Programs
Designed for students K-12, the Thiossane Institute School Program and Residency introduces, increases, and enhances cultural awareness among its participants through traditional African dance and music. The program, which includes a brief lecture, music and dance demonstration, and a Q&A session, has proven to spark an interest in continued performing arts studies while building the student’s self-esteem and confidence. The Thiossane Institute School Program and Residency incorporates the academic standards of most Ohio school districts, which complements classroom curriculum and instruction.
Are you interested in connecting with the Thiossane Institute School Programs and Residencies? Connect with us here!
Performances Venues Educational Arenas
Ohio University Ohio State University, Dance Department
Ohio Historical Society Antioch College
Antioch College Ballet Metropolitan
Community Festivals Columbus Public Schools
Black Nativity Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility
Debut/Annual Performance Africentric Personal Development Shop
Ohio State University, Newark Project Linden, Inc
Ohio Wesleyan University WAIT- Residential Treatment Program
Columbus Academy Ohio University
Columbus Public Schools Community In Schools
Wendy’s International Columbus Area, Inc.- Chocolate Nutcracker
Springfield Arts Council King Arts Complexu
Project Linden, Inc. Columbus Parks & Recreation Dept.
Ohio Commission Minority Health Springfield Arts Council – Residency
Artist in Residence – Ohio Arts Council Worthington Public Schools
Marietta College, Marietta Ohio, Scioto Ridge Elementary School
National Society of Black Engineers Dension University
Columbus Children’s Choir Bexley City Schools
Denison University Amesthyst, Inc.
Community for New Directions YMCA of Central Ohio
State Auto Insurance Columbus State Community College
Wright State University Otterbien University
Wittenburg University Graham Expeditionary School
Discovery School – Mansfield,Oh Broad Street Presbyterian Church -Summer
City of Columbus Cultural Event
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Greater Columbus Arts Council
The Harmony project
Lincoln Performing Arts Camp
Otterbein University
Salvation army after school program
Collaborations
DanceAfrica Columbus King Arts Complex
Harmony Project OhioDance
Nia Performing Arts Col’s Children Theatre
American Red Cross Col’s Children Choir
Hanover College, Hanover, IN Thurber House
City Music Columbus Onyx Dance Company
Capriccio Choir
Each Thiossane Institute performance is a full-scale presentation of traditional African dance and music, complete with authentic attire, original songs, and dedicated drummers. Traditionally, the presentation begins with a drum call and explanation of the dances and their origins followed by a demonstration of the routine. During special performances, invited guest performers offer stylized variations of dance and drum routines along with cultural contexts, dialogue in history and geography, and a cursory introduction of language. Performances, while not exhaustive, offer an inter-communal exchange of heritage, traditions, and culture while introducing many to West African performing arts.
Are you interested in hosting a performance by Thiossane Institute? Connect with us here!
Over the past 15 years, Thiossane Institute has offered Africa dance and drum lectures as a part of customizable demonstrations geared toward meeting the educational and developmental needs of most community or corporate staff. Designed to enlighten audiences on the historical significance of African dance and drum (particularly from West Africa), each demonstration includes movements, rhythm, and explanations of the origin and meaning of particular styles of dance.
Are you interested in partnering with the Thiossane Institute for a lecture or demonstration? Connect with us here!
Thiossane Institute offers drum and dance classes for children and adults.
Age-appropriate instruction for children develops coordination and fitness, listening skills, and social interaction while generating knowledge on the significance of this art form. Classes usually benefit youth ages 3 – 16 years.
Additionally, weekly adult classes for novice to advanced skill levels are held from September to May and incorporate fun, fitness, fellowship and cultural enrichment. All class content originates from the West African countries of Senegal, Guinea, and Mali.
Registration for the 2019 sessions are now open!
Click here for children’s classes and here for adult classes.
Dance workshops consist of detailed instruction in West African dance techniques, accompanied by experienced drummers. The standard workshop includes a warm up, instruction of routine movement, and a brief explanation of the dance’s origins. Each instruction is designed to teach the language of the drum as it relates to each technique. Workshops are designed for age-appropriate participants — experienced and novice alike.
Want to collaborate with the Thiossane Institute? Share your idea with us today!