TARATIBU YOUTH ASSOCIATION
Taratibu Youth Association is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by Arla Scott and Naima Hylton to provide a creative environment for young performing artists with a strong interest in African and African-American culture and history.
Taratibu Youth Association has since established itself as a professional youth performing arts company that travels worldwide showcasing dance, song, and spoken word that reflect African and African-American experiences. With a focus on performance education, we foster a holistic environment where dance is used to motivate, inspire, challenge and enrich the lives of young people so they can become responsible and successful leaders in the community.
Taratibu Youth Association is known for its rhythmically powerful and visually inspiring performances of dance accompanied by rich vocal harmonies and vivid spoken word. With eclectic and diverse musical influences, this sensational ensemble of young artists performs modern dance, ballet and hip hop, and African dance. The dance company has its strongest roots in Taratibu, which combines contemporary military drill movements with traditional African dance. Taratibu also integrates vocals, including traditional Negro spirituals, contemporary gospel and songs in Kiswahili, the national languge of several East African countries, as well as vocals in Zulu, the most widely spoken language in South Africa.
Taratibu Youth Association is a resident company of Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland. The dance company, with members between the ages of 12 and 23, performs regionally and nationally in diverse venues, ranging from schools and churches to large performing arts theatres. Taratibu Youth Association also performs internationally, recently completing tours in Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Tanzania, with its next international tour scheduled for 2013 in South Africa.