Djapo Cultural Arts Institute
African and diaspora arts classes in Cleveland—dance, drums, all ages.
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Talise A.
Photo: Djapo Cultural Arts Institute via Google
Before your first class
All classes are for all levels of expertise with differentiated instruction; beginners are fully welcome.
Wear a lappa (sarong skirt), leggings, and tank or t-shirt.
Lappa (sarong skirt), leggings, tank or t-shirt.
Full 9-week session: children 6–12 $160, teens/adults 13+ $200, elders $100, T.A.L.L $85 suggested donation.
About this studio
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Talise A. Campbell. Based at the Pivot Center for Art, Expression and Dance on W 25th Street in Cleveland, Djapo has touched over 450,000 people through performances, school assemblies, residencies, and workshops. The organisation is considered one of the premiere cultural arts organisations in Ohio.
Djapo's mission is to engage the community in the preservation and understanding of African diasporic works in music, dance, history and folklore through research, dialogue, community building, international travel and theatrical performance. The company has a repertory of over 40 works created by Artistic Director Talise Campbell and other nationally esteemed choreographers.
Community Arts Programs run 9-week sessions of African and diaspora arts programming. All classes are for all levels of expertise and include differentiated instruction. Ages 5 and higher are welcome, with classes designed for children 5–12, teens and adults 13–59, and elders 60 and wiser. You can attend a full session or drop in as you choose. Workshops cover traditional West African drum and dance as well as other diasporic art forms, allowing you to explore and engage with culture while connecting with a global community of artisans and keepers of the culture.
Beyond regular classes, Djapo runs several specialist programmes. The Teaching Artist Learning Lab (T.A.L.L) offers artist training in instructional teaching pedagogy, with artists receiving compensation for teaching and learning under professional mentorship. The Professional Guest Artist Series enriches the community through cultural exchange with international artists and intimate workshops spotlighting talented professionals from the diaspora. Djapo also hosts the Diasporic Day of Dance, featuring diverse dance classes, panel discussion, and community celebration with dance and music.
The organisation's highly anticipated annual Juneteenth African Dance & Drum Festival and Concert draws people from around the world. Additional programmes include an International Travel Program for immersive learning in West African traditions, and the Djapo Book Club, which explores literature on lifelong learning, personal growth, culture, African-American history, and social justice.
In the Wolof language, Djapo means "Together"—reflecting the organisation's commitment to collective learning, growth, and community building through the transformative power of movement and shared rhythms.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes welcome all skill levels and ages 5 and up. Wear a lappa (sarong skirt), leggings, and tank or t-shirt; go barefoot or wear dance shoes. If you're joining a drum class, bring your own djembe or rent one of theirs while supplies last. Instruction is differentiated so beginners and experienced dancers both fit in.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Djapo is led by Artistic Director Talise A. Campbell, who has created over 40 works in the company's repertory. The company comprises talented artists from around the world and employs teaching artists who receive training through the Teaching Artist Learning Lab programme.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All classes are for all levels of expertise with differentiated instruction; beginners are fully welcome.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear a lappa (sarong skirt), leggings, and tank or t-shirt.
What to bring
Lappa (sarong skirt), leggings, tank or t-shirt. Dancers go barefoot or wear dance shoes. Drummers bring a djembe or rent one from the studio.
Studio history
Founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Talise A. Campbell, Djapo Cultural Arts Institute has grown into one of Ohio's premiere cultural arts organisations. The institute has touched over 450,000 people through performances, school assemblies, residencies, and workshops, and draws global attendance at its annual Juneteenth African Dance & Drum Festival and Concert.
Styles offered
4 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Djapo Cultural Arts Institutehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Djapo Cultural Arts Institute
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Djapo Cultural Arts Institute teach?
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute teaches General, West African drum, West African dance, African diasporic arts. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Djapo Cultural Arts Institute located?
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is located in Cleveland, OH. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Djapo Cultural Arts Institute offer private lessons?
Contact Djapo Cultural Arts Institute directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Djapo Cultural Arts Institute teach kids and adults?
Djapo Cultural Arts Institute welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Djapo Cultural Arts Institute?
The fastest path is to visit Djapo Cultural Arts Institute via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.