When Maati Angaza, BYR ’21, first toured Temple’s Main Campus as a prospective student, she knew she would eventually call it home.

“I’m big on the idea that there’s this internal feeling that guides you everywhere you’re supposed to be,” said Angaza. “When I was walking around campus I was like, ‘This is the place. This is where I’m supposed to be. This is where I can see myself for the next four years, growing as an artist, as a performer and just as a person.”  

The time at Temple served her well: After receiving a BFA in dance from Boyer School of Music and Dance, she is now a member of the ensemble in the national tour of the The Wiz, the theatrical adaptation of the 1975 film starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, itself an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. As a member of the ensemble, she dances and sings for the entire show.  

The first stop on this leg of the tour? Philadelphia. While performing at the Academy of Music from June 3–15, the memories of living and working in the city as a student came flooding back.

“I wish I could explain it or give someone else this feeling, because it really is out of body,” said Angaza. “Yesterday, I was on the train and when I got off at City Hall my heart was feeling so much, because I remember the very first time I walked up those steps. It’s just such a full circle moment and it makes me so happy inside.”

The Brooklyn native, who lives in New York City when she’s not on tour, chose Temple due to its proximity to her family. “I chose Temple because I heard great things, and my family was pushing me to go away for college, but of course they didn’t want me to go too far. Also, I received a scholarship from Temple,” said Angaza.

As a student, she was a member of By Any Means Necessary Dance Group, Temple’s first hip-hop dance organization. She credits her career success to training in a broad range of dance styles at Temple and previous schools. “We were never just trained in one style. Being a versatile dancer has prepared me for anything,” said Angaza.  

Before The Wiz, Angaza danced in the off-Broadway hip-hop dance production Breaking NYC. Now, she’s excited to be a part of the cast of The Wiz because of a personal connection to the story and its legacy.  

“The Wiz has resonated with audiences for so long because it’s a story about hope, it’s a story about a dream and believing in yourself,” Angaza said. “It shows that no matter what you’ve been through, you can always find your way back.”