the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center, Inc., which is located on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan. She has served as the NYC Afterschool for Afterschool Alliance and is a 2013 Pasesetter award winner for excellence in the field of Youth Development. Esther continues to teach intergenerational dance classes and works as a consultant to arts/dance organizations seeking her expertise.