Ogechi Ochiagha

Afro Fusion Masterclass Tutor

Ogechi Cornelia Ochiagha popularly known as NELIA is a dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor born in London United Kingdom in 1991, from southeastern Nigeria, now residing in Birmingham, her second home. She has been dancing professionally since 2009.

Growing up in Nigeria, dance was more than just a hobby; it was a cultural inheritance woven into the fabric of her community. From a young age, she found herself captivated by the beats of traditional Nigerian music, which has evolved into a global sound today and is gradually gaining traction.

She was a member of the renowned Kaffy Kreative Academy and had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned Afrobeats artists such as Yemi Alade, Simi, D’banj, Chuddy K, etc., on some of the biggest platforms in the industry. From electrifying performances to captivating music videos, it has been a life-changing experience. As much as she relished the spotlight, her true fulfillment came from imparting knowledge and love for dance onto eager students. Whether it was instilling confidence in a timid beginner or refining the skills of a seasoned dancer, witnessing the transformation that took place within her students was a reward unto itself, which led to her opening her first dance studio in Nigeria (NHC DANCE CLASS formerly DANCE DREAMZ STUDIO) in November 2019.

She moved to Birmingham in January 2023 with a dream and a steadfast determination to share the richness of African dance with the world. She wasted no time in immersing herself in the local dance scene. Joining forces with esteemed organizations such as Dance with Stago and Eloquent Dance, she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of Afro-centric dance. From teaching Afro dance classes to children and adults alike to choreographing mesmerizing routines that left audiences spellbound, her monthly Workshop AFROCAVE intensive has been ongoing for 6 months.

She seeks to build a strong Afro dance community in Birmingham and beyond and mentor aspiring dancers who wish to learn and embody this dance style. She is determined to continue pushing the boundaries of Afro-centric dance and inspiring others to unleash their inner rhythm.