KowTeff

KowTeff History

 Founded in 1991, KowTeff has researched, taught and performed African Diaspora Dance throughout the Tri-State region and abroad. Today KowTeff is a duly incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization engaging capacity building efforts to secure philanthropic support and strengthen infrastructure so that its work can continue into the future. We are committed to excellence and integrity in the training of dancers and musicians, the dissemination of knowledge related to African, Caribbean, and African American history and cultural art forms,
KowTeff African Dance Company

Many Roots. One Future.

Founded in 1991, KowTeff has researched, taught and performed African Diaspora Dance throughout the Tri-State region and abroad. Co Founder and Artistic Director Sewaa Codrington has over three decades of training and study with internationally recognized master traditional artists and African griot families. KowTeff has educated and entertained thousands of audience members with free classes and community based performances in underserved communities such as Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, and Bedford Stuyvesant. The company has been invited to present on academic panels for the Brooklyn Arts Council and to conduct workshops for the Department of Culture in St. Kitts. Today KowTeff is a duly incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization engaging capacity building efforts to secure philanthropic support and strengthen infrastructure so that its work can continue into the future.

Our Mission

The KowTeff School of African Dance is a non-profit organization with the mission of preserving and perpetuating the diverse folklore of African peoples through quality education and entertainment. The KowTeff School of African Dance artistically and creatively uses dance, music (song and drum), and the spoken word to keep alive the cultural values, principles, and customs of African tradition.

The KowTeff School of African Dance ultimately strives to empower people of African descent by providing inspiring opportunities for them to celebrate and gain knowledge of their rich African heritage, develop a positive cultural identity and self-pride, and reclaim traditional African values and customs that promote healthy development of body, mind, spirit, and community.

Dance & Theatre

Creating transformative performances and educational experiences through dance, theater, and cultural storytelling.

Children Programs

Providing engaging youth programs that inspire creativity, confidence, learning, and personal growth.

Community Engagement

Building meaningful connections through outreach initiatives, cultural events, and collaborative partnerships.

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30th Anniversary. Commemorative Video Make a Donation

Afua Sewaa Codrington Afua Sewaa Codrington has studied ballet, toe dance, tap, modern, and ethnic from the age of seven. Since 1977, she has studied the folkloric African dance of the Old Mali Empire under the wings of such master dance artists as Hazel Starks Bryant, Chuck Davis, Ladji Camara, Irizak Razala, Tako Sissokho, Marie Basse Wiles, Souleyman Diop, Babacar Niang, Assane Konte, and Ibrahima Camara, to name just a few. Brooklyn born, Sewaa's professional dance performances have taken her throughout the United States and the world with such companies as Afro-American Folkloric and Historical Society, International African American Ballet, Sabar-Ak-Ru-Afrique, Kairaba West African Dance Company, Africa in Motion, and presently as co-founder and director of KowTeff African Dance Company. It was her extensive studies throughout the Sene-Gambia region of West Africa under the tutelage of members of the National Ballet of Senegal during 1986-1988 that solidified her experience and love for African arts and culture. Treatment arrow_right Artistic Director/Co-Founder
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Years of Service

Celebrating three decades of cultural leadership, artistic excellence, and dedicated community impact.

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Junteenth Celebrations

Honoring freedom, heritage, and unity through sixteen years of meaningful Juneteenth programming.

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KowTeff was founded

Building a lasting legacy of arts, education, and community engagement since the vibrant 90’s.

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