Founder/Artistic Director:
Karen L. Love

Assistant Director:
Rhonda Holland-Thomas

Dance Captain:
E’toshia McFarland

Company Assistant:
Colleen Thompson

MISSION

USAAMA, meaning “precious” in Swahili, is a pre-professional performing youth company founded in 1995, that strives to give today's youth a sense of pride, culture, and knowledge through dance. The company has been designed to help introduce inspiring young dancers into the world of dance, dance performance and assist in developing self-esteem, self-respect and respect for the arts.

The company is dedicated to the preservation of African dance and song, as well as encouraging respect for elders, and the community. The children are exposed to professional artists and performing venues so they can learn the discipline required of all artists.

COMPANY PROFILE

Our organization is designed to help introduce inspiring young dancers into the wonderful world of dance, dance performance and to assist in developing self-esteem, self-respect, and respect for the arts. Company members will receive training in various dance forms however our main focus is West African dance and Contemporary Modern.

Usaama is currently comprised of 22 dancers and 3 musicians. The company members range in age from 8-17 and must maintain a “B” average. All company members are involved in numerous school clubs and participate in team sports. Usaama has performed at numerous locations throughout the Essex County Area including sold-out performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Montclair State University, Montclair’s African-American Heritage Parade, The Grand Chalet, Capezio, Fairleigh Dickerson University, Essex County College, Pines manor, Riker Hill Art Park, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Ocean Avenue Baptist Church, Grace Church Van Vorst, Babyland Day Care, The Holiday Inn, La Neve's, The Mountainside Inn, Quest Youth Services, Teaneck Presbyterian Church, Second Baptist Church, Montclair High School, Miller Street Academy and Watchung School.

AUDITIONS

Auditions are held in September and January.

For further info please call
973-674-0285 / 973-509-0221
Click Here to E-Mail to Umoja Dance Company