School Based Services:
Culturally rich arts education for K–12 students — standards-aligned, trauma-informed, and community-centered.
Increase student attendance, engagement, and SEL through dance, drumming, theater, and storytelling.
LAUSD CAP Champion & Preferred Vendor.
Since 1998, African Soul International has partnered with schools to deliver standards-aligned cultural arts programming that strengthens literacy, math, and social-emotional learning.
Our trauma-informed, culturally relevant instruction uses West African dance, drumming, theater, and story to engage students and deepen classroom learning.
Standards-aligned: VAPA, ELA literacy, and SEL
Options: assemblies, workshops, residencies, and theater productions
Flexible formats: single-day, multi-session, or year-long residencies
School partners: LAUSD preferred vendor; schools, districts, and after-school programs
Empower Students Through Cultural Arts
Our school-based programs are designed to inspire, engage, and educate students through West African dance, drumming, storytelling, and hands-on cultural experiences.
Each program is flexible, standards-aligned, and crafted to enhance social-emotional learning, teamwork, and cultural pride. Choose the program that best fits your school’s needs and watch your students thrive.
Introduction to
West African Dance
Perfect for schools introducing students to African culture for the first time.
Grade: All grades
Duration: 45–60 minutes
A lively introduction to West African movement and cultural context. Students learn basic steps, rhythms, and the history behind the dances in an engaging, hands-on session.
Drum and Dance
Assembly
Ideal for school-wide events, assemblies, and celebrations.
Grade: All grades
Duration: 45–60 minutes
High-energy assembly with live drummers and dancers. Featuring interactive call-and-response rhythm, storytelling, and audience participation. Great as a schoolwide kickoff or celebration.
Dance and Storytelling
Designed for elementary students exploring literacy through arts.
Grade: Elementary
Duration: 1 hour
Folktales and stories are dramatized through dance and narration, improving literacy comprehension and cultural understanding while keeping students actively involved.
Cultural Immersion
Day
Perfect for middle and high schools seeking immersive cultural experiences.
Grade: Middle & High school Duration: Full school day
A deep dive into West African traditions with workshops, instrument demos, cultural lectures, and performance opportunities. Ideal for heritage celebrations and elective enrichment days.
Masterclass Series
Ideal for high school students with a strong interest in dance and performance.
Grade: High school
Duration: 2–3 hours per session
Advanced technique and choreography sessions for serious students. Includes cultural context, performance practice, and choreography development. Perfect for dance teams and magnet programs.
Dance Troupe Collaboration
Best for students looking for mentorship and performance opportunities.
Grade: All grades
Duration: Multi-session leading to final performance
Students rehearse alongside ASI professionals and perform in a final showcase. Combines rigorous training with mentorship and stage experience.
Interactive Dance Workshops
Suitable for any grade level or classroom setting seeking participatory learning.
Grade: All grades
Duration: 1–2 hours
Hands-on workshops where every student learns steps, rhythm patterns, and cultural context. Designed to be accessible and adaptable for any classroom setting.
End-of-Year
Showcase
Designed for program participants ready to showcase their learning.
Grade: Program participants Duration: 2–3 hours
A culminating event where student groups present their work for families and the school. Includes program narration, costumes, and community celebration.
Traditional Costumes
and Crafts
Ideal for students interested in hands-on cultural art projects.
Grade: Elementary & Middle Duration: 1–2 hours
Explore traditional mask-making, textiles, and instrument crafts. Students learn the symbolism and craftsmanship behind cultural artifacts.
Rhythm & Movement Workshop
Perfect for integrating music, math, and movement in any classroom.
Grade: All grades
Duration: 1 hour
Focus on rhythm, pattern, and musical math through drumming exercises that connect music to counting, fractions, and collaborative performance.
Signature Year-Long Residency
(Full or Part-Time Options)
An immersive, schoolwide program that increases student attendance, engagement, Social Emotional Learning, VAPA and CAP student outcomes.
Weekly in-school dance, drum & storytelling (1, 2, or 5 days/week)
100 tickets to our Wilshire Ebell Theater production
Quarterly school performances featuring your students
Affirmation Drum Workshop (students keep their drums)
Student Literacy Journals with culturally rooted writing prompts
Custom Program T-Shirts for enrolled students
Seasonal Cultural Package
Perfect for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage,
Women’s History, AAPI Heritage or themed enrichment
10 Drum or Dance Classes Plus Student T-shirts
Two (2) Schoolwide Assemblies with your students and our team
100 Student Tickets to our live cultural performance
Build Your Own Experience
Assemblies
Single or multi-assembly days — turnkey schoolwide performances.
Workshops
Classroom-based, hands-on sessions for dance, drums, or arts & crafts.
Residencies
Multi-week to year-long, curriculum-integrated programs.
Literacy Integration
Dramatic reinterpretation of folktales to boost reading comprehension and writing.
Heritage Celebrations
Custom programming for heritage months and school events.
All programs are designed to meet state standards and can be aligned to district goals (VAPA, ELA, SEL).
Meet Our Master Instructors
Magatte Fall
4X-Grammy Award winning musician
Lead performer on Black Panther 1 & 2
Coming to America 2
Tours with Angelique Kidjo and African Soul International
Tiny Desk Concert with Angelique Kidjo
Master Musician (Senegal)
Dr. Adama “Jewel” Jackson
Ed.D in Education - 2018
California State Polytechnic University
Studied West African Dance and Culture since 1990
Member of the Mandinka Music Society of The Gambia, West Africa
Founder/Director of African Soul International
Solo Soro
Drummer on Black Panther 1 & 2
Soundtracks Performed with Stevie Wonder
Instructor at UCLA
Master Senefu artist that plays Djembe, Djun Djun and Balaphone
Master Drummer (Ivory Coast)
Our Impact & Performances
African Soul International has performed and taught at schools, universities, and venues nationwide — bringing professional cultural arts to communities since 1998.
TESTIMONIALS
School
Jefferson
Principal, Preparatory Academy (LAUSD)
“ASI completely transformed our school event. Our students were fully engaged from start to finish, and the cultural learning experience was powerful and lasting.”
Linda
Arts Coordinator, Westview Learning Center
“Our attendance and student participation improved noticeably during the residency. The instructors were professional, inspiring, and connected deeply with our youth.”
Samantha
Assistant Principal, Horizon Charter School
“This was one of the most meaningful programs we’ve hosted. Students gained confidence, cultural awareness, and a true sense of community through the arts.”
Want Programs Like These at Your School?
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