youth and teen classes

Rooted in Culture. Rising in Leadership.

We cultivate grounded, expressive, culturally rooted leaders through movement.

Rooted in the traditions and movement languages of the African diaspora, our programs for youth nurture confident, thoughtful young people who understand both the power of artistic expression and their role within a broader cultural legacy.

Students engage in deep train in dance technique while also exploring the history, philosophy, and cultural contexts that shape the movement traditions they study.

This structured, multi-year training program develops confident, culturally grounded young leaders through movement, storytelling, and performance.

Informational for potential institute parents August 22nd (virtual)

Interest Workshop August 22nd (Mojuba! II Apprentice Program)

Open House and Kick off September 12th

Classes Begin September 14th

The Mojuba! Youth Dance
& Cultural Leadership Institute

Who is this for? Youth and teens who are ready to move into a space where culture, creativity, and leadership come together.

This comprehensive training program for young artists ages 8+ that blends dance and music education with cultural research, personal development, and leadership skills.

The program emphasizes real-world skills that extend beyond the studio. Students develop communication, presentation, teamwork, and leadership abilities that support success in school, community, and future careers.

I want in!

Where Young Artists Become Leaders, Scholars, and Changemakers

The Mojuba! Youth Dance & Cultural Leadership Institute is a comprehensive training program designed to develop culturally grounded young people through dance, leadership, history, wellness, and creative expression. Rooted in African diasporic traditions, contemporary technique, and guided by Mojuba!’s unique artistic approach, this institute nurtures the whole child—body, mind, and spirit.

Students train in both classical dance foundations and African diasporic forms, building technical excellence while deepening cultural knowledge and identity. Beyond movement, participants engage traditional instruments and a transformative journey that prepares them not only as performers, but as thoughtful leaders and community contributors.

Leadership Development at Every Level

Leadership is woven into every aspect of the institute

For Younger Students (Ages 8–13)

Leadership is practiced in real time through:

Collaborative group work and peer support
Confidence-building activities and self-expression
Responsibility within the classroom (leading warm-ups, group facilitation)
Social-emotional learning focused on communication, empathy, and self-awareness

For Older Students (Ages 14–17 | Mojuba II Apprentices)

Older students and Apprentices engage in a deeper leadership track that includes:

Virtual leadership labs focused on identity, purpose, and community impact
Mentorship and teaching assistant opportunities with younger students
Training in facilitation, choreography, and rehearsal direction
Exposure to career pathways in the arts, education, and cultural leadership

A Holistic Curriculum for Growth & Impact

This institute goes beyond dance training to support lifelong development:

Cultural & Historical Learning: Understanding the roots, stories, and global impact of African diasporic traditions
Social-Emotional Learning: Building confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness
Wellness Practices: Movement, breathwork, and embodied care for physical and mental well-being
Entrepreneurship & Career Pathways: Exploring how to build sustainable futures in the arts and beyond
Community Engagement: Using art as a tool for connection, storytelling, and social impact

Rites & Growth Milestones

Students move through intentional stages of development that honor growth from youth → teen → young adult. These rites affirm identity, responsibility, and readiness for the next level—both within the program and in the world.

Program Highlights

The work

Classical contemporary dance training through the Mojuba approach (technique, discipline, artistry)
African diasporic dance and musical forms (djembe) rooted in history, rhythm, and cultural context
Choreography, improvisation, and performance development
A culminating community showcase celebrating student growth and creative voice
Rites and growth milestone ceremony and celebration

Program Dates:
Fall: September 14th - December 4th
Spring: February 1 - April 30

Tuition:

$97 per month during each session

Spots are limited, and enrollment is filling quickly. We encourage families to register as soon as possible to secure their place.

Scholarships Available
We are committed to accessibility and equity. A limited number of scholarships are available to support families—please inquire for more information.
Apply for a Scholarship

Why This Institute Matters

Because young people deserve spaces that see them fully.
Because culture is a foundation, not an accessory.
Because leadership begins with knowing who you are.
Because our stories are being erased and we cannot allow that to happen.

The Mojuba Youth Dance & Cultural Leadership Institute is more than a training program—it is a pathway. A place where young people build discipline, discover their voice, and step into their power as artists and leaders.

Join us—and grow rooted, resilient, and ready to lead.

learn more

Mojuba! II Apprentice Program

Who is this for? Advanced students 15+ receive deeper mentorship, assist in classes, and gain leadership experience while preparing for pre-professional opportunities.

These select dancers perform in community events and productions, representing Mojuba!’s mission through culturally grounded and research-informed performance.

Students leave with:

Confidence and stage presence
Cultural awareness and pride
Leadership and collaboration skills

learn More

The Mojuba II Apprentice Program is designed for young artists and leaders who are ready to deepen their training, grow in leadership, and explore pathways into professional and community-centered work. Through mentorship, performance opportunities, cultural learning, and hands-on experience, apprentices develop the discipline, confidence, and skills needed to thrive both within and beyond the arts.

Apprentices gain opportunities for:

Leadership and mentorship development
Performance and choreography experience
Teaching and facilitation training
Cultural and historical learning
Professional development and career pathway exploration

This program creates a bridge into future opportunities with Mojuba!, other artistic organizations, higher education, entrepreneurship, and careers across multiple fields.

Students are encouraged to take ownership of their growth, creative voice, and impact within their communities.

Interested?

Opening soon

The Mojuba II Apprentice Program Interest Workshop and informational on August 22 is an opportunity for students and families to learn more about the program structure, expectations, leadership opportunities, and long-term vision.

For young people ready to move with purpose, lead with confidence, and grow into the next stage of their journey—this is where it begins.

Djembe Drum Orchestra

Who is this for? New and experienced percussionists and all those interested in learning more about traditional African instruments.

Integrated within the Youth Dance and Cultural Leadership Institute classes and curriculum, students learn more about the power of the instruments that make up the Djembe orchestra djembe, dundunba, sangba, kenkeni and more.