About Us
RhapsoDynamic fuses elite African Diaspora choreography with accessible dance fitness, creating a unique space where cultural heritage meets contemporary movement. We empower both professional dancers and fitness enthusiasts to discover their authentic rhythm while honoring our roots. Through innovative dance experiences, we transform lives, celebrate culture, and inspire movement that matters.
Our Vision
To be the premier force in dance that celebrates and elevates the African Diaspora through innovative choreography and accessible fitness, creating a global movement where cultural heritage and contemporary expression.
Our Mission
At RhapsoDynamic, we are dedicated to nurturing a inclusive community where every individual’s unique rhythm is celebrated. Advancing the art of dance through education, empowerment, and cultural storytelling and building a dynamic bridge between cultural heritage and modern dance expression.
Core Values
- Cultural Authenticity
- Honoring and preserving
- African Diaspora Traditions
- Maintaining Cultural Integrity in all Creative Endeavors
Our Instructors
Meet The Team
- Passionate choreographers with proven industry experience
- Versatile instructors who can craft both professional routines and engaging fitness programs
- Dynamic personalities who can inspire and elevate students at all levels
- Innovative minds ready to shape the future of dance education
Rhapsody Taylor | CEO, Founder
Rhapsody Taylor, a New Jersey and Philadelphia native who began dancing at an early age with her parents, both whom are currently dance teachers. At 7 years old, Rhapsody was determined to take her first dance class with her mother taught by the legendary Katherine Dunham herself, which inspired her to continue the legacy of pursuing her professional career in dance. She began training at Halliday Dance and was a principal dancer for IMAGINE… Dance Theatre in New Jersey. Her passion for dance led her to perform and train with various companies, conferences, and summer intensives such as, The International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Deeply Rooted, Joffrey Jazz Intensive, Eleone Dance Theater, and Philadanco’s Second company D2.
She received a BFA at The University of the Arts for Dance in 2020 and was awarded by their dance department the Elizabeth Pulaski Scholarship Award with high honors, Summa Cum Laude. Rhapsody has performed in works by Kim Bears Bailey, Wayne St David, Milton Myers, Robert Battle, Mark Morris, Kyle and Dinita Clark, Kevin Iega Jeff and Sidra Bell to name a few.
In 2021, Rhapsody began her professional dance career as a company member with Forces of Nature Dance Theater under the direction of Baba Abdel Salaam. She was part of many performances including the Cathedral of St John the Divine, The Apollo, The Watergate in Washington DC, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa in New York. She moved to Los Angeles California for commercial dance and has trained under Kiira Harper, Aaliyah Janell, JR Taylor to name a few, and has booked dancing in Dj Megan Ryte’s music video “Fly”, MACY’S Christmas Special, Music Soundtrack, Burju Spring Heels Collection, and was a dance lead for PEPSI with Shaquille O’Neal . Rhapsody currently is a company member with Contemporary West Dance Theatre under the direction of Benard H Gaddis in Las Vegas, Nevada and is excited to experience all the blessings God has in store for her on this new journey.
On the side of her dance career, in 2021 Rhapsody founded RHAPSODYNAMIC to share her artistry through storytelling and uplifting a community through movement of the African Diaspora and the African American experience. Her movement is very versatile and DYNAMIC, creating art that stems from concert dance, black dance entertainment, Theater, the African Diaspora which translates through her work and classes. RHAPSODYNAMIC has opened many classes in Philadelphia PA, Los Angeles CA, Las Vegas Nevada, and New Orleans Louisiana where many students have benefited on excelling their dance career through concept videos & one on one training. This company has opened many opportunities for dancers where Rhapsody has choreographed and hired dancers for Freedom Theatre’s “Forgotten Founding Fathers” under Dice Raw, ESM ROC Nation Bernie Sanders Conference, The Broadwater LA Theatre premiering “BREAKTHROUGH”, The Peppermint Club in Los Angeles California, and RnB/pop artist Leeyuh Neptune at The Roots Picnic 2025. Rhapsody has also in 2021 received her NASM certification for Personal Training to continue helping clients who are dancers and those who want to better their health. As Rhapsody continues her journey she always puts God first with the support of her family and ancestors, reaching the stars for all of God’s blessings on her remarkable journey.
Malcolm Burton | Ballet Dance Instructor
Malcolm Burton was born in New York City, New York but spent his childhood growing up on the island of Jamaica. Moving back to the States in 2013, He found his love for dance in the church where he was founded by his first dance school Elevé Dance Theater. Under the direction of Diedre Sears, he trained in modern, jazz, african, contemporary and ballet. He later attended the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in 2014 to further his dance foundation until he graduated in 2018. He also attended the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley under the teaching of Karen Kroninger Knerr where he performed lead and soloist roles in ballets like the Nutcracker, Firebird, Pictures of an Exhibition, Midsummer Nights Dream and Carnivale. He was then accepted to Butler University dance program on a partial scholarship.
In college, Malcolm Burton enhanced his ballet foundation while performing soloist and corp roles in the Nutcracker, Raisin in the Milk (Ramon Flowers), Sleeping Beauty, Church Song (Susan McGuire) and Giselle. While studying at Butler, he also performed guesting gigs at local studios like Expressenz Dance Center and Butler Community Arts School. After leaving Butler in 2022, he went on to do freelance dance and teaching gigs throughout NYC, PA and TX. He is a dancer at the Contemporary West Dance Theater.
Viola Taylor | Contemporary Dance Instructor
Meet Viola Taylor, a dynamic force in dance who brings A-list caliber artistry to every Rhapsodynamic session. With her B.F.A. from The University of the Arts (2023) and deep roots in New Jersey’s vibrant dance community, Viola embodies our mission of fusing cultural authenticity with contemporary excellence. Born into a family of dance educators, Viola’s journey began at Halliday Dance of Pennsauken, where her passion ignited into professional artistry. As a principal dancer with IMAGINE…Dance Theater, she has graced stages from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC to performances across Cleveland, Denver, and Los Angeles, consistently delivering the star-quality performances that define the Rhapsodynamic experience. Viola’s training reads like a who’s who of elite dance institutions: Dance Theatre of Harlem, PHILADANCO!, Pennsylvania Ballet, Washington Dance Institute, and Anthony Burrell Breaking Barriers. At Eleone Dance Theater of Philadelphia, she honed her craft for two years with both Eleone Dance Unlimited and the second company Eleone Connections, developing the versatility that makes her instruction so transformative. Her mastery spans the full spectrum of dance forms – African, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Praise, Afro-Cuban, and beyond – allowing her to create the diverse, culturally-rich experiences that set Rhapsodynamic apart. This extensive training enables her to guide students through authentic movement traditions while incorporating contemporary fitness innovations. As a four-time NAACP ACT-SO Competition medalist, Viola’s competitive excellence speaks to her dedication to perfection. Her achievements include: – Gold Medal in Traditional Dance (2016) – Bronze Medal in Modern Dance (2017) – Gold Medal in Modern Dance (2018) – Gold Medal in Modern Dance (2019) Beyond her performance accolades, Viola has served as a Dance Assistant for ACT-SO, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers – a passion she brings to every Rhapsodynamic class. Currently expanding her artistry with Contemporary West Dance Theatre, Viola continues to evolve as both performer and instructor, ensuring that Rhapsodynamic students receive cutting-edge choreography infused with time-honored traditions. At Rhapsodynamic, Viola transforms her elite training and performance experience into accessible, empowering fitness experiences. Whether you’re taking your first dance steps or looking to elevate your existing skills, Viola’s instruction delivers the professional-grade choreography and cultural authenticity that makes every session feel like training with the stars. “Dance Like the Stars, Transform Like a Champion” – with Viola Taylor at Rhapsodynamic, where heritage meets innovation and every student discovers their inner performer.
Michael Gray | Media Director
My name is Michael Gray, and I’ve been fortunate to work as a photographer in Philadelphia for the past 10 years. My photography journey began in high school, where I captured sporting events and contributed to the yearbook committee. As a student, I found it exciting to document the small moments at events and of course the bonus of getting out of class early! By the end of my high school years, my passion for photography grew stronger, and I earned a few awards and a scholarship. This momentum led me to attend the Art Institute of Philadelphia and helped me transition into the workforce as a freelance photographer.
Over the years, I’ve learned that photography isn’t just a visual art it’s also a powerful form of communication. Today, much of my work focuses on portraiture, as I believe people can communicate deeply without uttering a word. Through my photography, I aim to push the boundaries of conveying ideas and emotions. By incorporating these elements, I’m able to tell meaningful stories.
