“You never stop learning,” is Kulu Mele’s mantra. Omo means children in the Yoruba language. Kulu Mele means voices of our ancestors.

Omo Kulu Mele teaches many lessons beyond dance and music. Some former students have gone on to enjoy careers as professional dancers. Some students explore their cultures of origin; others engage in cross-cultural exploration. All dancers and drummers will gain self-confidence and learn how to cooperate and collaborate. In June, everyone experiences the exhilaration of seeing the many months of hard work pay off when Omo Kulu Mele students perform on stage in a professionally produced show, at a real theater, in front of their families and friends.

The History Behind Omo Kulu Mele

Omo Kulu Mele began in the early 1980s, offering African dance and drumming classes for children. The program initially held shows at the King Center on Cecil B. Moore Avenue in Philadelphia. During this time, we were fortunate to have free rehearsal spaces at the Lee Cultural Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Over the years, the program experienced several starts and stops. However, in 2019, Omo Kulu Mele began hosting its own recitals, marking a new chapter in our journey.

~ All skill levels welcome – No prior performing arts experience necessary. ~

Our season will run from October 6, 2024 through May 31, 2025. The Monthly Tuition is $75 per child, per class; Registration Fee: $75 (include finale T-shirt)

Advanced students perform in their recital, and also have the opportunity to perform with Kulu Mele at the annual Philadelphia Odunde Festival.

Classes meet Sunday afternoons @ Inspire Arts Space ~ 1646 Ridge Ave.

For registration, calendar, payment, and forms, please click the registration button and create a parent account.