Official Ko-Thi Dance Company

Official Ko-Thi Dance Company Our mission is to preserve, promote, and uplift the dance & musical forms of Africa & the Diaspora.

Comprised of artists trained in the history, mythology and techniques of art forms within the African Diaspora. The KO-THI Dance Company uses a myriad of traditional instruments, authentic costumes, infectious music and extraordinary dance to educate and bridge the gap between cultures. KO-THI DANCE COMPANY... an ensemble of pulsating vibrant rhythms and sterling hypnotic movement. Dedicated to th

e preservation and performance of traditional African-American and Caribbean dance and drumming, this ensemble captivates and inspires. Created in 1969, KO-THI DANCE COMPANY offers its audiences and students over 42 years of research, training and expertise. The Company is Wisconsin's national and international touring gem. In addition to its home season, the Company provides the following: a year round studio series offering classes in dance and drumming to children and adults servicing over 250 enrollees; a children's performing ensemble named Ton Ko-Thi and a comprehensive educational outreach program - DRUMTALK. The Company boasts a prestigious national and international touring history. International touring includes the Mitsui Festival in Tokyo, Japan and the Harbor Festival in Toronto Canada. National touring has included performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's DANCE AFRICA in New York, Minnesota and Chicago; tours from Minnesota to California, New York to Florida - Disney World. KO-THI was chosen by two States to be part of their DANCE USA Dance On Tour: Ohio and Delaware. The KO-THI DANCE COMPANY is committed to expanding and diversifying any curricula by the development of a comprehensive educational program. This program, called DRUMTALK, serves all members of a community with classes on the history, language, dance and drumming of the continent of Africa and the Diaspora.

02/27/2026

Huge thank you to the Milwaukee Bucks organization for the opportunity to perform at halftime! The energy in the arena was amazing and we had so much fun doing what we love. Check out part of our performance and stay tuned for what’s next! 🙌

Last night, our drummers put on a great performance at the Bucks Black Excellence game. 🪘 We’re so grateful for our drum...
02/04/2026

Last night, our drummers put on a great performance at the Bucks Black Excellence game. 🪘 We’re so grateful for our drummers, Ton parents, artistic directors and everyone else who made this possible. Check out the highlights and stay tuned for what’s next! ✨

Such a fun night getting to perform at yesterday’s  game and watching them get a win! 🙌Thank you to our wonderful dancer...
12/04/2025

Such a fun night getting to perform at yesterday’s game and watching them get a win! 🙌

Thank you to our wonderful dancers, drummers and everyone who helped with costumes. This was an experience we’ll never forget! ✨

11/18/2025

Last week was our final community dance class for the fall season where we learned Sorsonet taught by Imani.

We want to extend a special thank you to every teacher, dancer and drummer for joining in and bringing your passion and energy. Be sure to check back for more information on our next set of community classes and other upcoming Ko-thi events!

Ton Ko-thi Auditions are here! 🙌We are currently looking for young musicians and dancers of all skill levels. In Ton Ko-...
11/13/2025

Ton Ko-thi Auditions are here! 🙌

We are currently looking for young musicians and dancers of all skill levels. In Ton Ko-thi, kids and teens will learn various dance and drumming techniques from across the African Diaspora.

Don’t miss this opportunity for your child to be a part of our community of youth performers 56 years in the making!

🗓️ Saturday, November 15
⏰ 11am - 2pm
📍 UWM Zelazo Room 378

Missed last week’s community class? 👀Well, you’re in luck because there’s ONE dance class remaining in our fall session!...
11/10/2025

Missed last week’s community class? 👀

Well, you’re in luck because there’s ONE dance class remaining in our fall session! Join us on Thursday, November 13 in Mitchell Hall Room 256 at 7pm. Class will be taught by the wonderful

Grab those tickets now! We can’t wait to see you 😊

🎟️ https://www.ko-thi.org/event-details/adult-classes-2025-11-13-19-00

Thank you Karlies for teaching last week’s community class! You are truly a light in this world and you continue to insp...
10/30/2025

Thank you Karlies for teaching last week’s community class! You are truly a light in this world and you continue to inspire us all. ✨

We also appreciate our drummers, dancers and Mama Linda for making a special appearance! The energy was electric as everyone felt the rhythm and shared smiles while we danced Kompa - the soulful heartbeat of Haiti. 🇭🇹❤️

Kompa blends African rhythms with Caribbean and Latin influences to create a smooth, joyful dance style that brings people together across generations.

We can’t wait to keep the vibes going next week — same joy, new groove and even more connection. 🙌

Missed last week’s community class with Karlies Kelley? 👀Well you’re in luck because she’ll be back for part two tomorro...
10/22/2025

Missed last week’s community class with Karlies Kelley? 👀

Well you’re in luck because she’ll be back for part two tomorrow night! 💃 We hope you’re ready to move, stretch, dance and learn something new because she’ll be bringing the high energy and passion.

Spots are filling up quick … grab those tickets now!! ⬇️

https://www.ko-thi.org/classes

10/20/2025

We are so grateful to for teaching Makuta at Thursday’s community class!!

Makuta is a social dance of Congo origin characterized by its festive and communal celebration style. If you missed out, don’t worry! Karlies will be back teaching this week’s community class as well!

Wanna know what dance we’ll be learning next? 👀 Register now and join in on the fun to find out! ⬇️

https://www.ko-thi.org/classes

We’re so excited to have the lovely  teaching this week’s community class! 💃Karlies Kelley started  in 2008 as a way to ...
10/13/2025

We’re so excited to have the lovely teaching this week’s community class! 💃

Karlies Kelley started in 2008 as a way to stay connected with her Panamanian roots and build a community around music and dance. She has over 15 years of experience performing, teaching and producing events. Her constant research and passion for dance has molded her into a versatile dancer and choreographer, ranging from Salsa to West African, Brazilian, Caribbean, Modern, and Jazz.

This is a class you won’t want to miss!! Get your tickets now!

⏰ Thursday, October 16 at 7pm
📍UWM Mitchell Hall room 256
🎟️ https://www.ko-thi.org/event-details/adult-classes-2025-10-16-19-00

Community classes are back starting Thursday, October 2!! ✨Dance is one of the oldest forms of healing we have. In every...
09/24/2025

Community classes are back starting Thursday, October 2!! ✨

Dance is one of the oldest forms of healing we have. In every class, you’ll sweat out stress, breathe into joy, and feel the weight of the world lift just a little more. African dance teaches you how to be fully present—in your breath, in your body, and in your belonging.

Ready to move toward healing, joy, and connection? 💃🪘 Registration is now open!

⏰ Thursday 7-8:30pm
📍 UWM Mitchell Hall Room 254
🎟️ https://www.ko-thi.org/classes

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Milwaukee, WI

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