GHETTO CLASSICS DANCE
Bringing Dance Arts to Korogocho
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
About Ghetto Classics
Welcome to Ghetto Classics, a pioneering arts education organization
nestled in the heart of Korogocho. For over a decade, we have been
instrumental in shaping the lives of more than 500 children and youth
through the power of music education.
In our 12-year journey, we've witnessed the incredible growth of our young
musicians, who have become the pride of Korogocho. They have also
showcased their talents in performances and festivals, both locally in Kenya
and on international stages. Some of our remarkable graduates are now
pursuing their passion at prestigious conservatories such as the
Birmingham Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, Alabama State
University, and Prague Conservatory.
In 2019, we expanded our artistic horizons with the introduction of Ghetto
Classics Dance. This exciting dance program operates side by side with our
renowned music program, fostering an environment where students from
both disciplines share spaces, creating opportunities for inspiring
multidisciplinary collaborations.
At Ghetto Classics, we believe in more than just teaching music and dance.
We cultivate a transformative process where dancers and musicians learn to
connect, support, and create together. This uniquely human journey not
only encourages perseverance but also culminates in those magical
moments when art is born.
Join us at Ghetto Classics, where the power of education transforms lives,
and the symphony of creativity resonates beyond the boundaries of
Korogocho. Experience the magic, be part of the legacy.
Korogocho
Korogocho, situated in Nairobi, Kenya, is a sprawling informal settlement that encapsulates the challenges of urban poverty. Nestled on the eastern side of Nairobi River, the slum is characterized by densely packed, makeshift dwellings, narrow alleyways, and a lack of basic infrastructure.
As of recent statistics, Korogocho is home to a staggering number of children, with a significant portion of the population being under the age of 18. The precise figure fluctuates due to the dynamic nature of informal settlements, but it is a poignant reflection of the vulnerable demographic that grapples with the
harsh realities of limited resources, inadequate sanitation, and constrained access to education.
One prominent feature of Korogocho is the presence of a massive dumpsite nearby. This dumpsite, while serving as a source of income for some residents who engage in recycling activities, also poses environmental and health risks to the community. It highlights the complex interplay between poverty and environmental challenges that many residents of Korogocho face
on a daily basis.
In terms of housing, the structures in Korogocho are
predominantly constructed from recycled and scavenged materials. Corrugated metal sheets, plastic, and wood are commonly used to erect makeshift shelters, creating a mosaic of dwellings that reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of the
community. These structures, although resourceful, often lack proper ventilation, sanitation, and durability, making them vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and other environmental hazards.
Korogocho's landscape is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of its inhabitants, who, despite facing numerous challenges, continue to forge a vibrant community amidst adversity. Efforts from local and international organizations are ongoing to address the pressing issues faced by the residents, with a focus on improving living conditions, education, and overall
well-being.
Mission
Our mission is simple but profound: to provide top-tier arts
education that empowers every child with skills and dignity,
enabling them to break free from the shackles of economic
poverty and environmental injustice. In the dance studio, we go
beyond teaching mere movements; we create a community
marked by solidarity, respect, and discipline, fostering harmony
and individual/group development.
Our commitment extends far beyond the dance floor. We support
each child comprehensively—covering school fees, offering social
and medical assistance, and providing personal attention—
believing this approach is the key to nurturing civic engagement
in these young citizens to become active participants in shaping a
brighter future.
Looking ahead, our vision includes establishing a dynamic dance
company, a collective of highly skilled, diverse dancers reflecting
the spirit of Nairobi and the rich cultures of Kenya. We aim to
create impactful, boundary-breaking performances that showcase
the transformative power of dance in the lives of these aspiring
talents.
Structure
At GCDance, classes are intentionally kept small, limited to 15 students. This ensures individual attention crucial for technical and professional development. Classes are scheduled on weekends during the school year, increasing to daily sessions throughout school holidays.
Our program covers three essential styles—hip hop, traditional African dance, and classical ballet—with equal importance given to each. Led by three locally based faculty members with extensive international and African experience, GCDance benefits from a globally informed perspective.
The curriculum includes theoretical aspects such as dance history and nutrition, along with basic music skills and recorder training, aligning with the Ghetto Classics music curriculum.
To showcase the students' progress and celebrate their hard work, GCDance hosts annual end-of-year performances. These events are not just showcases but also serve as a vibrant connection to our community in Korogocho, our first and most important audience.
Objectives & Necessities
Our key focus areas encompass the seamless continuity of the
program, ensuring its sustained impact and growth. We aspire to
extend the program's reach, making it accessible to more children, while also facilitating enriching experiences through guest master classes and workshops.
To create an optimal learning environment, we prioritize providing appropriate dancewear and maintaining well-equipped, safe dance facilities, encompassing studios, floors, and sound systems. This commitment extends to offering ample performance opportunities, allowing our students to showcase their talents andreceive valuable exposure.
Access to diverse resources, including dance literature and films,
nutritional education, forms an integral part of our approach,
enriching the journey for our participants. Additionally, we aim to
build bridges to professional dance education abroad where
relevant, opening new horizons for our students.
Recognizing the importance of a supportive ecosystem, we are
dedicated to nurturing our teaching artists at GDance. This
involves not only fostering their growth within our program but
also providing avenues for professional development, ensuring
they continue to inspire and guide our students with passion and
expertise.
Meet the Team
Ghetto Classics Dance
Ledership
Head of Dance
Joanna Priwieziencew
Joanna Priwieziencew, alumna of the State Ballet School of Warsaw, Poland.
As a student, she performed on the stage of the Grand Theater - National Opera in Warsaw, Stuttgart Theater (Germany), Open Dance Festival (St. Petersburg, Russia).
She has danced professionally with Ballet Carmen Roche (Spain), Progetto Compagnia (Italy) where she worked with Francesca Harper and Malou Airaudo, Central West Ballet (USA), Cork City Ballet (Ireland), Cairo Opera House (Egypt), among others.
She has taught workshops and masterclasses at, among others, Ballet Estudio Olga Ferri (Argentina), Alamal Organization (Nazareth), Danceworks (Germany), Shin Dance Academy (USA).
Between 2016-2018 she attended music history and philosophy lectures at the Barenboim Said Academy in Berlin, where she also gave a lecture on historical dances.
Co-creator of the staging of the opera "Fidelio" at the Solidarity Center in Gdansk under the baton of Julian Salemkour, which brought together professional musicians from conflict stricken countries and musicians from Europe.
In 2018, she brought together the first live orchestra to accompany the full lenght production of the Nutcracker in Kenya, comprised of Kenyan and guest musicians.
Founder and board member of the Alhayez Foundation, which provides joint arts education for Arab and Hebrew youth in Israel since 2018.
Since 2019, Joanna has been the Head of the Ghetto Classics Dance program in Korogocho, Nairobi.
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
MICHELLE PESCE, FNTP
Meet Michelle Pesce, FNTP—a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, educator, and health enthusiast with a knack for problem-solving and research. With over 15 years of experience, Michelle brings a vibrant, bio-individual
approach to functional, holistic nutrition.
Her passion lies in translating the science of nutrition into a colorful palette of recipes, wellness workshops, educational videos, and private nutritional therapy sessions. Currently, she's busy cooking up more ways to serve
nutritional therapy rooted in real-life nourishing habits, believing that the keys to good health are often right on the tip of our tongues.
Under the umbrella of Hello Palate, Michelle collaborates with individual and corporate clients, offering health talks, nutritional curriculum, and crafting recipes for food companies. Whether it's one-on-one private
nutritional therapy consults or producing health segments for LADP Digital, Michelle's expertise deliver that the taste of good health.
But her commitment doesn't stop there. Michelle extends her support to the Korogocho Dance School, providing nutritional guidance for young dancers and its community.
In Michelle's world, the journey to a well-lived life is paved with support, care, and community. Join her on this vibrant and flavorful path to good health—the possibilities are endless!
Ballet Master/Resident Choreographer
David Fernandez
Award-winning contemporary choreographer and dance filmmaker, master teacher from NYC.
David is the visionary behind the choreography "Vitruvian Man," a captivating masterpiece that has garnered over a million views on YouTube. His artistic brilliance is evident in this creation, where he seamlessly merges classical aesthetics with contemporary elements, showcasing a distinctive and original approach to choreography.
David's well-known choreography, Five Variations on a Theme, was created for New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Joaquin De Luz. The work premiered as part of the acclaimed Kings of the Dance tour. Joaquin's commanding performance received standing ovations in NYC, LA, London, Paris, Rome, Moscow, Kiev, and Odessa. Other notable choreography commissions include pieces created for leading dancers of the American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Kings of the Dance Tour, Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, Youth America Grand Prix Gala Concert, and many others.
As the new resident Choreographer/Ballet Master, David is thrilled to join the Ghetto Classics Dance. He looks forward to teaching and creating new works for the students at Korogocho.
African Traditional Dance and Contemporary Teaching Artist
ATULO JACKSON
Atulo Jackson is a performing artist, choreographer, instructor, percussionist, and yogi based in Nairobi, Kenya.
His inspiration is rooted in African culture, which has been instrumental in co-establishing several cultural groups and community-based projects.
He has received training in African and contemporary dance both locally and internationally, including training under Gaara Projects and Ecole Des Sable Dance School. At the same time, he participated in folk and contemporary festivals across Africa and Europe.
His choreographic residencies include Dance Laboratory, which engages ideas in an experimental process as a tool for choreographic skills, under Gaara Projects. Chrysalides equips young selected African choreographers with tools and approaches in creating choreography under Centre de Development Choreographic (La Termitiere) and Ecole Des Sable.
Lately, he has been working closely with community programs in informal settlements, intending to discover, mentor, and nurture young talents through dance, music, and yoga.
Hip-Hop Teaching Artist
Frank Onkwani
Frank Onkwani is the founder of Halisi Breaking, through which he curates programs for the youth using dance to educate and mentor. Halisi organizes free mobile workshops in informal and remote settlements.
Co-founder of Miringo Breaking Academy, the first breaking school in Kenya.
He placed 3rd at Redbull Dance Your Style Kenya 2022, and is the silver medalist of
Kenya breaking championships 2023.
Frank is a graduate of Y.E.S academy class of 2021 sponsored by U.S Embassy.
Founding Organization
The Art of Music
The Art of Music was founded in 2009; with a mission to promote the performance and appreciation of art music in Kenya and use its transformative power to change lives, particularly of those living in underprivileged areas of the country. We believe art music, with its traditions of structure, discipline, and excellence, can offer a great awakening and opportunity to a broad spectrum of Kenyan youth.
The Foundation focuses on two Programmes. The Ghetto Classics, a community Programmes that involves over 500 children in Korogocho and hundreds more in satellite areas around Nairobi, Kiambu and Mombasa through the Orchestra for Schools programme. The second is a musical and leadership training Programmes, The National Youth Orchestra of Kenya (KNYO), a music ensemble that brings together talented young musicians from all walks of life in the country.
The Art of Music also manages the Safaricom Youth Orchestra (SYO) who are currently in their ninth year.
PARTNERS
