COBA, Collective of Black Artists offers high quality dance training that is supported by a legacy of African history. Our children’s dance and drumming program provides children three years and up with a solid foundation in dance forms that range from Traditional West African, Caribbean Folk, Modern/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet (non-syllabus), along with drumming and vocal chanting.

Students are placed in one of 6 program course levels depending on their age and previous dance experience. An informal placement audition may be required for students coming from other dance programs. 

Each year, the program culminates with SHEreHE!, COBA’s year-end recital celebration in which all COBA students have the opportunity to perform.

PROGRAM COURSE LEVELS

Pre-Dance 1 Prepares children (ages 3-5)for future dance training.  Students learn the ABC’s of dance: five basic positions of ballet, gallops, skips, and jumps, patterning and coordination skills.

Pre-Dance 2 (ages 5+) Builds on dance basics established in Pre-Dance 1 with the addition of plies, barre work and traditional African movement concepts.

Dance 1 Level 1 (ages 5+) An introduction to technique and movement elements of Ballet, Modern, African and   Caribbean dance.

Dance 1 Level 2  For students (ages 6+) exhibiting a competent level of technical skill in all movement styles and   performance. Drumming is introduced at this level.

Dance 2 (Ages 8+) An intense program that offers detailed explorations in all movement styles and drumming. 

Dance 3 (Ages 10+) Demands a high level of skill in dance & drumming technique, exercise memory, dance  history and performance.  Faculty recommends students for COBA Youth Ensemble (CYE)  performing troupe from this program.