NZUKO NDI TEACHING ARTISTS!
Nzuko Ndi means “The Gathering Of” in Igbo, a language home to Nigeria. These teaching artists will serve as a communal village to promote connections to the West African diaspora, strengthening art through divergent prospective and providing mentorship to the up and coming artists growing within our camp-goers!
LEAH NELSON
Leah Nelson is Zimbabwean-born currently living on Dakota Makoce. A dancer, choreographer, actor, producer and director with a passion for self-determination in organizing for Social Change artfully. At age 17 she competed to represent Zimbabwe at the International Choreographer’s Workshop at the prestigious American Dance Festival at Duke University. A graduate of University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she has performed, choreographed or taught nationally and internationally in venues like Brooklyn Academy of Music, PS122/HipHop Theatre Festival, Carleton Dance Festival in Brazil and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (East Africa), Walker Art Center, Judson Church, The Ordway, Kulture Klub for unhoused youth, Salvation Army Harbor Lights Shelter and Frogtown Community Center.
She is honored to have been selected to direct for Naked Stages at Pillsbury House Theatre twice. Awards: Fellow of the Intermedia Arts Institute of Community Cultural Development, McKnight Fellowship for Dancers, Bush Fellowship for Choreography, Sage Award nominee. She is proud to be an Mshale African Arts Award recipient. She is a co-founder of MNSWA and B-Girl Be:A Celebration of Women in Hip-Hop. She has performed in the dance/theater works of Rosy Simas, Kenna Camara-Cottman, David Rousseve/REALITY, Shawn McConneloug and her Orkestra, Morgan Thorson, Robert Karimi, Junauda Petrus and D.Jinza Thayer. ln/NUBIA is a collective of independent Artists who create, perform and teach with a respect and value of Ancestry, Tradition and Culture for All.
WILLIAM ‘TRUTH MAZE’ HARRIS
Truth Maze (aka William Harris) was born with a strong rhythmic sense making him a natural drummer. A native of Minnesota's Twin Cities, this ingenerate ability would later connect to his uncanny skills as a verbal percussionist. Known as ‘The Unstoppable B-Fresh’, William became part of the groundbreaking I.R.M. Crew, one of the first hip-hop groups out of the Twin Cities to attain national accolades, thus cementing his place as an icon in the Minnesota music scene.
A performer who comfortably expresses himself across various genres of live, electro music into a carnival of poetry, hard funk, and raw rap, he is an artist that easily accomplishes being multidisciplinary. With 2000+ shows under his belt, this drummer, poet, beat boxer, hip hop scholar, and youth mentor has recorded & performed internationally, and has been compared to Gil Scott Heron, Saul Williams and KRS-One. Blending his vocal arts with instruction and theater, Truth Maze balances his love for music with his love for his community working with numerous youth and community organizations. His art is his passion, activism, and spirit.
KORMA AGUH-STUCKMAYER
Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer grew up dancing in her community in Nigeria. After moving to Minnesota in 2002, she joined the dance company Dancescape while in college. There, she nurtured her craft and diversified into other styles, including jazz, salsa, Japanese, and contemporary movements.
Determined to turn her passion into a profession, Korma developed a plan to open her own dance company. She enrolled in St. Mary’s University’s MBA program and graduated in May 2011. In 2014, Korma’s vision became a reality with the founding of Afro-Cont-Igbo, a dance company that merges various African styles. A year later, she formed a performance group that has since showcased traditional Nigerian and West African dances at numerous events in Minnesota, including Minneapolis YMCA Children’s Day, MN Fringe, Minneapolis Open Streets, Minnesota Igbo Festival, Minnesota Haitian Festival, Twin Cities Salsa Congress, Twin Cities Natural Expo, Timberwolves games, and more. Korma believes that exercising the mind and body through movement and rhythm completes a person. She is active in her community, using her gifts and talents to inspire future generations.
Afro-Cont-Igbo is an African Contemporary Igbo dance company founded by Korma in 2015. Hailing from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, Korma brings a rich cultural heritage to her work. Afro-Cont-Igbo seamlessly blends traditional and modern West African dance moves, offering invigorating and joyful Afrobeats dance classes and performances throughout the Twin Cities. The music is invigorating, and the moves are joyful. Get ready to join Afro-Cont-Igbo on the dance floor. Follow "Afrocontigbo" on social media for more information on classes, challenges, and performances.
DJENANE SAINT JUSTE
Djenane Saint Juste was born and raised in Haiti where she lived in Port-au-Prince, but rooted in Gonave Island. Then she also lived in Petion-Ville and Thomassin 48. At the age of six, she took her first step onto the stage as a member of Viviane Gauthier's dance troupe, an experience that ignited her love for dance and inspired her to become the star dancer in the JAKA dance troupe, founded by her mother, Mrs. Florencia Pierre ("Fofo"). Since then, Djenane has continued to delve deeper into the world of dance, music, theater, and more. In 2003, Djenane won first place in beauty, intelligence and talent at the “Miss Videomax” pageant in Haiti and then at the “Miss Caribe” pageant in Cuba. Her journey of cultural self-discovery led her to develop new artistic skills through collaborations with various companies, both in Haiti and abroad, ultimately making her a versatile dance teacher and artist. In 2005, Djenane earned a degree in Physical Education and Sports from Escuela Internacional de Educación Física y Deporte, in Havana, Cuba. In 2009, Djenane relocated to California, United States, and has since lived in the U.S., dedicated to sharing her profound love and knowledge of Haitian culture with all those eager to learn.
In 2017, she furthered her academic pursuits by attaining a master's degree in Education from the University of Saint Thomas in Minnesota. She currently resides in Minnesota’s Twin Cities with her family, including her bright son, Hassen Ortega ("HTO"), her beloved mother, Florencia Pierre ("Fofo"), her extremely talented, and her mischievous dogs, Dodger and Remi. Djenane is the founder and artistic director of AFOUTAYI, the Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts Company in the Twin Cities. Her passion for preserving and promoting Haitian culture has prompted her to embark on a journey as an author, aiming to inspire children to embrace the joy of dance, drumming, singing, and cherishing their own stories while exploring the rich tapestry of Haitian culture. She also hopes that her books will motivate readers to delve into their own heritage, regardless of their origins, and take pride in their identities. To connect with Djenane and explore her work, please visit her website at www.afoutayidmaco.com/and follow her using the hashtags #afoutayidmaco, #djenanesaintjuste, #djenanesaintjustehaititopmodel, and #tisonsonakpouvwatanbou.
FANTA BARROW
Fanta Barrow was born and raised in The Gambia, the smiling coast of Africa. From an early age, Fanta's tiny feet seemed magnetically drawn to any open space that could become her stage. Whether it was the dusty village square or the cool tiled floor of her home, she danced to the primal rhythms of mbalakh and the intoxicating fusions of Afro styles. In college, she joined and later led the diversity dance crew, exploring genres from Coupe Decale to K-pop. In 2019, Fanta joined Afrocontigbo, where she continues sharing her passion for dance. Now teaching at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center for Afrocontigbo, Fanta believes in exercising mind and body through the art of dance as a means of shaking off stress. Her infectious movements celebrate the vibrant traditions flowing through her veins from Africa's smiling coast.
AUSTIN VUYD
Austin, also known as VUYD, is a rising star in the Minnesota dance scene. His journey began in Mankato, where he first showcased his moves at small events and parties, captivating audiences with his infectious energy. As his talent gained recognition, Austin ventured to Minneapolis, where he quickly made a name for himself performing at various events. However, it was his breakthrough moment in 2023 at the Rema concert that truly set him on the path to success.
Known for his positive vibes and energetic dance moves, Austin embodies the slogan "Vibe Until You Drop." His performances are a celebration of life, filled with electrifying energy that leaves audiences wanting more. Austin's mission is clear: he's a dancer dedicated to bringing out the electric energy of Afrobeats. With every move, he aims to spread joy and positivity, connecting with people through the universal language of dance.
AVERIE MITCHELL-BROWN
After first dancing on stage at the age of 11, Averie Mitchell-Brown strived to make any aspect of dance her life by taking classes in ballroom, West African, break dancing, jazz and contemporary. Averie Mitchell-Brown is a University of Minnesota - Twin Cities graduate aspiring to touch as many lives as possible with her love, light, artistry, and talent. She has worked with well known artists like Al TAW’AM - The Twins as a crew member in S.H.E - She Who Holds Everything, Kenna Cottman in Voice of Culture drum and Dance, Aneka McMullen in Epitome No Question, Bboy J-Sun, Leah Nelson, and many more. Working with other artists and dancers of different styles helped her improve as a dancer holistically and become more knowledgeable in the origins of the dance community here in the twin cities.
She lives her life as a professional multidisciplinary artist and educator with a focus in African diasporic dance. Captaining the Timberwolves hip hop entertainment team 612 Crew and codirecting and lead choreographer of CoffēHouse est. 2022 with partner Rachel Kalema. When not dancing, she is playing rugby and traveling with her loved ones.
Finding interest in dance at the age of 3, LaTia continued to indulge her passion for expressionism through movement. Exposure to Graham and Horton technique, the movement LaTia most identifies with, began at F.A.I.R. school where she attended 6th-8th grade. LaTia continued her pursuit for physical expression through her college experience at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance, May 2014, and Mankato State University (Edina) where she is pursuing her Master’s in K-12 Dance Education and Pedagogy. During her artist journey, she has been involved with myriad of artistic collaborations that include the Ordway (Dance To Learn), TU Dance (pre-professional intensives), ACDFA (American College Dance Festival Association) attendee and participate, participant of the 2014 Fringe Festival and many other dance endeavors. LaTia has danced professionally with Threads Dance Project located in Minneapolis, MN as well as Minnesota Dance Ensemble in Saint Cloud, MN. She has also attended Arts Advocacy Day as a student, an independent contractor, as an arts educator, and a board member of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Advocacy Leader.
LaTia plans to continue her Arts Education and Advocacy by actively serving on the MCA board, lobbying at both state and national levels to protect the 47% of the Legacy Amendment, encourage district participation in CreativeMN, and continue her pursuit in higher education/ conferences/ and workshops. She is also the founder of B.A.D.I. LLC. Bodies Articulating Dynamic Ideas is more than just movement.; B.A.D.I. is a mobile platform that supports and encourages arts for every“body”. For more information visit their webpage at https://www.b-a-d-i.com/
LATIA CHILDERS
ROXANE WALLACE
Roxane Wallace is active in the arts as a performer, choreographer, instructor and teaching artist. She earned BA in Philosophy with a minor in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley (93). In addition to creating choreography and performing original dance and dance/theater works, Mrs. Wallace was seen nationally and internationally as a principal artist with Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater Company for 15 years and has been working with Paula Mann/Time Track Productions for over 12 years. For over a decade, she served as a teaching artist for the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts and continues working with students of all ages through the VocalEssence WITNESS School Program and as a dance instructor at Lundstrum Performing Arts, Keane Sense of Rhythm and Zenon Dance School. Mrs. Wallace has been awarded the “Best Dancer” title in the City Pages “Best of the Twin Cities”, a Minnesota Sage Award for Outstanding Performer, and honored to be named as a McKnight Artist Fellow in Dance. Contact Roxane directly at: roxanewallaceworks@gmail.com.
SARAH M. GREER
Vocalist Sarah M. Greer (www.sarahmgreer.com) sings, and performs contemporary music styles, including vocal improvisation, pop, jazz, blues, musical theater, R&B, reggae, folk and country. They teach singing and vocal improvisation to private and college students in the Twin Cities through lessons and vocal workshops. She is a member of the music faculty at Minneapolis College and the leader and creator of the community singing project Songtaneous. Sarah coached students in the Northeast Middle School musical theater program from 2009-2019.
When she is not instructing, Sarah performs regularly with a cappella ensemble the Give Get Sistet, a variety of Twin Cities jazz instrumentalists and with a variety of players in ensembles and other projects and collaborations throughout Minnesota. Sarah has earned three Artist Initiative Awards from the Minnesota State Arts Board is a current Naked Stages Fellow. They have a degree in vocal performance and a BSS which includes a concentration in music. She has studied vocal improvisation for over 18 years with Rhiannon (a member of Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra) and with singers from around the world. Sarah is passionate about every person’s right to sing and the power of singing to change the world.
We look forward to sharing summer together!
Why Choose Our Camp?
Holistic Development: Our program is designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and self-expression through a well-rounded approach to performing arts.
Experienced Instructors: Learn from industry professionals and experienced instructors who are passionate about nurturing young talent.
Performance Opportunities: Showcase your newfound skills in a final camp performance, allowing friends and family to witness your artistic journey.
Fun and Inclusive Environment: Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals, creating lasting friendships while exploring the world of performing arts.