Children

Lorem ipsum proin gravida nibh vel velit auctor aliquet. Aenean sollicitu, lorem auci elit consequat ipsutissem niuis sed odio sit amet nibh vulputate cursus amet.

Since 1998, Djoniba Dance & Drum Kids, founded by Mr. Djoniba Mouflet, has provided a unique program that offers children ages 3-14 years old an intensive curriculum of Afro-House, African dance, and percussion classes, regardless of their experience. One of Mr. Mouflet’s goals is to pass the torch of artistic excellence and community spirit to children from different backgrounds. Djoniba Dance & Drum Kids is committed to inspiring young people: our mission is to develop the star in each child and make them shine. Kids respond naturally to African dance with live drumming. Studying and performing dance and drum will help them understand the rewards of hard work and discipline, in addition to giving them a sense of community and values that will be reflected in all aspects of their lives, especially academics.

Djoniba centre is committed to provide underserved children the opportunity to study dance & drum regardless of their family’s financial income, by providing scholarships to children in need.

Scholarship try-outs/audition dates are posted here when when funding is available.

For more details and questions about the children program please contact Anastasia at 212-398-5903 or anastasia@Rioult.org

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS

Our experienced teachers, including Mr. Djoniba Mouflet himself, have extensive backgrounds in dance instruction and performing. We require them to teach dance to our little ones while keeping in mind the psychological needs of the children, as well as their overall artistic goals and progress. Our teachers keep the class fun but disciplined. The first few classes focus on helping the children feel comfortable in their new environment with other children and with the teacher. As we go deeper into the semester, our teachers change the focus to learning more intricate dance steps, reminding the children of the future program performances and showcases, where they will perform in front of their families. This challenge keeps them motivated and eager to excel!

Attire

Girls (4-7 years old): Baby blue leotard, black leggings or footless tights, barefoot; *Lapa (African fabric skirt) required for girls.
Boys (4-7 years old): *African tie-dye DDKids T-shirt, black shorts or black sweat pants, barefoot
Girls (8-12): Black top , blue sweat pants , barefoot.
Boys (8-12): White t-shirt, black shorts or black sweat pants, barefoot.
Girls (13-16): White top, red sweat pants, dance shoes.
Boys (13-16): Black t-shirt, black shorts or black sweat pants, barefoot.

*The lapa for girls and DDKids t-shirt for boys are available for purchase through the teacher ($15 each).

DDKids SCHEDULE	Wednesday	Saturday	Monday
Age 4-7	3:15pm - 4:15pm Drumming Drumming : Age 4-7 Monday & Wednesday: 3:15PM - 3:45PM This class is uniquely designed to channel the high energy of this age group in a positive and expressive way. We will encourage little ones to explore fun, energetic movements and dance, such as African dance and others, and will foster the creative imaginations of the kids, pushing them to create their own movements on the beat of the live drumming. Children will also learn to play different rhythms on the drums available in the class. 3:45PM -4:30PM Creative Dance Drum Creative Dance Drum : Age 4-7 Monday & Wednesday: 4:30PM - 5:30PM Saturday: 11:00AM - 12:00PM This class is uniquely designed to channel the high energy of this age group in a positive and expressive way. We will encourage little ones to explore fun, energetic movements and dance, such as African dance and others, and will foster the creative imaginations of the kids, pushing them to create their own movements on the beat of the live drumming. Children will also learn to play different rhythms on the drums available in the class.	10:15 am - 11:00 am Creative Dance Drum Creative Dance Drum : Age 4-7 Monday & Wednesday: 4:30PM - 5:30PM Saturday: 11:00AM - 12:00PM This class is uniquely designed to channel the high energy of this age group in a positive and expressive way. We will encourage little ones to explore fun, energetic movements and dance, such as African dance and others, and will foster the creative imaginations of the kids, pushing them to create their own movements on the beat of the live drumming. Children will also learn to play different rhythms on the drums available in the class.	3:15pm - 4:15pm Drumming Drumming : Age 4-7 Monday & Wednesday: 3:15PM - 3:45PM This class is uniquely designed to channel the high energy of this age group in a positive and expressive way. We will encourage little ones to explore fun, energetic movements and dance, such as African dance and others, and will foster the creative imaginations of the kids, pushing them to create their own movements on the beat of the live drumming. Children will also learn to play different rhythms on the drums available in the class. 3:45PM -4:30PM Creative Dance Drum Creative Dance Drum : Age 4-7 Monday & Wednesday: 4:30PM - 5:30PM Saturday: 11:00AM - 12:00PM This class is uniquely designed to channel the high energy of this age group in a positive and expressive way. We will encourage little ones to explore fun, energetic movements and dance, such as African dance and others, and will foster the creative imaginations of the kids, pushing them to create their own movements on the beat of the live drumming. Children will also learn to play different rhythms on the drums available in the class.
Age 8-12	4:30PM -5:30PM DANCE TO LIVE DRUMS DANCE TO LIVE DRUMS : Age 8-12 Monday & Wednesday: 4:30PM - 5:30PM In our “Dance to Live Drums” class, children will be taught various dance styles, such as African, House, and Hip-Hop, and improvisational movements, accompanied by live musicians. One of the goals of this class is for children to learn to dance on the beat.	11:00 am - 12:00pm AFRO-HOUSE AFRO-HOUSE : Age 8-12 Saturday: 11:00am - 12:00pm Our Afro-House class is a blend of House Dance, Hip-Hop, and African-based movements to the sound of house music. Here, students can build confidence and improve rhythm while having a great time with peers. Beginner and experienced students are welcome	4:30PM -5:30PM DANCE TO LIVE DRUMS DANCE TO LIVE DRUMS : Age 8-12 Monday & Wednesday: 4:30PM - 5:30PM In our “Dance to Live Drums” class, children will be taught various dance styles, such as African, House, and Hip-Hop, and improvisational movements, accompanied by live musicians. One of the goals of this class is for children to learn to dance on the beat.
Age 13+	5:30PM - 6:30PM AFRO-HOUSE AFRO-HOUSE : Age 13+ Monday & Wednesday: 5:30PM - 6:30PM Our Afro-House class is a blend of House Dance, Hip-Hop, and African-based movements to the sound of house music. Here, students can build confidence and improve rhythm while having a great time with peers. Beginner and experienced students are welcome		5:30PM - 6:30PM AFRO-HOUSE AFRO-HOUSE : Age 13+ Monday & Wednesday: 5:30PM - 6:30PM Our Afro-House class is a blend of House Dance, Hip-Hop, and African-based movements to the sound of house music. Here, students can build confidence and improve rhythm while having a great time with peers. Beginner and experienced students are welcome