Line Dance Connection:	What's your name? Do you have any dance nicknames that you're known by?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	My name is Zakiyya Abdullah and I’m known as DLover (Dance Lover) SteppinforFitness.
Line Dance Connection:	Where are you from and what city do you call home?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I am originally from Philadelphia and presently I call Maple Shade, NJ home.
Line Dance Connection:	What do you do in your professional life? Any hobbies outside of dance?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I am a Confidential Secretary with the School District. My hobbies outside of dance include reading, singing, crocheting, and teaching Arabic to children and adults.
Line Dance Connection:	Are you affiliated with any group or groups?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I am affiliated with the IAKJP Social Club, and have performed with “I am Kenny J” and “Dance Az One” (Bernadette Burnett) dance groups. Also, I travel with the Parkside Solid Gold Crew.
Line Dance Connection:	How long have you been dancing?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I have been line dancing for about 14 years.
Line Dance Connection:	How did you get involved in dancing?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I have always been an avid dancer, but slowed down with busy home life. I was introduced to line dancing by Zenobia Shaw at a Ladies Dance Affair. I attended the Seniors Oldies affair and saw line dancers 65 – 82 years old dancing with more energy than I had at 308 lbs. That started me on my journey.
Line Dance Connection:	What do you like most about line dancing?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	Line dancing allows me to express what is in my heart. I also think line dancing is a unifying activity, it brings together everybody, the young and old, and there is no discrimination when it comes to race. It is a social outlet for traveling, meeting and dancing with dancers from different areas.
Line Dance Connection:	If you could change one thing about dancing, what would it be?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I would not anything about the art of line dancing. There is room for every individual’s expression of dance. I would just ask that we are more patient with one another. Line Dancers, Groups, DJ’s and Choreographers, know that you are appreciated.
Line Dance Connection:	Tell me one thing about yourself that the dance community would find surprising.
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I am a shy and emotional person and don’t say much when I meet the members of this Line Dance Family, but I truly appreciate each and every one of them for what they bring to this art, Choreographers and Dancers included.
Line Dance Connection	Is there a funny dance story you'd like to share in 3 sentences or less?
Zakiyya Abdullah:	I don’t really have a funny story but I wonder why DLover always translates to Da Lover for some people. J