Instagram story viewer> @ivdancer8> Tagged

Karen Thornton

@ivdancer8

264

followers

7

following

This dancing diva with a heart of gold!

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

The weather on Friday October 6th 2023, called for early morning showers, 80 degrees winds light and variable. 59 degrees for the low. A beautiful day with love in the air and vibes that didn't lie. Two families became one and so did we. On this day we took vows before God, so many in attendance from far and close by. This day was one for the books IFYKYK, You just had to be there to experience it. I'm so grateful for that til this day and would still marry you all over again! To my husband Taharka, I honor you and must say these past three years have been an adventure for the books, THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU Sincerely Mrs. Owens #dontbeboring #henryowenswedding #blessedtobecomeowens #Thankful #millennialmarried

187

19

There’s something so beautiful about spaces where women + girls can simply be, empowered, joyful, confident, supported, and fully themselves. 💫

This #WomanCrushWednesday, we’re celebrating the incredible young women and leaders who continue to show up with heart, courage, personality, and POWER. Watching young people grow into themselves, take up space, laugh loudly, and shine in their own way will always be one of our favorite parts of this work. 🌻

At Get Empowered, we deeply believe in creating spaces where women and girls feel seen, celebrated, and reminded that their voice, creativity, and presence matter.

To the women leading, mentoring, and pouring in, and to the girls rising into their greatness, this one is for YOU. 💛✨

📸: a beautiful moment & highlight from our incredible collaboration with our youth dancers from @getempowered and @yaa_thebillie at @celebratebedstuy! What an incredible community event!

#WomanCrushWednesday #WCW #GetEmpowered #GirlsEmpowerment

3

0

Backstage with the lovely @nyantwig, host of this week’s @celebratebedstuy!
✨
Having our youth perform on the stage and represent dance, cultural roots, and community was a beautiful thing! So proud of all their hard work, artistry, teamwork and passion for community.

Just good energy, big smiles, and our youth activated for the stage. The vibe? Loud. The love? Real. The sisterhood? One for the books. ❤️✌🏽

#GetEmpowered #BackstageVibes #CelebrateBrooklyn #YouthInMotion #sisterhood

So proud of our 12–16 year-old Get Empowered // Billie’s Youth Arts Academy youth artists and the amazing choreography/teaching by @spiritdakota

Thank you to the amazing Jabari & Regina, (Festival creators / producers) for inviting us and welcoming our crew with such care and positive energy. We love days like these!

Thank you to the Ron, Arcell, Miss Karen, Miss Edna and Miss Naomi for our partnership and special relationship!

3

3

Legacy and history continues with the beat of the drum.

Through every young artist stepping into their purpose.

The former Restoration Youth Ensemble led by AbunDance Honoree @ivdancer8, now the @yaa_thebillie is a group of dedicated young dancers mentored by Brooklyn’s leading dance educators, brings energy, precision, and heart to every performance. Their commitment to the craft and to each other exemplifies the future of Black dance.

The 2026 AbunDance Awards returns on April 26th at 4 PM in NYC, celebrating Black excellence in dance and honoring the next generation of artists.

Lighting Designer/Director: Pierre Rueda
Technical Director: Jeremy Batchelor
Camera Crew: Mike Amari and Chloe Ramos
Stage Manager/Associate Producer: Jason Herbert
Production Managers/Assistant Producers: Lake Escobosa & Khemah Bradford
Directed and Executive Produced by: Karisma Jay

Tickets at AbundanceArts.org or link in bio.

#YouthLegacy #AbunDanceAwards #DanceFuture #ArtsMatter

3

1

There’s something powerful about being introduced by someone who knows your impact. This is community.

Karen Thornton @ivdancer8, a visionary who dedicated 25 years of hard work and magic was honored and presented by veteran Peggy Alston. From training at iconic institutions like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (3rd Company), to performing on national stages and television, Karen has carried the spirit of excellence wherever she goes. As the former Artistic director of the Restoration Dance Theatre from 2002 to 2014; this “dancing diva” shared the gift of creativity and dance to youth in the Brooklyn neighborhood. With her dedication and monumental support, children have been able to express themselves through the artform and lead with confidence in their lives. She has recently created the company KTD/Ascension Arts where she continues to uplift, teach, and inspire generations of dancers to come. In her 2024 AbunDance Award’s acceptance speech, her humility and desire to pass the torch shines. Without the children she wouldn’t be where is

Lighting Designer/Director- Pierre Rueda
Technical Director- Jeremy Batchelor
Camera Crew- Mike Amari and Chloe Ramos
Stage Manager/ Associate Producer-Jason Herbert
Production Managers/ Assistant Producers
Lake Escobosa and Khemah Bradford
Directed and Executively Produced by Karisma Jay

April 26th, 2026 at 4pm, we celebrate the 2026 AbunDance Awards right here in Brooklyn NYC. This isn’t just an event… It’s the advancement of black art as we know it.

Ticket link coming soon!!! Mark your calendars.

#DanceFamily #ArtCommunity #AbunDanceAwards #HonorAndRespect

3

0

Today is our 2nd Anniversary and Im excited to share that we are getting better with time. Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Love is Not Jealous or Boastful. May God continue to keep us & guide us. May he give us the Wisdom to accept the things we cannot change and the Wisdom to know the difference. Yall know I Love me some Taharka and I love being Mrssss OWWEEEENNSSS Ifykyk!#cheerstomanymoreyears #anniversary #ifnotnowwhen⁉️ #dontbeboring #whynot #milenialmarriage

194

24

MEET OUR FACULTY!

The Billie’s Youth Arts Academy (YAA) is a world class arts institution with a faculty of master instructors that foster the love of dance, theater and percussion.

Located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, YAA offers the highest level of training in Ballet, Modern Jazz (Horton), West African (Guinea & Sabar), Hip Hop, African Drumming, Breaking and Drama.

REGISTER TODAY!

FREE TRIAL CLASSES Sat, Oct 4, 11 & 18
DANCE I DRAMA I DRUMMING
Ages 3 - 18

VISIT LINK IN BIO FOR MORE INFO
or VISIT
www.thebillieholiday.org/education

@s_miyah @spiritdakota @liyah_1206 @malcolmmyoung @sydelin1999 @dorren.moglii @shaydwatson @iamisaiahk_ @bria103 @taludjembe @lisaarrindell @ivdancer8 @iamcourtneyrenee @arcell_trece

77

3

For the past 6 months, the Billie’s Youth Arts Academy has turned dance studios into launchpads—raising the artistic bar while making sure every young person could step into the light and reach their highest potential.

Harriet Tubman said it best when she said:
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Her powerful words emphasize the power of dreaming and believing in oneself to achieve great things. It suggests that dreams are the starting point for positive change and that the necessary qualities to make them a reality are within each of us.

As we have reached the end of the season, we send our deepest gratitude to our staff, instructors, families and gifted students who made this season so special.

Have a great summer and don’t forget to continue to dream big and reach for the most brilliant stars.

#acelebrationofdreams
Photos by: @jboogielovephotography

154

5

🌟 Relive the Magic of the AbunDance Awards! 🌟

Last year’s performances were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing incredible talent, passion, and artistry! ✨ From breathtaking dance pieces to soul-stirring musical acts, the night was a true celebration of excellence.

We’re beyond excited for this year’s performances on March 2nd—it’s going to be another unforgettable evening! 🎭🎶 Secure your spot now and be part of the magic.

🎟 Click the link in our bio to reserve your tickets today!

📷: @solwazi_olusola

#AbunDanceAwards #LivePerformance #ArtsAndCulture #DanceExcellence #MusicalMagic #AwardShow #NYCEvents #SupportTheArts #UnforgettableMoments

3

2

With last year’s AbunDance Awards honorees guiding our community day to day, we know that “We gone be alright” despite the challenges and changes in the world. We honor you then and we honor you now. Thank you for continuing to provide life and hope to our community! 🙏🏾❤️

Click the link in our bio for The 2025 AbunDance Awards March 2nd!

📷: @solwazi_olusola

#AbundanceAwards #AbundanceAwards2025 #CelebrateExcellence #BlackExcellence
#HonoringGreatness #ArtsMatter

3

0

✨ Last year, the AbunDance Awards stage was set on fire by incredible performances from AbunDance Academy, Billie Holiday Youth Ensemble, Saint Auburn, Creative Outlet, Balance Dance Theater, and the phenomenal Kyleigh Vickers!

This year, we’re raising the bar even higher as we honor the legends who paved the way. Don’t miss out on a night of excellence, culture, and celebration! 🎭🌟

🎟️ Get your tickets now by clicking the link in our bio!

#AbunDanceAwards #TheAbbys #BlackDanceExcellence #HonoringOurLegends #PerformingArts #BrooklynArts #DanceLegacy #CelebrateCulture

3

0

This time last year, we were honoring #blackhistorymonth by awarding some of the best Dancers, Dance Teachers, Dance Advocates and Dance Legends with our #annual #abundanceawards. This year, we are doing it again! SAVE THE DATE - SUNDAY MARCH 2,2025 we are hosting the AbunDance Awards! With more beautiful performances from today’s blossoming youth exclusive and special tributes to more incredible #blackdance #icons, you have to be there! Tickets go onsale this week! #bklyn let’s show up and show out again this year!

42

1