interdisciplinary Artist

somatic abolitionist

wombmanist

 

Keita Whitten founded and co-creates somatic liberation dance in Harrison. Her creative journey of liberation is deeply rooted in the hearts expressive and healing power. Through her artistry, she seeks to create, heal, teach, nurture, understand, bear witness, and foster understanding among others.

 

As a founding member of the Brooklyn Immersionists movement, Keita began her artistic path in New York City, where she majored in dance and the arts. Her eclectic musical style as a Sacred Rebel space holder reflects her vibrant NYC dance and performance experiences at renowned venues such as Danceteria, Lime-Light, Save the Robot, CBGB, The Garage, Bentleys, and the infamous, iconic Mustard Seed Factory performance arts raves in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. These formative years shaped her dynamic approach to art, dance, music, DJing, and performance.

 

Beyond performance, Keita spent six years producing the Mama Afrika Show on WMPG community radio, writing for the Portland Press Herald, performing as a singer with Portland-based reggae bands and acoustic coffeehouses, and serving as a DJ for Portland Community Dance. She has founded several initiatives focused on healing and empowerment, including Somatic Liberation Dance Waves for BIPOC Communal Healing, The Harriet Tubman Movement Coalition, Redefining Therapy, and Ready, Set, Thrive. Her involvement in these diverse creative platforms continues to inspire her work today in Harrison.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern Maine. Keita is a trauma-informed psychotherapist, a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, bringing a holistic, embodied approach to her art, practice, and community engagement. More about her soul-mapping process through the arts is available at www.keitawhittenfoster.com.

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