Arts Education

Dance and Drum Education

Omo Kulu mele African Dance and Drum Ensemble

Omo Kulu Mele (OKM) offers African dance and drumming classes for children ages 5-18, promoting mentorship, physical and intellectual health, spiritual growth, and wellness through traditional West African and Afro-Cuban dance. Classes run from October to June, and students perform in authentically made African costumes. Advanced students have the opportunity to perform with Kulu Mele at their annual production each November, as well as the annual Philadelphia Odunde Festival. Some students are selected for our Apprentice Company, which was created to provide young dancers with ongoing training and performance opportunities.

Kulu Mele offers In-School & After-School Arts Education Programs for children and young adults, from K-12 up to college age. We provide 6-week, 12-week, and single workshops in West African, Afro-Cuban, and hip-hop dance, along with in-school assembly performances by the adult Kulu Mele company.

Our arts education curriculum-based programs adhere to PA state standards and can be adapted to support various STEM and STEAM standards. Kulu Mele’s workshops have been integrated into arts, social studies, geography, history, and physical education programs at public, charter, and private schools in the Philadelphia area and beyond.

Apprentice Company

The Kulu Mele Apprentice Company nurtures young aspiring drummers and dancers and as early as 10 years old who show promise and a desire for a professional dance career. Through an extensive evaluation process, members are selected and then trained in professional-level classes with Kulu Mele members. Apprentices perform locally and in the surrounding counties of Philadelphia throughout the year and are featured in Kulu Mele’s annual concert.

For more information, including performance and workshop offerings, fees, and technical details, please call 484.929.7353