From Pain to Perseverance

Essence Thomas, 23, born in Hollywood, Florida, is a freelance dancer, choreographer, teaching artist and youth mentor. Thomas is a first generation college student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a minor in Florida teaching at The University of Florida. Thomas is very passionate about dance and its ability to empower and educate an audience. She strives to make choreography that reflects current societal issues and to make a strong emotional connection with the audience through her work. As a former aged out fostered and homeless youth, she strives to give back to the community by becoming a community teaching artist, mentor and educator for at-risk, homeless and fostered youth to serve in underprivileged, underrepresented and low-income communities.