Dr. La Toya Davis-Craig

Director FMU Dance Ensemble

Raised in Miami, Florida, LaToya Davis-Craig studied dance with Florene Nichols and the Inner City Children’s Touring Dance Company and the Edwin Holland School of Dance.   She was the Co-Founder and served for six year as the Artistic Director, for Essence Dance Theatre.   Dr. Davis-Craig danced with Mahogany Dance Theatre and Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre (the official dance company of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University).   Dr. Davis-Craig also served on the Board of Directors for the Black College Dance Exchange and served as Owner and Director of Prophecy School of the Arts (a multi-disciplinary institution catering to students from ages 2 to Adult).

Dr. Davis-Craig obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University in 2001; her Master of Arts in Arts Administration and her Ph.D. in Art Education with a concentration in Arts Administration from Florida State University in 2003 and 2009 respectively.  Dr. Davis-Craig has also completed coursework for the State of Florida Dance Teacher Certification.

As a performer, teacher, and life-long student of dance who has travelled throughout the African Diaspora studying dance, Dr. Davis-Craig is dedicated to exposing various communities to the different facets and benefits of dance as a social, educational, and physical activity. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern and lyrical dance for over the past 20 years and recognizes the importance of a solid technical foundation.  She also believes in dance’s ability to stimulate creative expression and provide an outlet for emotions.  Dr. Davis-Crag also recognizes the benefits and has come to believe in the importance of utilizing the arts to develop and nurture self-esteem, confidence, character, discipline, mutual respect and belief in students’ ability to attain personal excellence.  It is her belief, that dance can be used to build sense of community.