youth and teen classes

Rooted in Culture. Rising in Leadership.

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

The Mojuba! Youth Dance
& Cultural Leadership Institute

This comprehensive training program for young artists ages 5+ that blends dance and music education with cultural research, personal development, and leadership skills.

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.

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

I want in!

Leadership Development at Every Level

Leadership is woven into every aspect of the institute

For Younger Students (Ages 5–13)

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 14–18)

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, Leadership & 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. These rites affirm identity, responsibility, and readiness for the next level—both within the program and in the world.

Training Rooted in Black Dance Lineage

Our curriculum brings together Katherine Dunham, Umfundalai, and Horton techniques alongside classical, contemporary and interdisciplinary practices. Through these traditions, dancers develop technical excellence while exploring rhythm, history, identity, embodiment, and cultural expression.

Led by a certified Katherine Dunham and Umfundalai practitioner, Errin Weaver, and a graduate of the Alvin Ailey/Fordham program, Samara Steele, Mojuba's training honors the knowledge carried through the body and empowers dancers to become not only skilled movers, but informed cultural leaders.

Informational Video

Click the button below to view an informational video about the program with Director, Errin Weaver.

check out the video

Program Highlights

The work

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

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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

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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 on September 12 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.

Students leave with: