Meet Amirah Sackett | Dancer, Choreographer, Community Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amirah Sackett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amirah, why did you pursue a creative career?
I was very sure at age 12, that I would be an artist. I was very driven by my dreams of performing and dancing at a young age. I spent many years working in offices and secular work environments while pursuing arts in my free time. Always the goal was to become a full time artist. I was driven by my desire to create and share. My way of leaving my mark or stamp in the world was through dance. There were many sacrifices I made in this venture. I chose a path less taken full of risk and vulnerability, but the bigger the risk the higher the pay off. I am passionate about my different communities. The global hip-hop community and the global Muslim community are my two loves. To be able to represent both has been part of what I believe to be my soul purpose. To create from a place of love, to encourage unity, hope, and expression has been central to my artistic pursuits.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am Amirah Sackett, an internationally recognized hip-hop dancer, choreographer, and teacher explores who embodies my Muslim American identity through combining hip-hop movement and Islamic themes. I have been featured on POPSUGAR Celebrity, The Huffington Post, AJ+, Upworthy, and most recently on CNN Arabia. I was named one of “17 Muslim American Women Who Made America Great in 2016” by The Huffington i was honored to be a TEDx speaker, guest lecturer and teacher at Harvard University, and a cultural diplomat with the U.S. State Department in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Kuwait, and Romania. I had the honor to represent the U.S.A. as a cultural performer, in United Arab Emirates, at the Expo 2020 Dubai, the SWANA’s region’s first World’s Fair. Based in Chicago, I continue to teach the next generation and encourage emerging artists to use hip-hop culture as a way to uplift, inspire, and create social change. I currently have partnered with beatboxer and film maker, Ahmed Zaghbouni and have been creating dance film, and live performances with him since 2019. It has been especially exciting to create with someone who is outside my genre, but shares a similar background.
Each milestone I’ve reached came from years of practicing, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment. Nothing was easy, there were always struggles to continue and obstacles in my path. My faith in my purpose, my work ethic, and my spiritual path have helped me through tough times. As a Muslim we say ‘Alhamdulillah’ ‘Thanks to God’, for the good and bad in our life. It may seem strange to thank God for the bad situations we have encountered, but this belief is about submission to our destiny and path and recognition that we actually don’t know how something we perceive as a hardship, could be good for us in the long run. This believe system has helped me weather the storm. My goal has always been to promote love, unity, expression, and change through dance. I believe that when you align yourself with your ‘soul’ purpose, miraculous things will happen. I consistently analyse my intention, and actions to make sure they align with my value system. It’s very important as an artist to ask yourself why you are creating. It’s not an easy road, and if you only are in it for success with money or recognition you probably will not have longevity. One’s pursuit of excellence in their skills are essential, as well as one’s desire to create. Becoming good at what you do requires accumulating skills, and practice. There are no shortcuts. I’m always working to become a better dancer, choreographer, teacher, performer, and community member. I stay curious and humble, the world is full of things to learn! I’ve never thought I’ve mastered anything. There are plenty of dancers who are much better than myself. But I do believe my voice and abilities are unique and I am driven to continue!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m based in Chicago, so first of all I’d only encourage a spring, summer, or fall visit! Winter is too cold! We are a world class city full of museums, parks, shows, music, and festivals. Chicago is home to over 70 different neighborhoods with so many restaurants and diversity unparalleled. I’d take my best friend to the ‘magnificent mile’ to see the Riverwalk, Millenium Park, and go to the top of the John Hancock building for the views. Definitely in summertime there are street festivals everywhere to check out with live music everywhere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many mentors for me along the way, so many teachers, artists, fellow creatives, and family, that have supported my career. I would like to dedicate my story to my father who passed away in 2018. I would never be here without his love.

Website: amirahsackett.com

Instagram: @amirahsackett

Facebook: @amirahsackettofficial

Youtube: @amirahsackett

Image Credits
Ahmed Zaghbouni