S.O.P.H.A.T. Plus Size Burlesque Dance Troupe - Actor | Detroit, Michigan

Show Description

S.O.P.H.A.T. specializes in the art of burlesque. Using all forms of music to showcase the sensuality of the plus size woman, is the specialty of S.O.P.H.A.T. The Troupe dances in full costume to create the illusion of the roaring 20s all the way to the booming millennium.

Biography

LaChina Jones-Kariem is a dancer, actress, model, model coach, poet, playwright, designer, speaker and most of all a mother of four. She began her theatrical career at the age of 4.  She performed with many dance troupes, performing Cuban, Congolese, Senegalese, Hip Hop, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Liturgical, and many more dance forms.  In 1995 she was chosen to perform for Katherine Dunham Tribute at the Music Hall in Detroit, MI. This opportunity opened up the gates to many more great experiences. She graduated from The Detroit School for the Fine & Performing Arts in 1997.  While at DSA she pe ... rformed in many plays and dance concerts, including “Bye Bye Birdie” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. This school, along with her mother, Sandra Jones-Kariem, prepared her for the world of real entertainment. In 2004 she became a partner and choreographer for Ambition Modeling Company which had their first show in December of 2004. From that point on she has modeled and performed choreography for the House of Von Jour Reece, Toy Banks, Sharon Jones, Shades of Essence, H3 Entertainment, Tania Monet’s Glam Squad, 3 Diva Entertainment, Scarlet Linen, Ashley Stewart, Fuller Woman Expo and many, many more great designers, stores and agencies.  In June 2007 LaChina performed in the stageplay, “Drama in the Shop” as a model and dancer.  Her ability as a model and flexibility as a dancer made her a hit in this play. She was the company manager for Divine 1 Productions, LLC and has performed in "Saints or Aints", "The Big Nativity Case" and from “Sinner to Saint”. In 2011, she acted in the hit stageplay, “Perilous Times”, directed and written by the talented and nationally known TJ Hemphill. Also in 2011, she joined her choir family at Greater Grace Temple and appeared many time in the movie Sparkle. In 2012, she became a full time choreographer for the Fuller Woman Network and in 2014, she became a Board Member. Her many endeavors and tenacity led her to perform with her plus size burlesque team, SOPHAT, in Indonesia with the Fuller Woman Network. She has thus become the Co-Director of the movement and has wrote her own play, started a podcast with her co-director, Cassandra Jones-McBryde, performed in St. Croix for their pre- Carnival runway show and has experienced the world on a new level of modeling. Although she loves runway, PRINT is everything to her. In 2018 LaChina had the honor to team up with the award winning renowned photographer, Jose’ Pagan, as his Detroit ambassador for his Jose Pagan Phototour. Ever since they met, artistic chemistry has flourished. Jose’ has been very instrumental in some of her most well talked about shots and she continues to work with him for a lifetime.
LaChina gives all credit to YAH!! Nothing she has done and will do would be possible without his presence in her life.
 
 
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Experience

I have been in the theater world for over 35 years. From dancing at festivals to performing in countries like Indonesia.

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Baby Shower Bachelor / Stag Party Bachelorette / Hen Party Bar / Bat Mitzvah Birthday Party (Adult) Birthday Party (Teen) Bridal Shower Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christening Christmas Party Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Conference / Meeting Corporate Event Cruise Ships Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Graduation Party Grand Opening Party Halloween Party High School Reunion HM Forces/Army/Navy/Military Event Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event New Year's Eve Party Nightclub Event Nursing / Care Home Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party School Event Social Club Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions University / College Event Virtual Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Acting Experience

I acted in the play "Perilous Times" by the famous T.J. Hemphill

Modelling Experience

I have modeled around the USA, Bali, Jakarta, St Croix and Toronto. I have trained models and have modeled for the last 20 plus years.

Meet the Act

I love theater PERIOD!!. Though, dance is my heart. It relaxes me, excites me, explores me and encourages me.

Virtual Services Offer

Burlesque Classes

I also run Burlesque classes for a $30 fee with a minimum of 15 students. It is a blast and the women continue to come back. But not only is it fun, it builds confidence and encourages exercise.