It is the mission of Zawadi Dance to enhance the souls and minds of young men, women, boys and girls of our community through traditional African dance, music, song and history. It is the desire of this company to encourage self-confidence and discipline so that the members can apply these skills to their own lives in order to become responsible, productive citizens. We strive to provide a rich environment with the cultural arts of our ancestors. Zawadi Dance feels that every child has the gift of talent. Enlight of the history of Africans in the country, it is our wish to reconnect our children to an ancient culture that is their birth right. It is our belief that in order to progress, we must know that we came from love, strength and wisdom.
Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. Her professional dancing career began in 1982 with the Suliman Dance Company. After college Karen felt a need to give back to her community, so she started teaching African dance to the Girl Scouts of America in Jersey City. She was so inspired from watching the youth learns and enjoy the art of their heritage that she founded her very own Zawadi School of African Dance which has been in existence for 10 years and is still going strong.
Karen was a principal dancer with Maimouna Keita School of African dance, Umoja Dance Company, Message From our Ancestors and Universal Languages.
Established:
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