LEARN. CONNECT. TRAIN. PERFORM.
A supportive weekly program where young people build skills, confidence, and community through African dance.
LEARN.
CONNECT.
TRAIN.
PERFORM.
SEE THE PROGRAM IN ACTION
Watch the Work Come to Life
From weekly training to powerful performances, our program helps young people grow - on and off the stage.
25 SECOND BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE COMMUNITY, THE GROWTH, THE MOVEMENT.
Our Program at a Glance
CONNECTION
We start the teaching session with greetings, sharing & community building.
CONNECTION
We start teach session with greetings, sharing & community building.
RHYTHM STUDY
Sekou facilitates the study of each rhythm being played and danced, including cultural significance, musical structure, and its nuances.
RHYTHM STUDY
Sekou facilitates the study of each rhythm being played and danced, including cultural significance, musical structure, and its nuances.
DANCE
On the floor, dancers explore foundational techniques for each rhythm, as they’re challenged in a supportive, high-energy environment.
DANCE
On the floor, dancers explore foundational techniques for each rhythm, as they’re challenged in a supportive, high-energy environment.
CONFIDENCE & ENCOURAGEMENT
We build trust, leadership, and encouragement so that the dancers have the confidence to take risks and express their individuality.
CONFIDENCE & ENCOURAGEMENT
We build trust, leadership, and encouragement so that the dancers have the confidence to take risks and express their individuality.
PERFORMANCE PREPARATION
Students prepare work throughout the season to perform in the annual company concert and other opportunities.
PERFORMANCE PREPARATION
Students prepare work throughout the season to perform in the annual company concert and other opportunities.
WHERE TRADITION MEETS THE FUTURE
We create a space where young people connect to their heritage and step confidently into their future - and build it together.
WHERE TRADITION MEETS THE FUTURE
We create a space where young people connect to their heritage and step confidently into their future - and build it together.
A Deeper Look Inside the Experience
We Start with Connection.
Over the course of a full season, Sebé Kan dancers, 2nd grade through high school, meet weekly for training, cultural learning, and community building.
Sessions include full company rehearsals, along with smaller group work where elementary students and middle/high school dancers receive more personalized focus.
But before anything begins—greetings all-around.
Students, mentors, and drummers greet one another, establishing connection and community before the work begins.
We Learn. We Move. We Grow.
Each rehearsal starts with a rigorous warm-up led by Dana, building both physical and mental stamina. Live drummers bring energy and vibrance to the room from the very beginning.
From there, Derrell Sekou leads the cultural and rhythmic training. One or two rhythms are introduced and explored deeply. When the material is new, dancers take notes—learning not only the movement, but the cultural origins, meanings, and stories behind each rhythm.
The dancers study the structure of the music, learning to hear cues and nuances from the drummers. Then they return to the floor, applying that understanding to movement—developing precision, strength, and expression.
Rehearsals are alive with exchange — between dancers, drummers, and teachers. Questions are asked, details are refined, and each dancer is challenged to grow.
Across-the-floor combinations deepen the work. More experienced dancers lead the way, helping younger dancers organize and follow. Leadership, responsibility, and mentorship emerge naturally within the group.
As confidence builds, the circle is introduced.
One by one, dancers step forward to take solos—boldly or nervously—facing the drummers and signaling their readiness to begin. The surrounding dancers cheer them on, creating an environment of support, courage, and shared celebration.
Week by week, month by month, understanding grows.
Confidence builds.
Friendships deepen.
Sharing With The Village
Sebé Kan dancers don’t just train—they share their work with the broader community.
Throughout the season, the company performs for schools, universities, and community events across Portland. The season culminates in an annual end-of-season performance led by Derrell Sekou, bringing together youth dancers, adult performers, guest artists, live drumming, and cultural storytelling.
More than a typical recital, the performance is an intergenerational cultural event—where younger dancers see what it means to carry this work forward through rhythm, community, and tradition.
A Vision for the Future
As much joy and pride as there is in the current programming, Sebé Kan is committed to growing its impact.
With expanded support, Sebé Kan aims to:
bring students to West African dance conferences across the U.S.
build pathways for cultural exchange, including travel to Guinea and other parts of West Africa
expand outreach to engage more boys in the program
deepen access so more families can participate