Coyaba Dance Theater

- 3225 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017

In the heart of Washington, D.C., there is a vibrant and unique artistic institution that brings the rich, soulful traditions of West Africa to life. Coyaba Dance Theater is more than just a dance company; it is a cultural and educational hub founded on the mission of presenting traditional and contemporary West African dance and music. Since its founding in 1997 by Artistic Director Sylvia Soumah, Coyaba has become a beloved part of the city's performing arts landscape, enchanting audiences and students with its dynamic energy, rhythmic poetry, and powerful sense of community.

For residents of the District, Coyaba Dance Theater offers a rare and authentic opportunity to engage with West African culture through its diverse programs. The company's repertoire focuses on the traditions of various ethnic groups from the Mali Empire, including those from Guinea, Mali, and Senegal. Their performances are a captivating blend of live drumming, spirited dancing, and theatrical storytelling that convey the diverse humanitarian themes of West African culture. This is an art form that is not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful, connecting audiences and participants to history and tradition in a powerful way.

Coyaba's mission extends far beyond the stage. Through its educational arm, the Coyaba Youth Academy, the company provides classes for children that teach not just dance steps, but also valuable life skills like goal-setting and teamwork. This holistic approach makes Coyaba Dance Theater a safe and enriching environment for young people to grow, build confidence, and find a deeper connection to themselves and their community. As one of The Washington Post's critics noted, "Coyaba Dance Theater is more than a dance company—it is a community." This sentiment is at the very heart of what they do, making every class and every performance a shared, uplifting experience.

The company's dedication to its art and its community has not gone unnoticed. It has been a recipient of the DC Dance Award for outstanding group performance and has been praised by national publications for its spirited and artful work. Coyaba's performances have graced renowned stages such as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Lincoln Theater, and even international venues. The ability to witness a company of this caliber perform and to have the chance to learn from its master teachers right here in D.C. is an incredible opportunity for all residents.

Location and Accessibility

Coyaba Dance Theater is located at 3225 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA. This address places it in the Brookland/Edgewood neighborhood, a thriving arts district that is easily accessible to residents throughout Washington, D.C. The studio shares its location with Dance Place, a well-known community arts center, which further anchors it as a hub for artistic and cultural activities. The location is convenient for those using public transportation, with the Brookland/CUA Metro station a short walk away.

The accessibility of the facility is a key feature. While specific details on physical accessibility were not provided, the location is a part of the Dance Place building, which is generally known to have a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. This is a positive sign that Coyaba Dance Theater is committed to making its programs available to all community members. The central location within a vibrant and safe neighborhood makes it a practical choice for both adult students and parents bringing their children to classes.

Services Offered

• Adult Classes: Classes are available for adults of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced dancers, providing a great way to stay active and learn a new art form.
• African Dance: The core of the curriculum, focusing on traditional and contemporary West African dance from countries like Guinea, Mali, and Senegal.
• Classes For Children: Programs specifically designed for young people, helping them develop rhythm, coordination, and confidence.
• Company Programs: Opportunities for professional and aspiring dancers to train and perform with the Coyaba Dance Theater company.
• Corporate Events: The company is available to perform and provide workshops for corporate events, bringing a unique cultural experience to any occasion.
• Dance Concerts: Full-length performances that showcase the company's artistry and repertoire, often featuring live drumming and music.
• Dance Theater: Performances that combine dance with theatrical storytelling, creating a captivating and meaningful experience.
• Kids Classes: A variety of classes tailored to different age groups within the Coyaba Youth Academy.
• Master Classes: Intensive workshops led by the company's artistic director and other master teachers, providing advanced training.
• Performing Arts: A broader range of offerings that include music and drumming alongside dance.
• Teacher Training: Programs for aspiring dance instructors who wish to learn how to teach West African dance.
• Traditional Dance: A focus on preserving and teaching the traditional dances of West Africa.

Features and Highlights

• Cultural Immersion: The theater provides an authentic experience of West African dance and music, complete with live drumming.
• Community-Oriented: The organization is known for its strong sense of community, fostering an uplifting and inclusive environment for all.
• Professional Company: Students and community members have the unique opportunity to learn from and see performances by a professional, award-winning dance company.
• Educational Focus: The Coyaba Youth Academy goes beyond dance, teaching children about teamwork, discipline, and cultural heritage.
• Versatile Offerings: The company is available for a wide range of engagements, from school workshops to corporate events and full-length concerts.
• Good for Kids: The programs are specifically designed to be a positive and engaging experience for children.

Contact Information

Address: 3225 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA

Phone: (202) 750-0956

What is worth choosing

For anyone in the District of Columbia seeking a dance experience that is both artistically enriching and culturally significant, Coyaba Dance Theater is an outstanding choice. What truly sets this organization apart is its dedication to presenting authentic West African dance and music. Unlike other dance studios that may offer a single class in a certain style, Coyaba provides a full-bodied cultural immersion, complete with live drumming and a focus on the history and humanitarian themes behind the movements. This makes every class and performance a truly educational and soul-stirring experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Furthermore, Coyaba's strong sense of community is a major reason to choose them. As noted in The Washington Post, the organization is more than just a dance company; it is a supportive family. This welcoming atmosphere is especially important for parents looking for a safe and nurturing environment for their children. The fact that the programs are "good for kids" and focus on life skills like goal-setting and teamwork, in addition to dance, shows a deep commitment to the holistic development of young people. This dual focus ensures that a child's time at Coyaba is not just spent on the dance floor but is also an investment in their future.

The opportunity to learn from and witness a professional, award-winning company is also a significant draw. Whether you're a child in the Youth Academy or an adult in a master class, you are being taught by artists who have performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages. This high level of instruction, combined with the company's versatile offerings for corporate events, school residencies, and public performances, makes Coyaba Dance Theater a vibrant and valuable asset to the D.C. arts scene. For an experience that combines incredible artistry, cultural education, and a sense of belonging, Coyaba Dance Theater is the perfect choice for anyone in the District.

Coyaba Dance Theater

3225 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA