Educational Background/Training
BA: Classical Music, University of Virginia, 1995
MM (Master of Music): Classical Voice Performance, Manhattan School of Music, 1997
Trained in:
• Theatre, with a 20+ year professional career in Musical Theatre & Opera
• Dance: Classical Ballet, Jazz, African/Afrobeats, Flamenco, Belly Dance, Latin/Ballroom, Modern
About the Artist/Ensemble
The Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA) strives to unite the greater Tidewater area through educational programs, cultural arts, and events. TACA moves to restore well-being and advance the status of Black people worldwide by addressing issues of equity and access in our global society. Our Vision is Solidarity through the celebration of the African Diaspora worldwide.
With weekly dance classes and such vibrant events as the Afrobeats FEST 757, TACA promotes both traditional and contemporary African music, dance (classes/workshops), and other forms of African arts to the local community. We are also intentional about dismantling the mental health stigma within our community, and incorporate TACA Speaks into our programs/events with a member of the African Diaspora sharing his/her mental health journey, in addition to monthly discussions on various topics to help break the stigma of mental health within the African diaspora community.
Our ACE (African Cultural Education) with TACA educational program exposes (mostly) youth and adults to the rich and diverse cultures of Africa, helping to break down stereotypes and misconceptions, all the while enjoying Dance, Music, and folk tales.
Our annual Afro MANIA event focuses on one African country and culture, to expose the community to that culture, and bring those from that country in our community together through the arts, as well as culture/history. We have featured Kenya, Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Ghana (in collaboration with the Tema Committee of the Norfolk Sister City Association, with an Advancing Arts Equity grant from the City of Norfolk to be able to have it at the historic Attucks Theatre in March 2025).
Since its May 2022 début, the TACA Dance & Drumming Ensemble has been adding authentic African Dance to events all over the Hampton Roads/Tidewater region. Known for its versatility in offering both cultural (traditional) and contemporary (Afrobeats) dance styles, they are in demand for their unique performance, full of energetic moves and vibrant costumes, that will make your heart and soul smile. The dancers and drummers hail from Ghana, Sierra Leone, the United States, and Zambia, bringing their diverse cultures and traditions with them to create a true African Diaspora cultural experience with every performance.
In its 7 years of existence as a 501 c3 nonprofit organization, the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance has partnered with numerous organizations, schools, and cities, such as ForKids, Boys & Girls Club of SEVA, Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads, City of Virginia Beach, Norfolk Arts, Alexandria Library, ODU Center for Bioelectronics, and NSU Dance Theatre, to bring quality programs and services to the Hampton Roads, RVA, and NOVA community.
Educational Program Description
Objective: To present and provide an interactive Dance based African cultural experience that includes Culture, Geography, History, and Language. The participant will leave the program/Workshop with a newfound knowledge of Africa from an African; and feel invigorated mentally, emotionally, and physically.
All programs are appropriate for schools, libraries, museums, dance studios, confernces, and community/theater organizations. They also hit the 4 C’s and are SOL compliant, depending on the level, and include core concepts for English/Reading, Geography, World History, Fine Arts (Dance, Music, Visual), Foreign Language, and Physical Education.
African Story Time: Perfect for Youth K-5/Families, we explore one country in Africa; learn fun facts about that country; some new vocabulary in one of the languages spoken in the country; a story with a moral lesson; and dance!
AfrICan Dance: Perfect for Middle Schoolers, we focus on one African country through Dance. While dancing, we learn about the country, focusing on age-appropriate details and having fun, while boosting the kids’ mood and fitness level.
African HEAT: The HEAT stands for Healthy, Energetic, Authentic Transformation. Perfect for High School and above, but can be catered to the whole family, focused more on fitness and movement, in general. We dance the entire time, getting the heart rate up and improving our Cardiovascular Fitness levels. In the middle of the action, we learn one Dance routine with steps from various countries and learn a little about each of the countries in the process. A fun, sweaty, educational time for all!
Audiences
- All Ages