DANCERS
Tiffany Mondy, Chicago native, she has been dancing with the company since its founding. She has a passion for African and African based dances. For two years, she enjoined being a member of the workshop component of Muntu Dance Theatre. She was also a member of the West Indian Folk Dance Company under the direction of Alfred Baker, for three years. She is also studying with Moustapha Bangoura of Le Bagatae Dance Drum.
Nickisha Cox began dancing in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY under the training of Carol Lonnie and the Charles Moore Dance Theater. She continued her studies and training with Ballet Hispanico, The Martha Graham School and the John Dewey Dance Ensemble. In 2007 Nickisha received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Modern Dance from Philadelphia's University of the Arts. Upon relocating to Chicago she felt the need as a first generation American of Caribbean parentage to pursue learning folk and traditional Caribbean dance. She is currently enjoying her first season with Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company.
Kahphira Palmer, since the age of two, has participated in numerous dance programs and companiesas a teacher, choreographer and performer. Kahphira’s studies include: classical/modern ballet, jazz, tap, Caribbean folk dance, limbo, bamboo dance, reggae, mambo, salsa, meringue, tango, polka waltz, tap, Afro Haitian, West and South African dance. Ms. Palmer has studied and performed with Pocomania Dance Company under Horace Brown, Najwa Dance Corp under Albert Williams and Andrea Vinson, Minianka Dance Company under Nahgeree Sutton, the West Indian Folk Dance Company under Alfred Baker and Tamboula Ethnic Dance Corp under Daniel Desir. She has also performed with the bands Rafo International Combo, Tchaka, and Mantwiela. Ms. Palmer has taught dance at several Chicago Park Districts, public and private schools. She has choreographed and taught dance while a student at NIU. She has created a multicultural dance video and curriculum of West African and Caribbean dance with the assistance of Dr. Danielle Jay. Her other talents include costume design, jewelry making, and playwright.
Désir Yvalaine, (Port-au-Prince, Haiti) she has been dancing since the age of 5 years old under the direction of her mom Adelène Michel and her dad Daniel Désir. Trained in numerous dance techniques, Yvalaine is an avid dancer, a vast reservoir of expressions.
Chelot Pierre, has trained in various dance techniques including Haitian folklore, modern, African and Caribbean dance beginning in his homeland Haiti. At home he began his training with the Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti Youth Ensemble. He has traveled and performed throughout North America several times. Chelot has been dancing and teaching dance for over a decade. In April of 2006 he has permanently relocated to Chicago, Illinois and since became an active member of Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company a local dance troupe dedicated to preserving Haitian culture through dance.
Dimanche Géraud, is a Haitian master drummer with over 20 years of experience.
