Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia is a first generation XICANA stemming from proud Mexican
rural roots. She was scouted and adopted into Black American street dance culture as
a 90’s youth by major concert promoter and manager, Doc Brown. With his guidance,
she became a professional dancer while in high school choreographing & touring with
Chicago House music legends Dajae (“Brighter Days), Ten City and Cajmere (“Time for
the Percolator”).
Lady Sol was skillfully trained within Chicago and New York City’s Black Dance
community among greats such as the Kamikazi Dance Crew, Mama Efé McWorter of
the legendary Joseph Holmes Dance Theater, Hip-Hop pioneers Dem Dare, Baba Idy
Ciss of Muntu Dance Theater, Mary J Blige choreographer Big Lez Segar, and Reggae
dance giants Jessica Phoenix and Jamaica’s Global Bob.
In 2008-09, she brought international attention to Chicago (style) Footwork, through her
executive produced documentary “Take Flight” starring the Chicago FootworKINGz, a
local super group comprised of the best South & West side practitioners. This
documentary spawned a global movement in Japan, Europe, and eventually South
America led by her prodigy Charles “King Charles” Parks.
Lady Sol’s work has featured in major media outlets including BET, MTV, NBC, and
TBS. She has worked side by side with major music giants Busta Rhymes, Twista,
original Dancehall Queen Patra, and Wyclef Jean of the Fugees.
In 2015, she co-founded Fiyah Fit, a groundbreaking Afro/Latin/Caribbean dance
fitness program alongside her partner, Jessica Phoenix. Together they created
workshops, dance fit parties, and unique dance fit routines rooted in their combined
dance histories.
Fiyah Fit was featured on Damian Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock” Reggae cruise 2016
and they were presenters at numerous WERQ Fitness events in Chicago. Lady Sol’s
current dance wellness offering “Move Like Goddess” was born during the 2020
global pandemic where she began fusing slower, mindfulness practices alongside her
signature hip and waistline Afro/Latin/Carib dance fit routines.
One of her proudest moments includes winning her first award in the teaching arts
granted by 3Arts Chicago in 2018. Lady Sol’s immense gratitude is endowed to her
three mothers Maria Garcia, Maricela Rodriguez, and Efe McWorter, all of whom have
granted Lady Sol wisdom and purpose as a teaching dance artist. In her own words, “I
intend to continue preserving street dance culture by teaching, presenting, and
promoting it until my last breath.”