A native of California, Pascha Barnwell spent most of her childhood overseas in Europe where she received the majority of her dance training which was rooted in classical ballet. She later attended Howard University on a full academic scholarship in a doctoral program but ultimately returned to her dance roots, working in arts administration at Dance Institute of Washington and The Ailey School, as well as pursuing her own performing career. Over the years she has danced with the State Ballet of Rhode Island, Genesis Dance Company, The Seventh Principle, Washington Reflections Dance Company, Gesel Mason Performance Projects, and guested with Dakshina Dance Company.

After spending 18 years at Maryland Youth Ballet as registrar, heritage month programming coordinator, and modern dance teacher, Pascha now works as the Company Manager at Step Afrika! ensuring the art of stepping continues to engage audiences across the United States and abroad.

While no longer an active performer, Pascha finds great joy in facilitating the arts in communities and being able to inspire the next generations through performance and teaching opportunities.