Getting to know...Antwan Davis

Apr 13, 2026

Our teaching artists are the heart and soul of our work. These talented, creative folk put in countless hours of effort to bring the life-changing power of arts education to students throughout the Bay Area. Co-founder of the performance company Molodi and a former cast member of STOMP and Step Afrika!, Antwan Davis has been a YANC roster artist for 9 years, helping thousands of youth throughout the Bay Area “find their voice through the language of rhythm.” We know him as a talented teaching artist who brings an exciting blend of Step, Body Percussion, and arts integration to classrooms, but did you know his touring career took him from coast to coast and across the sea? Keep reading to learn more about Antwan and his words of wisdom for up and coming teaching artists.

How did you get started with your performing career?

I got started because of a deep love for music and a strong desire to perform in front of people. Growing up, I was drawn to sports, but everything shifted when I began stepping as a freshman in college. That experience connected rhythm, movement, and performance in a way that felt natural and exciting. By 1999, I knew the stage was where I belonged, and in 2003, I received my first professional contract with Step Afrika!, which launched my performing career.

What are some favorite memories about performing with STOMP?

I have a handful of favorite memories from my time with Stomp, but two really stand out. The first is my Las Vegas show run, which was my first show before going on tour. It was especially meaningful because my grandmother and my mother were able to come see me perform on the Las Vegas Strip—that was a full-circle moment for me.

The second is performing in New York at the original Stomp Theater during the show’s 25th anniversary. Being on that stage, where so much of the show’s history lives, was incredibly special and something I’ll never forget.

What advice do you have for teaching artists just getting into the field?

I would encourage teaching artists to ask themselves this question every day: “How do I create a safe, positive, supportive, and encouraging environment for young people to express themselves and discover their best selves?” Sit with that question, explore it, and let it guide your practice. That’s where the real impact lives.

 Take the chest groove challenge with Antwan! Click below: