Egun Omode Performing Arts
I am artistic director of Egun Omode (children of the ancestors) Performing Arts Collective, the only sekere and West African folkloric dance and drum ensemble in the country based in Atlanta, GA. My focus as a teaching artist/sekere artist/west African dancer is to teach what I have learned since discovering this art form to anyone with an open mind. The dance floor is my yoga mat. As AD, my emphasis is training children; as young as three years old, I nurture and cultivate young dancers and thespians, guiding them towards a life of performing arts, and serios study of culture. Ultimately, I hope to help shape the destinies of youth through good character, compassion, fun, and discipline. Since 2012, I have been writing, choreographing, and directing theatrical productions that have toured the east coast from NJ to Atlanta. At the age of 10, I traveled to Senegal as a member of Maimouna Keita (Marie Basse-Wiles) performing at the National Theater. Since the age of 16 I have trained with grandmaster Youssouf Koumbassa’s attending conferences and classes and in 2012 traveled to Guinea with him to study dance for one month with my family. In 2014, I traveled to Ghana with my husband and Queen Nur, President of the National Association of Black Storytellers to further study of the culture there.
Social Media:
Egun Omode Performing Arts Collective
Website: www.egunomode.org
Facebook & Instagram: Egun Omode Performing Arts Collective
Youtube: Egun Omode Performing Arts
Note: Our IG & FB pages (respectively) have the most updated content of upcoming performances, pictures, and videos.
Primary Art Forms:
Music, Theatre/Drama, Dance, Storytelling
Distinctive Populations/Environments:
Arts & Early Learning, Arts & core communities (inner-city/urban communities)
Teaching Qualifications:
I have a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in theater arts and Africana studies and teacher with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. I have a teaching certification from Princeton University and from the Council of Independent Black Institutions specifically focused on teaching children of African descent and the transmission of culture to children and our community, teaching preschool PreK to high school students in math, creative writing, language, literature, and theater arts. With the approach and focus of identity, culture, and character development at the root of teaching, children are more confident in themselves and ripe for sharing who they are with others and open to learning from others.
Grade Levels:
K-12
Core Content Curriculum Areas:
Music, Theatre/Drama, Dance, English/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies/History, Physical Education
Specialized Content Areas:
Arts Integration, Literacy, World Cultures, Anti-bullying, Character Education
Exceptional Student Populations Familiar Working With:
At-risk students, Students with disabilities, Gifted students
Pre-Service Learning and Professional Development:
Cultural Relevancy, Diversity and Inclusion
Program Experience:
I am artistic director of Egun Omode (children of the ancestors) Performing Arts of Atlanta, the only sekere and West African folkloric dance and drum ensemble in the country. My focus as a teaching and sekere artist and West African dancer is to teach what I have learned to anyone with an open mind. The dance floor is my yoga mat, it is my boxing ring, and my form of therapy. As artistic director, my primary emphasis is training children; as young as three years old. I nurture and cultivate young dancers and thespians, guiding them towards a life of performing arts, and serious study of culture. Ultimately, I hope to help shape the destinies of youth through good character, compassion, fun, and discipline. However, I will teach and train children and well as adults. Since 2012, I have been writing, choreographing and directing theatrical productions that have toured the east coast from NYC to Atlanta. At the age of 10, I traveled to Senegal as a member of Maimouna Keita (Marie Basse-Wiles) performing at the National Theater. Since the age of 16, I have trained with Youssouf Koumbassa, a world renowned West African grand master teacher, attending conferences and classes. In 2012 and 2017, I traveled to Guinea with Youssouf to participate in a private intensive study of dance and drum for one month with my family. In 2014, I traveled to Ghana with my husband and Queen Nur, President of the National Association of Black Storytellers to further study of the culture there.
Program Process:
I am artistic director of Egun Omode (children of the ancestors) Performing Arts of Atlanta, the only sekere and West African folkloric dance and drum ensemble in the country. My focus as a teaching and sekere artist and West African dancer is to teach what I have learned to anyone with an open mind. The dance floor is my yoga mat, it is my boxing ring, and my form of therapy. As artistic director, my primary emphasis is training children; as young as three years old. I nurture and cultivate young dancers and thespians, guiding them towards a life of performing arts, and serious study of culture. Ultimately, I hope to help shape the destinies of youth through good character, compassion, fun, and discipline. However, I will teach and train children and well as adults. Since 2012, I have been writing, choreographing and directing theatrical productions that have toured the east coast from NYC to Atlanta. At the age of 10, I traveled to Senegal as a member of Maimouna Keita (Marie Basse-Wiles) performing at the National Theater. Since the age of 16, I have trained with Youssouf Koumbassa, a world renowned West African grand master teacher, attending conferences and classes. In 2012 and 2017, I traveled to Guinea with Youssouf to participate in a private intensive study of dance and drum for one month with my family. In 2014, I traveled to Ghana with my husband and Queen Nur, President of the National Association of Black Storytellers to further study of the culture there.
Fee Structure:
Please note these are sample programs. For information about additional programs, or to ask about a custom-created program, please contact the artist.
Sekere Workshop Lesson Plan >
Sekere Dance Workshop Lesson Plan >
All School Assembly >
- Sekere workshop (non-profit & community org.)
- Ages 4-7 (15 student limit)
- 30-40 min sessions/classes: $300
- Ages 8 & up (20 student limit)
- 30 to 50 min sessions/classes: $500
- 45-60-mins $5,000
- 30-40 mins $3,500
- 15-20 mins $2,000
Program Links: Instagram Reel, Instagram Reel, Instagram Reel, Instagram Photo
Booking information: To book Makeda Kemit or Egun Omode, contact Baye Kemit at egunomode@gmail.com. In the email, please state your interest, date, location, length of performance, and budget. Once we agree on the logistics, we will email an invoice and contract.
Geographic Availability: Anywhere in the state.
- Listing ID: 7089