Every year, we honor the power of community, joy and art-making with our donation-based workshop series and student performance.

This year's culminating performance and fundraiser, Soul. Life. DANCE! will be an explosion of dance and drumming, featuring Haitian, West African, Congolese, Brazilian, Belly Dance, and Dunham Jazz performances!

Soul. Life. & DANCE! Performances

Vado Diomande

“Ivory Coast Rhythms”

Experience the electrifying rhythms of the Ivory Coast with Vado Diomande and students. Revel in the vibrant energy and intricate steps that define Ivory Coast's rich dance heritage—a captivating celebration of West African culture in motion.

  • Cynthia Mustafa · Kai Custodio · Hongying Zhang(Vivian) · David Costes ·David Samuel · Nina Brown · Ashley Williams · Ray Steehler · Alisa Eaton · Jeffrey Jacque · Aislinn Ridley · Osi Eastman · Sounji Henriques · Akeela Lewis · Cesar Aguilar

Candice Michelle Franklin

“Red Warrior”

Be prepared to immerse yourself in a mesmerizing Dunham-Informed Jazz Technique performance led by Candice Michelle Franklin. Witness the fusion of Jazz roots, Dunham's unique movements, and modern Jazz motifs woven together in a dynamic concert. This creation of a vibrant, expressive Jazz piece celebrating artistry, improvisation, and choreographic embellishment is a captivating performance inviting audiences to revel in the freedom of movement and artistic expression, transcending dance backgrounds.

  • Gabrielle Phillips · Asia Lambert · Sadie Levy · Christopher Bisram · Jernee Montoya · Isabella Arguello · Seana Peterson · Sadie Levy · Hetty Cunningham · Azana Makeda · Jenny Wang · Alicia Thomas · Akeela Lewis · Aqila Norris · Leyla Pringle

Julio Jean

“Konbit of Liberty”

Experience the enchanting world of Haitian cultural dance with Julio Jean—an experienced dancer, artist, and teacher. Julio leads a mesmerizing performance showcasing traditional Haitian dance forms rooted in Vodou religion. Feel the rhythmic undulations of 'Yanvalou,' the precise movements of 'Nago,' and the graceful 'Kongo' dance. Through dance, song, and rhythms, Julio Jean brings to life the rich heritage and captivating beauty of Haitian traditions, offering a vibrant spectacle steeped in cultural resonance.

  • Aqila Norris · Azana Makeda · Novella Bailey · Samuel Galler · Ain Cadet · Alannah Fehrenbach · Bronwyn Breitner · Lindsay Holmes · Cameron Boyle · Judith Jean Bruce · Janice Atherley · Larisa Doroshenko · Luna Tee · Andrea McCullough

Quenia Ribeiro

“Samba da Felicidade /Samba of Happiness”

Witness the vibrant energy of Brazil through the world-renowned rhythm and dance of Samba! Students in this class experienced the captivating journey of Samba, tracing its origins from the African continent to its birthplace in Bahia, Brazil. This performance showcases the lively No Pé Samba style from Rio De Janeiro—a celebration of rhythm, movement, and the infectious spirit of Brazil.

  • Gladys Yensi · Adriana Merenda · Mariamma Christopherson · Patrick Ng · Gladys Yensi · Emma Smoluchowski · Fatima Mangane · Natasha Martinez · Elsa Taylor · Angela Rey · Aledra Floyd

Darian Parker

“Sofa”

Darian Parker and his student will take you on a journey in a vibrant performance of Guinea's soulful and intricate dance traditions highlighting the traditional Malinke hunting rhythm—a captivating display of Guinea's lively rhythms and skillful movements.

  • Danielle Abigail Campbell · Violeta Tellez · Fleuretta waltrous · Dolores Waltrous · Angeli Rasbury · Gabrielle Williams · Lynda Lee · Joy Kariamu · Isha Clarke · Larisa Doroshenko · Cas See · Novella Bailey · Aislinn Ridley · Azana Makeda · Milica Barjaktarovic · Jasmine Washington · Andrea McCullough · Afua McKinney

Jaida

“The Ocean Sings to My Love”

Experience the mesmerizing essence of Belly Dance in this captivating performance expressing emotions through intricate rhythms, sensual movements, and spiritual connection. This performance embodies the sound of their ‘souls’ trying to communicate the depth and truth of the emotions into movement while showcasing the power of femininity, uniting women in a quest for self-confidence and embracing the liberating notion of feminine strength and sensuality.

  • Tricia Stephens · Erica Lewis · Chelsea Hinds-Charles · Cynrhia Polk-Allen · LaVida Dowdell · Saundra Roberson · Irene Katehis · Dominique Bravo · Comfort-Ann Awosika · Sharon Mack · Erica Lewis · Tricia Stephens · Chelsea Hinds-Charles · Celeste Evans · Johanna Pan-Carr · Jiana-Isabel Roman · Ankita Nalavade · Luna Tee · Irene Katehis · Jenny Wang · Alicia Thomas · Alice Garner · Ana Haniff

Andoche Loubaki

“JOIE DE VIVRE”

Feel the vibrant rhythm of Congolese dance come alive with Master Artist Andoche Loubaki and students. This dynamic performance will showcase immerses sacred dances and celebratory rhythms of the Congo, pulsating to the lively sounds of the Ngoma Drum.

  • Renee King · Agyei Duggan · Panchita Maldonado · Janet Griffith · Lisle Lewis · Jean Hilarion loubaki Andoche · Ore Zaccheus · Danielle Bailey · Aqila Norris · Milica Barjaktarovic · Jasmine Washington · Osi Eastman · Sounji Henriques

Batalá

“Batalá Hey!”

In Bahia, the state in the Northeast of Brazil, where there are more people of African descent than anywhere b in the world outside of the continent of Africa, there is Carnaval! This performance brings you a taste of the pure energy of this vibrant street celebration where drummers dance as they beat out rhythms they've been preparing all year

  • Angela Rey · Christina Chala · Michael Reynolds · Donna Broxton · Donna Broxton · Mariana Iranzi · Cadence Wright · Jennifer Gal · Marixsa Rodriguez · Cadence Wright · Anna Shats · Bileshia Sproling · Adanna · Sadah Proctor · Tania Torno · Bianca Celestin · Angela Rey · Ciani Jones · Cas See · Jasmine Washington

Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible!

Special thank you to our incredible artist teachers Vado Diomande, Candice M. Franklin, Jaida, Julio Jean, Andoche Loubaki, Darian Parker, Deinya Phenix, PhD, Quenia Ribeiro, all of Cumbe’s amazing Studio Assistants!

DANCE FOR JOY!

Performance Workshop series and student showcase was made possible by support from M&T Bank and the New York Community Trust Mosaic Fund, as well as public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and Council Members Chi Ossé and Crystal Hudson and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor, the New York State Legislature and Assembly member Stefani L. Zinerman.

With special thanks to our host committee and board: 

Dominique Bravo · Persephone DaCosta · Marie-Louise Guinier · Judith Jean-Bruce · Chanon Judson · Sandy Lawrence · Erica Lewis · Angel Roman · Paul Spivey · Monique Walker