"I dance because of the way it makes me feel. I do not perform to impress, but to touch people, at their core. To inspire them. To share the beauty of life, of Africa. To connect with people at a deeper level. For me, beauty is not technical excellence. Technical excellence can impress, but it does not move the heart the same way. Inspiration does. Spontaneity does. Beauty does. Love does. We are here because of the love we all share for the rich culture of Africa. For me, Africa is not a geographic location. It's in me. I carry it with me anywhere I go, and I share it with people who are longing for the experience that Africa can bring. I invite you to open your heart and feel Africa..."

• Jacky’s philosophy

My message is simple: If you can breathe, you can dance.

My programs do not provide you with another opportunity to be hard on yourself or to torture your brains. When you come to either my weekly Afro’Robic class or to the monthly Healing Dance Workshop for Women, the most important thing is your own experience. It is not about how technically good you can be! It is simply about how much fun you can have with African dance. All classes and workshops have one thing in common: the moment you walk in the room, you belong. Welcome.

• Jacky’s bio

Originally from Cameroon, Jacky Essombe grew up in Paris and now lives in Vancouver. She has toured in Canada, the United States and Europe with major recording artists and has appeared on television and radio in Canada and France. From 2006 to 2007 she was the host of a weekly television show on the French CBC TV channel called "A la Carte".

A true ambassador of the African culture, Jacky's passion for her culture inspired her to become a professional dancer, dance teacher, storyteller, trainer and speaker and a TV and radio show host. She uses dance as a medium to express life to its fullest and also as a journey to a higher level of consciousness.

As a dance instructor and workshop presenter, she gives more than just a dance lesson; she offers the experience of openness to the self through movement and body awareness, and a true cultural experience. Over the last five years, Jacky has been presenting the African Healing Dance Workshop for Women throughout BC, as well as helping people with all body shapes and fitness experience reach their fitness goals with her increasingly popular Afro'Robics classes.

She loves to share the traditions, history and culture of Africa, and the wisdom of her ancestors, and she truly believes that the Western world can benefit from the ancient wisdom of indigeneous people.

Her message: You belong!  This is your culture too!