The Company

Dancing by the Power Movement Matters Company shares dance beyond the four walls, in churches and synagogues, community centers & schools, theaters & performance halls.  The Company travels nationally and has most recently presented works at the Atlas Theater (DC), The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (MD), Edenton Street United Methodist Church (NC), the Harman Center (DC), the Publick Playhouse (MD) and The Sylvan Theater (DC ).

Company Member Angela Jones Royster is originally from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She moved to Maryland when she was recruited as a track and field athlete to Mount Saint Mary’s University in 2003. While in college, her love of music and dance encouraged her to be a member and co-president of the Social Dance Team, MSMU Dancers for Christ, and MSMU Gospel Choir for 4 years. She graduated from the Mount in 2007 with a BS in Elementary Education. She went on to teach students in the Maryland and DC areas ranging from preschool-aged children to 6th grade. In 2010, she received her Masters of Art in Special Education from the University of Maryland. After graduating, she began teaching children with special needs in Prince George’s County. While interning for her Master’s at Deerfield Run Elementary, she met fellow company member, Joyce, when she was a special education intern in her classroom. Joyce invited her to DPM’s Concert last year and she later auditioned, fell in love with the company, and fell in love with the Lord all over again.  She has never felt so close to God and is honored to have found a new family within Dancing by the Power.

Company Member Felicia V. Stevens, known for her grace and poise, is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.  She has received her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography under the direction of Martha Curtis, James Frazier, Scott Putman, Melanie Richards, Judy Steel and Christian VonHoward.  Felicia focuses on modern dance technique, but ballet continues to provide a fundamental element for her dancing.  During Felicia’s four years at VCU, she danced and choreographed in five of their annual events (student concerts, informal concerts, and special events). In 2009, Felicia attended the American Dance Festival (ADF) at Duke University.  During the festival, she participated in classes instructed by Pamela Pietro, Makeda Thomas and Linda Denise-Fisher.  ADF afforded her the opportunity to be selected to perform with Mark Dendy in his site specific works; Could you Please Restate Your Answer in the Form of a Question and Golden Belt.  In 2010, she traveled abroad to Arezzo, Italy to study at Accademia dell’Arte.  The Bowie, Maryland resident is anxious to return to the Metropolitan area to pursue her passion for dance. Felicia is determined to continue her love for dance by advancing her training, pursing a teaching certification and encouraging children to appreciate artistry, innovation, and creativity.  She is currently a member of Dancing by the Power: Movement Matters Company.