Tizika Dance Troupe, an all-female dance group, is making waves far beyond entertainment. Tizika, composed of seven talented women, is redefining what it means to be dancers in modern Africa. Through their powerful blend of traditional African movements and contemporary choreography, they’re not just performing – they’re advocating for change.
The seven-member troupe includes Haika Makiki, Nelly Bradbury, Deborah Taprandich, Mercy Mueni, Beatrice Mwangi, Marilyn Obuyu, and Virginia Kariuki. These women came together with a shared vision: to create a safe space where female artists could express themselves, heal, and grow through dance.
We want to turn every performance into a story and every dance into a journey.”
Their signature approach, called “Once Upon a Dance,” fuses diverse movement styles with meaningful narratives that speak to contemporary culture and shared human experiences.
What sets Tizika apart from other dance groups is their commitment to social impact. The troupe has aligned their artistic mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using dance as a powerful tool to promote:
- Health & Well-being: Through performances that address mental health awareness and wellness, Tizika brings important health messages to communities across Kenya.
- Education: The group uses storytelling through dance to educate audiences about various social issues, making learning engaging and accessible.
- Sustainability in Art: They champion environmentally conscious practices in their performances and advocate for sustainable artistic practices.
- Human Rights & Advocacy: Their choreography often tackles social justice issues, giving voice to the voiceless through movement.
- Public Health Messaging: The troupe creates performances that communicate important health information to diverse audiences.
Tizika’s performances are deeply rooted in African heritage and rhythm, but they’re not stuck in the past. The group masterfully blends traditional African dance with modern choreography, creating something entirely fresh and relevant.
Their approach to cultural storytelling goes beyond mere entertainment. Each piece serves as social commentary, using movement to make audiences think critically about contemporary issues. The technical brilliance of their performances is matched by emotional depth, creating narrative-driven experiences where each piece becomes a chapter in a shared story.
At its core, Tizika is about community. The group has created a nurturing, diverse, and expressive creative space that extends beyond their seven members. They actively engage with local communities, offering dance education and wellness programs that empower others to find their voice through movement.
The group raises awareness about mental health, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability, often leaving audiences moved and inspired. Their performances tackle real-life issues while celebrating African culture, creating a powerful combination that resonates with audiences across different demographics.
Looking to the future, Tizika’s vision extends far beyond Kenya’s borders. The group aspires to perform on global stages while maintaining their roots in African culture. Their five-year plan includes running a creative hub, mentoring youth, and telling bigger stories through dance.
The troupe offers various services including live performances, media content creation, dance influencer partnerships, tourism and cultural heritage programs, collaborative brand events, community engagement initiatives, and dance education programs.
With the dance industry where many dance groups achieve instant fame before disappearing, Tizika has a different approach. They focus on staying creative, consistent, and authentic. “We follow trends but we keep it Tizika,” they explain, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining their unique identity while staying relevant.
The group tells powerful stories aimed at celebrating culture and addressing real-life issues through every step and beat. This combination of artistic excellence and social consciousness has made them stand out in Kenya’s crowded entertainment landscape.
Tizika as an all-female group in a male-dominated industry are pioneers showing young Kenyan women that they can claim space, tell their stories and drive change through creative expression.
Their success challenges traditional notions about who can be leaders in the arts space. They also demonstrate the power of women working together to create meaningful change. This is through their not only entertaining audiences but also they’re inspiring the next generation of female artists and activists.
Tizika Dance Troupe proves that when art meets advocacy, the result can be truly transformative. As they continue to grow and evolve, they’re setting a new standard for what performance art can achieve in Kenya and beyond.
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