Penn Africana Studies Artist In Residence: Dr. Gladys Ijeoma Akunna, Ph.D.
Introducing the Power of Africanized Dance/Movement Therapy in Community
Master Class in Dance
Wed April 16, 6pm-8pm: Master Class #1
Mon April 21, 6pm-8pm: Master Class #2
Dr. Gladys Ijeoma Akunna, Ph.D. is an inspiring teacher, researcher, psychotherapist, author, and artist driven by an innovative pioneering spirit. With her deep understanding of Western-oriented Dance Therapy and Indigenous African and African Diasporic Thoughts and psychotherapy, she bridges the gap between historical traditions and contexts, offering unique transformative approaches to mental and emotional well-being to the Black community across the board.
Dr. Akunna conducted the first clinical trial of DMT as psychiatric treatment in Nigeria. She was a visiting Scholar to Drexel University and was honored with an Award by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) as a 2020 AAUW International Fellow, producing the documentary: The Deep Call Into Itself: Healing Africa Through Creative Arts Therapies. Her Poetic Memoir, Please, Adopt Me America, by Austen Macaulay Publishers, USA was released on December 6, 2024.
An African-centered thinker, her Africanized / Dance Movement Therapy contributes to equity in global health ideas, community engagement & empowerment, education and professional practice.
Registration is required and FREE. Please register for Master Class #1 HERE. Please register for for Master Class #2 HERE.