Leila Elizabeth became a student of Dean and Leela in 2018 after nearly 15 years of intensive percussion and dance studies. She has focused almost exclusively on the traditional and modern music and dances of West Africa and the Diaspora, focusing on the arts of several different ethnic groups within Mali, Guinea and Senegal. Her study of music and percussion dates back to childhood and she is recognized both in the Bay Area and abroad for her performances and workshops as a drummer in various bands and musical ensembles. Leila believes deeply in the importance of tradition, discipline and preserving the transmission of artistic and somatic knowledge from teacher to student. Her dedication to her practice at Santa Cruz Movement over the years has not only enhanced her ability to perform better as a dancer and musician, but has also helped facilitate dramatically improved physical and mental health, a deepened sense of community and most humbly, the opportunity to elevate to a teaching position where she is now able to passionately share the beauty and magic of a movement practice with others in a kind, supportive and empathetic way.