Hadiya Francine Matthews is originally from Houston, TX and recently graduated from George Mason University in May 2022. During her four years at Mason, Hadiya majored in Dance and minored in Criminal, Law & Society. She has received Ballet and Modern Dance training from high-level educators such as Susan Shields, Linda Miller, Roger Jeffrey, Christopher D’Amboise, Shaun Boyle D’Arcy, and Karen Reedy. During her time as an undergraduate, she experienced rigorous residencies and performed well-renowned works by Adonis Foniadakis, Rafael Bonachela, Micaela Taylor, Hope Boykin, Christopher D’Amboise, Shaun Boyle D’Arcy, and Larry Kegwin. Hadiya is also a 2018 alumna of the High School for Performing and Visual Arts where she performed works such as “The Envelope” by David Parsons and “Appalachian Spring” by Martha Graham. In addition to her education, she has studied at the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive, 2016, and BODYTRAFFIC Virtual Summer Intensive, 2021. In 2022, she worked as a model and dancer for Will Perform PBC’s launch campaign ad. She’s also gained experience in Marketing, Public Relations, Styling, and Creative Direction. Hadiya currently resides in New York City where she works as a freelance dance artist and creative assistant.  She believes that curating to share stories builds an avenue to allow artists the opportunity they deserve, to free their spirit, and connect with those around them. Hadiya is also super excited to collaborate in her first season with Moving Forward Collective while also working as Moving Forward’s Marketing Manager!