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What is Kofago Taraji?
Kofago Taraji is a groundbreaking initiative developed by Kevin McEwen, founder of the Kofago Dance Ensemble, to address a critical need in the performing arts world for young people. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Kevin recognized a significant shift in the readiness and resilience of the students he was mentoring, particularly in our post-COVID society.
The Inspiration
Kevin's observations revealed a direct cause and effect stemming from the COVID pandemic. The quarantine period—spanning two academic school years—had profound ramifications on young people’s social development. College-level students, once prepared for the rigors of the performing arts, now seemed younger in their maturity and less equipped to handle the demands of professional training and performance. The isolation caused by the pandemic deprived these young individuals of key developmental milestones, leaving gaps in their ability to socialize, collaborate, and take accountability in a professional setting.
Filling the Gap
In addition to these societal shifts, Kevin noticed another troubling gap: the absence of summer youth employment opportunities specifically tailored to young people aspiring to become African Diasporic performing artists. Existing programs predominantly cater to ballet and modern contemporary styles, leaving little room for the celebration and cultivation of Traditional West African and Caribbean Folkloric dance styles.
Kofago Taraji - The Vision
Kofago Taraji was created to fill these voids. The program will:
- Provide Opportunity: Offering paid summer employment for aspiring African Diasporic performing artists, allowing them to gain professional experience and earn income while doing what they love.
- Deliver Education: Equipping participants with knowledge and training in Traditional West African and Caribbean Folkloric dance styles, cultivating pride in their cultural heritage.
- Foster Mentorship: Guiding young artists through personalized mentorship to help them develop the discipline, confidence, and accountability needed to succeed in the performing arts.
The Meaning of Taraji
The word "Taraji," which means "hope" in Swahili, embodies the spirit of this project. Kofago Taraji represents hope for young artists who aspire to grow, thrive, and contribute to the rich traditions of the African Diaspora through dance.
A Brighter Future
Kofago Taraji is more than just a summer program—it is a transformative experience designed to prepare the next generation of African Diasporic performing artists to navigate the challenges of their craft and society with resilience, cultural pride, and professional readiness. By addressing the developmental and professional gaps left by the pandemic, Kofago Taraji will empower young dancers to step confidently into their futures and preserve the legacy of African and Caribbean dance traditions for generations to come.