Title
Honoring and recognizing O’Shae Leon Sibley, a dancer, choreographer, and life-changing community leader, who inspired countless performers with his passion and ambition, advocated tirelessly for Black, queer, and transgender communities, and empowered youth to find their distinct paths to greatness.
Body
WHEREAS, O’Shae was born in Philadelphia to Onetha Sibley and Jake Kelly. He was raised in and educated in the Philadelphia school system, where he attended Wakisha Middle School, Girard College, and Mastery Charter; and
WHEREAS, O’Shae fell in love with dance at an early age, starting dancing at age three and beginning classes in middle school. O’Shae proved to be so talented that his teacher brought him to Philadanco, a nonprofit dance company that focuses on youth dancer development and empowerment. There, at twelve, O’Shae began training in hip-hop dance under the tutelage of Clyde Evans Jr., and by 14, O’Shae was offered a dance scholarship to the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts; and
WHEREAS, At the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, O’Shae trained in ballet and jazz dance styles under Debbie Manning-St Charles. By the age of sixteen, he was accepted into the Philadanco! Danco 2 company, where he stood out as a rising star in the group; and
WHEREAS, Later in his career, O’Shae became a core member and choreographer of the Xcel Dance Crew. He was also a devoted participant in the Ailey Extension program of dance; and
WHEREAS, O’Shae was an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer with a deep passion for the arts. He used this passion not only to dance, but also to teach and advocate for social change. O’Shae exhibited this passion in works like Kemar Jewel's 2021 video “Soft: A Love Letter to Black Queer Men,” which O’Shae co-choreographed and which uses the art of contemporary dance to portray Black feminine energy and dancing at NYC Pride in 2022. In particular, the work uses Vogue to advocate against hatred of Black trans women; and
WHEREAS, The friends and loved ones of O’Shae consistently remark on Oshea’s unique ability to turn any floor into a dance floor - a place to share joy, embrace self-love, and pridefully show and teach to others the unique voice that drove O’Shea and continues to drive the Vogue movement in Black Queer spaces; and
WHEREAS, O’Shae volunteered at dance studios to help people of every race, gender, and creed find the rhythm that moved their souls. He volunteered at youth centers, offered free dance classes throughout his community, and encouraged all to love themselves and continue their paths to greatness whether through college, trades, or the arts; and
WHEREAS, O’Shae’s determination and ambition to succeed was an inspiration for anyone who met him. Today, he is remembered as a beacon of light who had the power to touch every heart around him. He encouraged everyone he knew to stand out and be who they wanted to be. O’Shae was and will forever be considered a valuable member of the dance community and his work is guaranteed to continue to inspire others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and recognizes O’Shae Leon Sibley, a dancer, choreographer, and life-changing community leader, who inspired countless performers with his passion and ambition, advocated tirelessly for Black, queer, and transgender communities, and empowered youth to find their paths to greatness.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That three Engrossed copies of this Resolution be presented to Onetha Sibley, Jake Kelly, and Otis Pena, family and friends of O’Shae, as an expression of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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