**E Sin Mi d'Afrika

African Arts Residencies**

ESin Mi d’Afrika Residencies offer schools an opportunity for deeper, sustained engagement with African arts and culture. Each residency is customized to the goals, schedule, and resources of the school, ranging from short-term programs to long-term partnerships.

Through music, dance, and theatre activities, students explore interdisciplinary concepts such as patterns and shapes, rhythm and measurement, time and space, movement and storytelling. These experiences naturally connect to general academic learning while centering creativity and cultural understanding.

Residencies often culminate in a student-led performance for the school community, celebrating learning outcomes and fostering confidence, collaboration, and cultural appreciation.

Best for: Schools seeking extended cultural engagement

Grades: K–12

Length: Flexible (short-term or long-term)

Format: Integrated arts instruction with culminating performance

💡 Not sure which option is right for your school?

Submit an inquiry and our team will help you select the program that best fits your students, schedule, and goals.

**WaZoBia

African Music & Movement Workshops**

WaZoBia Workshops provide a hands-on learning experience for students through small-group African music and movement instruction. In these sessions, students learn traditional rhythms, songs, greetings, and dances drawn from West African cultural traditions.

Workshops are highly interactive and adaptable, allowing teaching artists to tailor content to the age, interests, and learning goals of each group. Themes such as music, harvest, rhythm, or cultural storytelling can be incorporated to complement classroom learning.

Because of their small-group format, workshops allow for deeper engagement and personalized instruction. Extended workshops or residency formats are also available for schools seeking more sustained learning.

Best for: Classrooms, clubs, or small groups

Group size: Up to 30 students

Grades: K–12

Format: Hands-on instruction and guided participation

**Ekaabo / Akwaba / Tooli

African Arts School Assemblies**

Bi-Okoto’s African Arts School Assemblies offer students an engaging introduction to African culture through live drumming, dance, music, and storytelling. These interactive performances invite students on a cultural journey from Africa to the Americas, highlighting the roots of Black history through the arts.

Designed for large audiences, assemblies are age-appropriate, energetic, and participatory, encouraging students to listen, move, and respond as they learn. Performances are supported by brief explanations that connect artistic traditions to history, geography, language, and cultural expression.

Assemblies conclude with a short question-and-answer segment, giving students the opportunity to reflect and engage directly with the artists.

Best for: School-wide or grade-level assemblies

Grades: K–12

Format: Interactive performance and discussion

Professional Development & Extended Learning Opportunities

Bi-Okoto offers a range of professional development and extended learning experiences designed to support educators, school communities, and students beyond traditional assemblies and workshops.

Professional Development for Teachers & PTA Members

These sessions introduce educators and school leaders to African arts as tools for engagement, cultural understanding, and interdisciplinary learning. Professional development offerings are practical, interactive, and adaptable to school or district goals.

Additional Learning Opportunities

Schools may also request:

• Bi-Okoto Cultural Center Tours
  Guided visits that immerse students and educators in African music, dance, and cultural traditions.
• Digital / Virtual Engagements
  Online sessions designed for classrooms, clubs, or special programs.
• After-School Programs
  Ongoing enrichment opportunities that support creativity, teamwork, and cultural exploration.
• Storytelling Programs (best for grades K–6)
  Age-appropriate stories that build listening skills, imagination, and cultural awareness.
• West African Dance Club Development (best for grades 7–12)
  Structured programs that introduce students to African dance techniques and performance.

All offerings can be customized to meet the needs of individual schools, grade levels, and community groups.

Best for: Educators, PTA groups, after-school programs, and enrichment initiatives

Grades: K–12 (varies by program)

Format: In-person or virtual options available