Iaisha Babb-Essien also known as "Aisia Cyan" was born and raised in Queens, NY. She is a dancer, dance educator, choreographer, creative director, digital entrepreneur, and occasional model. From a young age, she has always had an affinity for dance. Her dance journey started at family functions, which soon turned to choreographing for small backyard performances and having dance battles with her cousins. She started her technical dance training at the age of  7 in South African dance and continued training in other styles through various programs. In middle school, she had the pleasure of learning from Darryl Richardson and Rachel Watson-Jih where she learned Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and African dance. Her love for performing grew as she starred in Broadway Jr. musicals where she received the opportunity to perform at the Broadway Jr. Share-out 2012 hosted by Denzel Washington. During her high school years, she started out on Expressions Dance Team and later continued dance journey at Edward Bryne PAL Teen Center under the direction and mentorship of Guya Rainey in Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Heels and Hip Hop for three years.

Aisia continued her dance education attending SUNY at Fredonia where she learned more about bodily awareness and somatic based dance practices. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance and double minors in Dance Studio Administration and Women & Gender Studies in May of  2023. Throughout her time in undergraduate, she held leadership positions within Enfusion Dance Team, Fredonia Student Dance Organization, TADA Recruitment Committee, and Fredonia Dance Ensemble. As President of  Enfusion Dance Team, she was responsible for organizing performances, choreographing, creative direction and curating mixes for performances. Through Fredonia Dance Ensemble, she had the pleasure of working with many talented choreographers such as Christopher K. Morgan, Doug Varone + Dancers, Carlos Jones, Alfonso Cervera, and Irvin Gonzalez. She was also mentored by Sam Kenney, Angelika Summerton, and Angela DiFiore who pushed her to take risks as both a choreographer and dancer during her time at Fredonia. After returning home to NYC, Aisia had the opportunity to dance in Nia Monet's music video "It's On" and perform with Lil Mama at Peaceful Summer Jam'23. After spending a year on Oahu, Aisia has had the opportunity to participate in various photoshoots, perform with the Bounty at World of Dance 2024 and make her debut as a Leviathan Dance Company member at their Mother Tongue show. She continues her reach in the dance and gymnastics field by teaching at local gymnastics programs, dance teams/programs, and assisted living programs.

Her teaching philosophy is that dance is for everyone regardless of their experience level. Dance is a way of social interaction and communication. Although dance technique is valuable, dance is a form of connection and a creative outlet. Aisia strives to make her students feel comfortable and challenged within her classroom. She sees how dance has impacted her journey and wants to give her students that same fun experience. Dance does not just teach people how to perform or execute but it also teaches respect, discipline, manners and other commendable life skills. Through her teaching, she hopes to inspire her students to dream big and that all their dreams can be a reality.

Photographed (Above) By Aloha Headshot

• Private Lessons: Looking to grow your dance skills privately? Join me for a 1-on-1 session in Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Majorette, Twerk, and Heels. These sessions are tailored made to help you grow as a dancer with individualized attention and consistent feedback. Whether you book one session or more, you will have access to a supportive environment, mentorship and tips for improvement.
• Group Sessions: Looking to have some fun with your friends? Book a group session with 5 or more slots in Twerk, Majorette, Hip Hop, or Jazz for any occasion. This package is great for bachelorette parties, friend dates, and fitness lovers. Come destress in a supportive environment with your friends. Group sessions must be booked for two hours minimum for the full experience!
• Choreographic Services: Want to book my services for your wedding, music video, performance, group pieces or audition solos? You can now book this service and add any details (i.e music, length, or concept) in the space labeled "notes". Be as detailed as possible so that we can make your performances come to live. You can also add on Audio By Az to receive my music editing services for this project.
• Workshops: Looking to bring in a new face for a day at your company/dance studio? I am now available for workshops in Performance, Jazz, Majorette and Heels where students will receive two hours of personalized instruction which includes warm up, across the floor, combination, and dance for camera tips. These workshops are meant to bring out the best in your students and give them the opportunity to work with a BFA in Dance graduate from New York City.
• Audio Services: Looking to add some pizzazz to your dance mixes? You can now book my editing services which include sound effects, voiceover, and crossfades. Click on the "audio by az" on the tabs up above to review my work and see what I have created mixes for so far!
• Marketing Assistance: If you are looking to upgrade your social media as a dancer, small business, or personal brand? I offer several packages at an affordable rate to make your page aesthetically pleasing. From flyers to logos and social media packages, our products start at $3. We accept a variety of payment methods upon request.