"Special shout out to the BRILLIANT choreography of Kikora Franklin. Get to know her work if you don't already. Like- seriously."

~Dominique Morrisseau, playwright, Blood at the Root

Blood at the Root- National Black Theatre: Institute for Action Arts, New York Premiere

 

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"Organic, fluid choreography by Aquila Kikora Franklin adds an electric quality that exudes a frustration at individual and systemic blindness as well as the redeeming potential of youth."

~Michael Casper, Altoona Mirror, Blood at the Root review

 

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"Kikora Franklin is one of the most prolific and versatile choreographers I've had the pleasure of working with. Her knowledge of dance pedagogy is unsurpassed. She is one of the founding instructors of the Mojah technique that is on its way to being known worldwide. Kikora is a master instructor, superb performer and outstanding arts advocate."

~Salondia Aveni, Executive Director, Axam Dance Theatre Experience

Arts Manager, Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater and Gallery

 

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Thank you Kikora Franklin for what you bring to this community, to our children and women in particular. Thank you for being the vessel that continues to heal many of us through your dance therapy, direction, and purpose. I am eternally grateful."

~Lucy Ruley-Urie, parent of Roots of Life student 

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“All my praises cannot fully encompass the scope and breadth of knowledge that Professor Franklin holds. Her knowledge of dance, its roots, and its transformation through time is awe-inspiring. But more than that, her care and commitment to students is all-encompassing. She is tough, but kind, challenging but incredibly compassionate. Any program that Professor Franklin holds space in, has an artist and teacher of great value. Through the richness of her pedagogy, practice and curriculum, she will always be an asset. Professor Kikora Franklin is true example of teacher, mentor and artist committed to lifelong learning and exploration of her craft.”

~Michael McElroy

Arthur and Martha Hearron Endowed Professor of Musical Theatre, Chair

School of Musical Theatre and Dance

University of Michigan

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“Ms. Franklin’s masterclass was the perfect solution to our need. Her ability to bring 75 virtual students (and faculty) together and make them forget their troubles and frustrations was incredible. They learned a new art form. They danced their hearts out. They smiled the entire time.”

~Eric Santagata 

Associate Professor of Acting

Distinguished Corbett Chair of Musical Theatre

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

 

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“Kikora Franklin combines important and relevant artistry with cultural competency and authenticity. Her work is important to building the kind of performance art that is truly reflective of the 21st century.”

~NSangou Njikam

Actor/Playwright

New York City

 

 

“Professor Franklin’s students presented well-crafted and delightful works in concert. Her choreography is fresh and rich, particularly in the ways in which she combines movement and voice/songs in tandem to create atmospheres that are both theatrically compelling and resonate with attention to truth and beauty.”

~Alba Pedreira Vieira, Ph.D

Professor of Dance

Universidade Federal de Viçosa

Minas Gerais, Brazil

 

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“Kikora Franklin's Teaching Transformation and Innovation grant project is the feature story on the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence website. The “His-tory, Her-story, Our-story: Hip Hop Theatre Project” with BFA students in THEA 420, is one of the most innovative TTI grants we have funded over the years.”

~Angela Linse

Executive Director of the Schreyer Institute of Teaching Excellence, Associate Dean of Teaching

Penn State University

 

 

“Professor Franklin has a real teaching gift of helping students reconnect with their own bodies. At its most meaningful, feeling centered and finding some modicum of peace in one’s own body.”

~Professor Chris Staley

Distinguished Professor of Art

Penn State University