Atlanta Stilt Dancing

Portia Langley; Atlanta Stilt Dancing. Born and raised on the island of St.Croix Virgin Islands, Portia began stilt dancing at the age of 10. Referred to as 'Moko Jumbie' dancing, the art form was brought to the Caribbean by slaves from West Africa. The tradition is still practiced today throughout the Caribbean. Seen during carnival and festival season, Portia saw Moko Jumbie’s dancing and wanted to join. She slowly learned the art form and soon began dancing at events and activities on the island. Portia was then chosen as the only stilt walker to travel throughout the North East United States on tour with the Caribbean Dance Company in 2001. After graduating high school and leaving the island, she received a band scholarship from Fort Valley State University where she danced on stilts during halftime shows at football games. She performed with the band throughout her 4 years in college. After graduating college, Portia joined AmeriCorps volunteering throughout the South East U.S. with non-profit groups on various community service projects after Hurricane Katrina. Every chance she got during that time, she performed on her stilts, bringing joy to those affected by the storm. Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, she has performed at local schools, clubs, churches, festivals, parades, parties and much more. Stilt Dancing is her passion and she truly enjoys sharing a part of her culture to entertain those around her.