Émume Dance Pieces & Description

Piece Name: obodo dị mma ( Village/Country life is good)
Choreographer: Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer

Description:

Part 1: “Atilogwu” An Igbo Nigerian dance style that often showcases vigorous body movement and acrobatics to drums, udu, flutes and different instrumentals. Here, 3-4 dancers come out at a time

Part 2:”Egedege”, popularized by Theresa Onuorah, is a dance performed at events and festivals, including Korma’s wedding in Owerri, Imo State Nigeria. It features fast footwork and vibrant waist movements & strength.

Piece Name: Sincerely, Igbo
Choreographer: Abrecia Bonae Haillasellise-Mankelklote
Description: Igbo Medley features an assortment of traditional dances from various Igbo states of Nigeria. This piece was created as a celebration of Igbo culture and to highlight the diversity of its dance history, dance genres, and movement techniques.

Piece Name:Gazo

Choreographer: Elsie Yayra Nsoh

Description:

This dance is a cultural journey of strength and unity. Gazo meaning “fire” or “on fire” tells the story of how different tribes and cultures unify through music and dance. It starts with a battle scene but quickly transitions to a celebration when the different tribes realize their similarities as a group of people who share the same land and resources. Gazo is a tribute to the land, the communities and the cultures that are influenced by the elements wind, earth, fire and water. These elements are evident through the movements in the dance. Gazo highlight traditional moves such as Agbadza, Akepsse, Kamu, agbekor (atsia) and many more. Come with us on this fun journey as we celebrate culture through dance, and its influence on our community, as it brings us together!

Piece Name: Sisters in Sync
Choreographer: Josi Browne
Description: This dance piece blends West African and South African moves. It mixes Ivorian dance’s high energy steps with South African rhythms. Inspired by these cultures, the choreography is lively and fun. It celebrates the beauty and unity of these African dances.

Piece Name: Southern Comfort (SOCO)
Choreographer: Peace Madimutsa
Description: Peace’s own contemporary fusion of Southern African street styles that include Gqom, Amapiano, Zimbabwean and Afro-house elements. SOCO is a means to portal and explore various aspects of a pan-Southern Africa. Touching on some historical themes of spirituality, colonialism, oppression and triumph. It is meant to uplift and emphasize the power of a united community.

Piece Name: Roots that whisper
Choreographer: Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer
Description:Showcasing dance moves in Nigeria from the last three decades, including Afrobeat and Afrobeats, this piece reveals the colors of the Nigerian flag—green, white, green—softly emerging like a quiet anthem. The green dances with the wild brilliance of Ayo’s evolving mind, a testament to growth and unspoken dreams, while the white echoes his calm and anchors him to the quiet strength of his roots

Piece Name: Rejoice: Drums Carry Us Home
Choreographer: Dede Pheretha Atanley
Description: The juxtaposition of modern contemporary dance moves alongside the traditional African drums in this piece evoke a sense of power. It’s a dance of celebration and cultural dialogue. No matter where you go in life, you’ll always have a place to call home — rejoice!

Piece Name: Feeling Myself
Choreographer: Wisna Perou
Description: My piece is inspired by my journey to a healthier version of myself. With social media being prevalent, we are constantly exposed to those online, who post only illusions of beauty and happiness. It can be hard to not compare oneself to them. I want everyone, especially our youth, to know that they are worthy and special. This piece is to promote self confidence and a healthy lifestyle!

Piece Name: Ajamataw: Beats of Belonging
Choreographer: Fanta Barrow
Description: This piece is inspired by the powerful spirit of the Jola people, their music, their movement, and their deep connection to the land. The melodies of the songs carry both joy and resilience, while the dances are grounded, strong, and full of intention. It also reflects the unity with which Jola communities come together to dance, not just for celebration, but to honor the earth and their ancestors. Through this piece, the dancers celebrate that strength, togetherness, and reverence for the land that sustains them.

Piece Name: Afro Fusion Exit: Les soldats du Cool Catche
Choreographer: Prince Warapisseme Mouta (Wara)
Description: Growing up in Togo, Wara was surrounded by the rhythms, energy, and creativity of local music and Cool Catché, made popular by Toofan, was a big part of that cultural wave. The dance’s bold expression, deep connection to Togolese identity, and its playful yet precise movements immediately spoke to him. Wara was drawn to styles that challenged the body while telling a story and Cool Catché does exactly that. Performing and teaching Cool Catché is Wara’s way of celebrating where he comes from, uplifting his culture, and inspiring others to find freedom and confidence through dance. For him, it’s not just a trend — it’s a living expression of pride, passion, and community.

Piece Name:AfroBolly
Choreographer: Divya and Korma

A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and Bollywood dance styles, creating a joyful and dynamic performance.

About the Choreographers

Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer
Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer is the founder of Afro-Cont-Igbo, an African Contemporary Igbo dance company based in the Twin Cities. Originally from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, Korma blends traditional West African rhythms with modern styles to create joyful, high-energy choreography that inspires wellness and cultural pride. Since founding the company in 2014, she has taught and performed across Minnesota, from local schools and festivals to major stages like the MN Fringe and Timberwolves halftime shows. With deep roots in community and a passion for movement, Korma uses dance to connect, uplift, and celebrate African heritage.

Elsie Yayra Nsoh

This dance is a cultural journey of strength and unity. Gazo meaning “fire” or “on fire” tells the story of how different tribes and cultures unify through music and dance. It starts with a battle scene but quickly transitions to a celebration when the different tribes realize their similarities as a group of people who share the same land and resources. Gazo is a tribute to the land, the communities and the cultures that are influenced by the elements wind, earth, fire and water. These elements are evident through the movements in the dance. Gazo highlight traditional moves such as Agbadza, Akepsse, Kamu, agbekor (atsia) and many more. Come with us on this fun journey as we celebrate culture through dance, and its influence on our community, as it brings us together!

Elsie Nsoh is a dancer and artistic creator from Togo. Elsie's passion for and commitment to dance started at a very young age where she would entertain her family, friends and community through her movements. Elsie continued her dance career throughout every stage of her life, from praise dance at her church, to musical theater and dance in high school, to dance organizations in College, and more recently, Afrocontigbo Dance Therapy. Elsie is the founder of Moves of Glory Dance Ministry, which focuses on teaching kids and young adults Praise Dance. “Dance for me is not just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. I am privileged, blessed and grateful to constantly have the opportunity to continue my creative career and challenge myself to teach and learn different styles of dance. As my favorite quote goes: Dance reveals what music conceals. I make it a priority to live as an example as I strive to encourage everyone to explore their creative side, whether it is dance, music, arts etc.” - Elsie Y. Nsoh

Fanta Barrow Fanta was born and raised in The Gambia, the Smiling Coast of Africa. From a young age, she found joy in dancing—whether in the village square or at home, she was always moving to the rhythms of mbalakh and other Afro styles. In college, she joined and later led a diversity dance crew, exploring styles from Coupe Decale to K-pop. In 2019, she became part of Afrocontigbo, where she continues to share her love for movement and culture. She now teaches at North High School with Afrocontigbo, encouraging others to use dance as a way to release stress and reconnect with themselves. Her infectious movements celebrate the vibrant traditions flowing through her veins from Africa’s Smiling Coast. For Fanta, dance is both a celebration of heritage and a way to nurture body and mind.

Abrecia Bonae Haillasellise-Mankelklote
Abrecia Haillasellise-Mankelklote hails from Illinois, USA. During her performance career, Abrecia trained in Acting and Dance Theater at the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts of Illinois State University and served as the Artist Director & Event Coordinator for its African Student Association and Dance Troupe. In Chicago, Abrecia served as a company member for Nunafatima, Board Member and Captain for Jukeboxx Mas Band, and Board Member and Principal Dancer for the West Indian Dance Theater Company. Upon relocating to Minnesota, Abrecia became an affiliate of Titambe West African Dance, South Asian Arts & Theater House, United Arts Collaborative and joined the illustrious Afrocontigbo! She currently serves as Afrocontigbo's Technical Director and Vice President of Center for Performing Arts Mpls. She also serves as CFPA Mpls' Education and Community Development Specialist curating their Youth Dance Theater programs and Festivals.

Josi Browne
Josi Browne is a 19-year-old, Liberian-American dancer from Minnesota. Her dance journey began with liturgical dance in church, where she first discovered her love for dance. Throughout middle and high school, Josi continued to grow as a dancer by taking formal dance classes and joining the school dance team. She is mostly self-taught but has trained in hip-hop, Afro, modern, and liturgical styles, developing a strong connection to her culture through dance. With years of experience performing and creating choreography, Josi continues to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer.

Peace Madimutsa
Peace Madimutsa is a Zimbabwean creator and artist who currently resides in Minnesota. He specializes in dances relating and extending from continental and diasporic Africa. Peace began his dance journey as a choreographer at Macalester College. He learnt from community leaders such as Patricia Brown, Ololade Gbadamosi and found a pathway to Minnesota stages after being featured in Maia Maiden’s Rooted Choreographers Evening. Peace then went on to become a co-founder and director of Atlantis Universe Dance Company, as well as curator of SEGMENTS MN dance platform. He is known for his dynamic and expressive approach to teaching, creation, and performance realms. He participates in various statewide and international collaborations. Peace’s goal is to create work that inspires beyond space and time.

Dede Pheretha Atanley
Dede Pheretha is a dancer from Togo, who discovered her passion for dance at an early age while performing at Togolese cultural events. Despite being shy as a child, dance provided her with a means of creative self-expression. In high school, she was a member of the Hip Hop Dance Team. While at university, she explored modern, contemporary, and praise dance. Her dance style blends traditional movements with contemporary influences. Dede Pheretha is a proud member of Afrocontigbo, and is always ready to share and learn alongside her teammates.

Wisna Perou
Born in Haiti, Wisna has a natural draw to Haitian and African-based movements. Training under Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer of Afrocontigbo with no formal dance experience allowed for exploration of traditional and contemporary West African dance. Exploring such movements has inspired a journey venturing into other forms of dance that include Kizomba, Semba, Bachata, Heels, and Hip Hop with opportunities for residencies in various children’s dance programs.

Prince Warapisseme Mouta
Wara is a self-taught dancer and artistic creator from Togo. His passion for dance began at a young age. Wara has explored many styles over the years, developing a unique ability to adapt and perform across genres. Wara has danced through every stage of life. His journey has taken him to incredible places, including sharing the stage with renowned artists like Toofan and others and featuring in music videos. Now, as part of Afrocontigbo, Wara continues to grow as an artist, performer, and instructor, using dance as a tool for healing, expression, and connection. Wara believes in the power of creativity and encourages everyone to tap into their own, whether through dance, music, art, or any form of self-expression.

Divya Maiya

Divya is the co-founder and artistic director of SAATH - South Asian Arts and Theater House and our mission is to celebrate cultural diversity and social harmony in the community through the joyful medium of dance, performing arts, and related South Asian cultural traditions. SAATH uses arts as a way of activism and community building.

SAATH is currently working on their summer production - "2 SuitCases" a dance drama that highlights the struggles and resilience of survivors of domestic violence. The play runs from July 11-20 at Luminary Arts

For other exciting events opportunities follow them on socials @saathmn or visit saathmn.org