Djapo Cultural Arts Institute

08/06/2026

Your Journey to Ghana & Senegal Begins Here! ✈️🌍

Join Djapo Cultural Arts Institute for an informational Zoom session about our upcoming cultural voyage to Ghana and Senegal—two powerful countries filled with history, rhythm, beauty, resilience, and unforgettable connection.

Come learn more about this opportunity to experience Africa beyond the postcard: walk through sacred historical sites, connect with local artists and communities, taste the food, move to the rhythms, and deepen your understanding of the African diaspora at its source.

Whether you are ready to travel, dreaming about your first trip to Africa, or simply curious about what the journey includes, we invite you to join us.

Zoom Information Sessions
Sunday, August 9 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, August 23 at 7:00 PM
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87956043876?pwd=SXCY9vO5Oauyh2BZatopWiQlNa1sYF.1

Can’t make it live? No worries—the session will be recorded.

Africa is not just a place to visit, it is a place to feel, remember, learn, and reconnect. Come explore the possibility of traveling with Djapo.

07/27/2026

👞✨ From NASA to the Dance Floor… Experience the Power of Tap! ✨🚀

The rhythms of the African Diaspora come alive with Kandee Hogan, Associate Artistic Director of Tapology, for an unforgettable Tap Dance Workshop at the Inaugural Diaspora Day of Dance!

🗓 Saturday, August 1
🕟 4:45–5:45 PM
📍 The Estuary at the Pivot Center for Art, Dance & Expression
2937 W. 25th Street • Cleveland, OH 44113

Kandee Hogan's journey is nothing short of inspiring. One of the original FlintSTONE Hoofers, she trained under legendary tap master Bruce Bradley, toured with Savion Glover's Footnotes, won Showtime at the Apollo, and performed on the iconic Apollo Theater stage alongside Frances and Alexandria Bradley.

Today, Kandee is not only a celebrated performer and educator, but also a NASA engineer, analyzing electrical power systems for spacecraft. She is the co-founder of the Ohio Elite Tap Company and has dedicated her career to ensuring the next generation of dancers experiences the same discipline, excellence, and joy that shaped her own journey.

Tap dance is one of the African Diaspora's greatest artistic contributions—a conversation of rhythm, resilience, innovation, and community. As Kandee says:

"Dance is movement, pattern, and memorization. It is math and science you can hear."

Whether you're stepping into tap for the first time or returning to the floor, this workshop will leave you inspired.

🎟 One Day. One Pass. Endless Rhythms.
Only $25 for an All-Day Pass, including 10 workshops and the Diaspora Dance Party!

Join us as we celebrate the movement, music, and cultures of the African Diaspora—one rhythm at a time.

07/06/2026

Nasir and thee Sheila E.🔥🔥🔥🔥

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland -cjazzfestclevelandmoment

05/25/2026

Djapo invites you to Unity Night: Sacred Threads, an engaging immersive cultural experience.

Dive into a vibrant celebration of culture and connection where every thread tells a story and unity shines bright.

05/11/2026

Experience the energy of West African drumming and dance!

Join us for Traditions in Motion: West African Drumming & Dancing with Djapo as we welcome the Djapo Cultural Arts Institute for an exciting interactive program celebrating music, dance, history, and folklore from African diasporic traditions.

This all-ages event will enrich cultural perspectives through live performance, movement, and storytelling.

Based in Cleveland, the Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is a professional performing arts company featuring talented artists from around the world.

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Marion Community Foundation, including the Robert & Dorothy Wopat Community Fund and the Health Care Fund.

05/04/2026

Calling all Black-Owned and Black-Led Businesses! Join us for the 17th Annual Drum & Dance Culture Fest!

Vendor Marketplace—a celebration of culture, creativity, and community!

We’re seeking Designers, Healers, Artisans, Makers, and Dreamers to showcase their brilliance and power.

Be part of a dynamic space rooted in legacy, liberation, and Black excellence.

Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!

For vending info visit www.djapo.com
Link is in bio as well.

05/04/2026

🌍✨ Join Djapo Cultural Arts Institute for our 17th Annual Drum & Dance Culture Fest 2026: Sacred Threads "Where culture lives, Not in the Past, But in Us!!"

📅 June 12–14 | 📍 Cleveland, OH
A 3-day immersive celebration of drum, dance, and culture from across the African diaspora.

🔥 This is NOT a performance—it’s an experience.

✨ What to Expect:
• Hands-on dance & drum workshops
• Youth classes + family art experiences 🎨
• Live DJs 🎶 + spontaneous dance circles
• Cultural vendors + marketplace
• Vogue Ball (Friday Night) 👠🔥
• Night of Unity (Saturday) 🌙✨ (at Cleveland Public Theatre)
• The Final Weave (Sunday) 🧵

📍 Pivot Center for Art, Dance & Expression
2937 West 25th Cleveland, Ohio 44113

📍Cleveland Public Theatre
6415 West Detroit Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44102

🎟 Tickets + VIP experiences available NOW
⚠️ Spaces are LIMITED—don’t wait!
Visit www.djapo.com for more info
*Link in Bio

Vendor Registration: https://forms.gle/vwRNcCirCbPfNqVW9

It’s always better when we are together. ✨

04/23/2026

🔥 Tonight in Cleveland! 🔥FREE FREE

Djapo Cultural Arts Institute presents
Dances of the Diaspora Series

💃🏽 Bomba Dance Class with Yisela
🥁 Live Music Experience

🕡 6:30 – 8:00 PM
📍 Pivot Center for Art, Dance & Expression
2937 West 25th Cleveland, Ohio 4413

✨ What is Bomba?
Bomba is a powerful Afro–Puerto Rican dance and musical tradition rooted in resistance, storytelling, and community. Born from the rhythms and lived experiences of enslaved Africans in Puerto Rico, Bomba is not just dance—it is conversation.

The dancer leads, and the drummer follows. Each movement—every step, turn, and gesture—calls the drum to respond in real time. It is a dynamic exchange of energy, identity, and expression.

Grounded in rhythm, improvisation, and ancestral memory, Bomba invites you to connect deeply with the body, the drum, and the spirit of the diaspora.

✨ Feel the rhythm. Move with intention. Honor the tradition.

FREE + Open to All!

Come ready to dance, sweat, and celebrate culture in motion.

04/14/2026

Dances of the Diaspora Presents..

Polynesian Dance with Pacific Paradise Entertainment (FREE)!!

This Thursday April 16th 6:30–8:00PM

FREE THURSDAY CLASSES FOR ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS - ALL OF APRIL! PLEASE BRING FAMILY & FRIENDS 🙌🏽

📍 Location: Pivot Center | 2937 W 25th St Cleveland, OH 44113
💃 All levels welcome! Come move, learn, and celebrate the rich tapestry of dance across the African diaspora and beyond.