Aliya Longmire, known for her style, feisty, fun, and free spirited personality, is a native of Washington, DC. Aliya grew up in a loving, nurturing, and supportive family that fostered self-expression and freedom to cultivate one's gift. It was this loving atmosphere of encouragement that allowed Aliya to develop the confidence needed to perform in various fine arts groups, and would provide her with the boldness to eventually minister through dance.

 

    Aliya’s dance journey began at the age of 11, when her parents enrolled her in ballet classes at the local Oakcrest Community Center in Capitol Heights, MD. Aliya discovered very early in her dance career that dance was an outlet for her from the pressures of life. 

 

    Years later, after relocating to Waverly, VA, Aliya started attending Rose of Sharon Apostolic Church where she was introduced to “Praise Dance” and Mime. Aliya began to see dance, in church, as more than just a performance. Aliya would say that dancers are actually “Ministers of Movement”, because they express God’s Word through motion and movement. Aliya believed that God allows dancers to paint a vivid picture of his grace, love, compassion, and blessings.

 

     Since those humble days in Waverly, VA God has allowed Aliya to teach and minister at several Arts Conferences and stage plays, share the stage with Gospel recording artists, and choreograph for numerous churches and events.  She was also a former member and Co Founder of Seeds of Praise dance ministry.   

 

    Today, Aliya has settled in Concord, NC with her loving and supportive husband, Joshua Longmire and her four amazing children. Aliya balances her family life, ministerial obligations, and career with poise and great success. Aliya works daily for the non-profit organization, Autism Charlotte, as an Administrative Assistant. Aliya is a member of Have Life Church, under the pastoral ship of Pastor Shomari White & Co Pastor Jacque White, where she serves as the Arts Director.  She is also a member of Souls 2 Christ Mime Ministry under the leadership of Dennisa Herndon.  Additionally; Aliya is the Owner and Director of The Christian School of Dance. 

 

   When Aliya is not creating or in a classroom teaching, you can find her relaxing on her patio, spending time with family and friends, cooking, helping others, or eating her favorite food, seafood. 

                                                                           -My desire she says, "is to win souls to Christ not only through the arts, but by exemplifying Christ in my everyday lifestyle."