Kucheza Ngoma is a Kiswahili phrase meaning "dance to the drum".  Kucheza Ngoma Dance Company was founded in 2008 under the artistic direction of Zinnijah Guadalupe. Since then, the company has performed at a number of events throughout Houston, including Houston International Festival and a prelude performance for FELA! the musical. KNDC has traveled across the country to learn from master dance instructors such as Moustafa Bangoura, Youssouf Koumbasa, and Titos Sampa.  KNDC was conceived with an intent to share its unique dance styles, dancehall fusion and West Indian Folk dance, as well as traditional dance styles with the Houston community.  Hundreds of new and returning patrons have come to KNDC in search of quality instruction and exhilarating performances since its conception. 



Mission

The mission of KNDC is to care for and carry on African artistry and its powerful influence on cultures worldwide by professionally presenting and teaching dance, music, and tradition.  Our goal is to share these works with the largest possible audience.  Zinnijah leads the company with a goal to change the world by keeping people healthy through  teaching them dance and how to eat healthy.



Vision

​Kucheza Ngoma aspires to become a renowned dance school and a leader in the dance and health conscious communities worldwide.   KNDC instructors not only teach their students dance, but also entrepreneurship.  In receiving instruction from KNDC, students will be able become self-sufficient as performance arts instructors and preserve the culture of the African Diaspora.  Kucheza Ngoma hopes to continue its growth for years to come and help many more students realize their potential to achieve excellence in anything they do!

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