WELCOME TO SANKOFA VILLAGE FOR THE ARTS
Sankofa Village for the Arts is a non-profit organization that focuses on teaching young people African dance, drumming, and martial arts. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where individuals of all ages can learn, express, and connect through these art forms.
LEARN AFRICAN DANCE, DRUMMING, AND MARTIAL ARTS
DISCOVER THE EXPERIENCE
EMBRACE THE CULTURE AND MOVEMENT
AFRICAN DANCE CLASSES
Join us to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of African dance. Our classes are designed to introduce beginners to the basics of African dance, allowing them to connect with the rhythms and movements. All ages welcome.
AFRICAN DRUMMING CLASSES
Experience the heartbeat of Africa through our drumming classes. Whether you're new to drumming or looking to advance your skills, our instructors will guide you through the techniques and rhythms of African drumming. Classes available for all ages.
MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING
(Yetu Ryu)
Train in the discipline and artistry of African martial arts. Our classes cater to all ages and levels, focusing on building strength, agility, and understanding the cultural significance of martial arts.
OUR OFFERINGS
EXPLORE THE RICHNESS OF AFRICAN CULTURE & MOVEMENT
Dance
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE AFRICAN ARTS
Shabaka Perkins
A native of Pittsburgh and 'born again' African, Moses "Shabaka" Perkins has been studying and teaching west African rhythms for the past 20 years. Shabaka's drums of choice are the Jembe and dununs. His dedication and genuine love of Africa and its people keep him motivated to continue studying and teaching. The Jembe has taken Shabaka to Africa on four occasions where he studied drumming in Senegal and Guinea and drum-making in Ghana under several masters.
Locally, through the years, Shabaka has performed in venues such as the Three Rivers Arts and Umoja African Arts Festivals, Kelly-Strayhorn, August Wilson Center, Pittsburgh Zoo, Drum Talk, Asalah, Heinz Museum and WDGA Benefit Festival. His accomplishments are many but, he is most proud of is the young men,women and children of Sankofa Village for the Arts, which he is Director and Co-founder, along with Abdul Glover and Darrell Baldwin.
Toddja Thornhill
Since she was seven years of age, Toddja Thornhill has been shaping the lives of children and even adults through dance. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Toddja grew up like most girls with the troubles of trying to find herself, but fortunately the troublesome journey was short as she found herself in dance. She began her dancing career at age three at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and continued ballet for two years at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater Alloy Studios. Realizing the lack of diverse dance forms Toddja’s grandmother, Dessie Bey, convinced her to learn other genres of dance. Toddja was then enrolled in HDAT (Hill Dance Academy Theatre), there in addition to ballet she was taught tap, hip-hop, contemporary, Senegalese African dance, and more. Toddja excelled in all the genres of dance and found a love for African rhythms.While continuing ballet and tap at Visionary Performing Arts Studio, she was also being taught West African Drumming by Baba Shabaka Perkins.
Darrell Baldwin
8th Degree Black Belts Goju Ryu, 8th Degree Jiu-jitsu 20 years, Practicing Aikidoist and
Tenshin Kenjujitsu.
Co-Founder of Sankofa Village of the Arts and Co-creator of Yetu Ryu Martial Arts Academy created in 2010 located at 201 North Braddock Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15208.
-
8th Degree in Goju Ryu and 8th Degree in Jiu-jitsu September 26, 2021 from Dr. Soke Grandmaster Ameen Asad, Black Belt of the 10 Degree in Goju Ryu, Black of the 10 Degree in Jiu-jitsu, and 6 Degree Black Belt in Aikido, and founder of Golden Dragon Bushido Dojo of Self Defense, System: Goju Ryu, Sumo Jiu-jitsu, Bushido, Karate-Do.
​​
Arnell (Abdul) Glover
I began my study in Martial arts in 1983 while serving in the United States Marine Corps. I have studied and learned by means of the traditional masters/disciple apprenticeship method. I have studied martial arts theory and practice along with history and philosophy of martial arts. I specialize in Tang Soo Do (Korean martial arts) Small circle
Jujitsu (close quarter combat) Chin Na (seize and control) and the use of a variety of weapons (bladed weapons) wooden weapons (long and short staff)
Thanks To Our Grantors
Grable Foundation
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
Heinz Endowments
Opportunity Fund
PACE
Pittsburgh Foundation Advancing Black Arts​​