ABOUT US

Keeping ~ Culture ~ Alive

Tuba Dance Theatre is one of the most traditional African performing arts company in London. Tuba means the tree of life and knowledge. It orientates around the history of West Africa, exploring its traditions and platforming talented African artists here in the UK and internationally. TDT's mission was birthed through a passion of wanting to teach, preserve and educate children, young people and their families the abundant history of African pedagogy; bringing to life on stage its rich history and culture through music, dance, and storytelling in our annual shows during Black History Month and beyond!

Since our opening in 2021, Tuba Dance Theatre has been working extremely hard to bring quality Performing Arts Theatre performances to the community in East London. We want our audiences to experience art as an entertaining, emotional and educating piece of culture.

"At Tuba Dance Theatre, we choreograph the rhythm of African history, painting vibrant cultural narratives with every step. Our stage is a canvas where inclusivity and empowerment pirouette in harmony, educating and inspiring through authentic performances."

What's on!

MEET THE TEAM

Founder & CEO & Educations Officer

MAIMUNA FAAL (B.A, P.G.C.E, Q.T.L.S)

Founder & CEO of Tuba Dance Theatre/ Artistic Director overlooking the creative programme and the performance show, /Education and outreach officer to develop and maintain relationships with influencers in schools, colleges, and universities to support students outreach efforts/Teaching African contemporary dance and vocal techniques/ performer dancer and singer. Maimuna Faal was born into an artistic family of dancers and musicians from West Africa in Senegal and The Gambia. She was born in East London, UK, which has diversified her art form in performing arts. She trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds and gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Performing Arts; specialising in Dance. She had the privilege of being taught by many great and well-known choreographers and teachers such as Namron Dance from Rambert Ballet School, who worked at London School of Contemporary Dance and The Graham Company, Sharon Watson, the Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and former Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre and Darshan Singh Bhuller, former director of Richard Alston Dance Company. This has widened her knowledge, skills and experience within the dance sector. She worked with a number of dance companies such as IRIE, DV8, Candoco, and Shobhana Jayasingh and performed her repertoire at Theatre Royal in Newcastle and The Place in London. She has appeared on national TV shows as lead singer working along side, Jane McDonald, Barbara Windsor and Louis Walsh. Maimuna has toured the UK with her band and has experience in creating music videos and has recorded music at Abby Road studios and Jet star records. She is a professional and qualified teacher who has taught Performing Arts in further education and the national curriculum in Primary schools for over 20 years. She has a great passion and a natural gift in empowering children & young people.

Artistic director, Historian and cultural Officer

OUSMANE CAMARA

Co-Founder & CEO/ Artistic Director of Tuba Dance Theatre overlooking the creative programme and the performance show / Providing management and support for professional artists/ Historian and cultural officer researching the history of West African countries relating to play and writing script for performance/ Musician co-ordinating music composition and performing. Ousmane Camara was born in Senegal and is part of a rich culture from Mali in the Bambara tribe. He has been working in the arts for 25 years managing artists from the region of Senegal with renowned artists such as Mohammad Gueye, Aida Diop, and Demba Thiouge. He came to the UK in 2010 with his group called 'Ballet Darradje' who performed at the Youth festival international Aberdeen. He is a professional Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Sorouba player, who has taught traditional rhythms to the artists in Senegal. He has choreographed an excellent repertoire using his wealth of knowledge and culture from the abundant history of West Africa.

Ousmane is also an excellent qualified Chef who has been working in the industry for over 10 years, leading and mentoring staff in top-class hotels and restaurants. He is the director of "Kai Xewlou" (Let's~Eat~Together) which is Tuba Dance Theatres food catering service specialising in Organic traditional West African foods, offering Vegan & Gluten free alternatives. He creates delicious, authentic foods from the region of Senegal & Gambia to stimulate taste buds at community events in London the around UK.

Designated Safeguarding Lead & Drama Teacher

PHOEBE RYAN-FAAL (B.A., P.G.C.E)

Phoebe from East London, who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for (DSL) for Tuba Dance Theatre, has a wealth of knowledge in the education sector and has a great reputation for providing support for young people and staff. Phoebe has been working in Further Education sector for over 5 years and is responsible for training staff for better performance. The DSL will overlook the Safety of our students who will be apart of the young peoples scholarship programme; participating in training, rehearsals, and performances with TDT. She will also be accountable for delivering Safeguarding training to our professional artists and teachers to enhance their knowledge and understanding whilst around young people. In addition, our DSL will be responsible for dealing with the organisation's risk assessments, writing policies, and staff DBS checks in order for TDT's ongoing practice. Phoebe is also a qualified drama teacher who has taught UAL level 2 & 3 performing Arts in FE settings. She has worked as a professional artist in commercials, reality TV shows on BBC and ITV, Sky short films and music videos. She has a passion to inspire, share her knowledge, dramatical skills & creative industry experience with young people.

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