Ko~Thi Dance Company :: Ton Ko-Thi

Ton Ko-Thi Brief History
Ton Ko-Thi Children's Performing Ensemble, translated as "Little Ko-Thi", is the vanguard of Ko-Thi Dance Company's education outreach. It identifies, nurtures and develops young artistic talent as they explore African based dance and music idioms. The group ranges from membership of 30-50 children, ages 6-18 years old. Directors of the children's group: Angela Jones (Artistic Director) and Tarence Spencer (Musical Director) are seasoned members of the adult company.

Intensive classes and rehearsals are held with these talented children throughout the year. An annual fee of only $160 is required of parents. Each child is given a scholarship for the balance of the remaining annual cost of $2,300/child. Funds for this amount are constantly being raised through the company's education outreach program. Ko-Thi Dance Company continues to commit considerable operating revenue for this program.

Members of Ton Ko-Thi are chosen by yearly auditions and/or selected directly from
studio classes.

This vibrant children's performing ensemble participates in rehearsals on Saturdays and Wednesday evenings. The ensemble performs with the adult wing in all 'home season' productions (3-4 concerts annually) as well as local performances. Performing requests continue to escalate.

Ton Ko-Thi Youth Ensemble is available for performances after school hours and during the weekend. The youth ensemble offers performances up to 30 minutes in length and is comprised of approx. 20 participants.

MISSION:
• Development of talented children
• Exposure to the traditional African performing arts
• Increased school involvement and better grades
• Development of life long social skills
• Nurturing of 'new' audiences
• Nurturing of 'new' supporters