Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music
International folk dance and music ensemble in New Orleans since 1979
Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble is a New Orleans non-profit arts organization established in 1979, dedicated to portraying international folk cultures through dance and music.
Photo: chris moses via Google
About this studio
Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble is a New Orleans non-profit arts organization established in 1979, dedicated to portraying international folk cultures through dance and music. The ensemble comprises over forty professional and semi-professional artists from throughout the New Orleans community, trained by internationally recognized choreographers and musicians.
The ensemble's repertoire draws from authentic global traditions and includes USA styles such as Cajun, Appalachian, and New Orleans Jazz and Mardi Gras traditions. Costumes are replicas or carefully designed adaptations of authenticated regional folk dress. Since 1988, Komenka has performed internationally in Basque Country, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Caribbean, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Spain.
Komenka has been recognized with major awards for its artistic contributions. The ensemble received the first ever Big Easy Classical Arts Award for Best Ethnic Dance Presentation in 1993, and has received that prestigious award on numerous occasions since. Komenka also received the Community Arts Award from the Arts Council of New Orleans in recognition of outstanding contribution to the arts of New Orleans for 30 years.
The organization is highly active in educational institutions at all levels and regularly features in television and radio. Komenka is greatly indebted to Loyola University New Orleans and the New Orleans Dance Academy for year-round provision of rehearsal facilities. The ensemble's financial support comes from performances, private donations, and public and corporate grants.
What to expect
Your first visit
Komenka is a performance and educational ensemble rather than a drop-in class studio. The organization occasionally offers public fitness classes called 'Komenka Kardio' at the New Orleans Dance Academy.
Studio history
Komenka was established in 1979 as a New Orleans non-profit arts organization with the purpose of portraying international folk cultures through dance and music. The ensemble has been featured throughout the USA and has performed internationally since 1988 across Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and beyond.
Styles offered
5 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Komenka Ethnic Dance & Musichasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music, 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 Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music teach?
Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music teaches General, Cajun, Appalachian, New Orleans Jazz, Mardi Gras traditions. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music located?
Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music is located in New Orleans, LA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music offer private lessons?
Contact Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music teach kids and adults?
Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music 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 Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music?
The fastest path is to visit Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.