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.

 
Sabine Desir, was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. Sabine is really dedicated to bring her passion and energy for preserving, promoting and demystifying the rich cultural heritage of Haiti. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago and holds a BS in health Info Management. Her journey through dance started at the Wilmette Park District where she studied hip hop, swing and salsa. She joined Tamboula in 2003 for CARIFETE, the Chicago Caribbean Festival. She is fascinated by the company’s work and value the drumming, body, movements, and the choreography repertoire.

Sadira Muhammad, is an avid body movement and ethnic music enthusiast, she classifies herself as, “not so much a technically trained dancer, but a natural.” Also a Chicago native, she has been with Tamboula since its founding. Sadira’s professional training includes ballet, modern, jazz, African and Caribbean as well as theatrical movement. While attending the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign she was lead choreographer, dancer, production manager, and head of OmniMov, an African-American Community based dance troop. Sadira also studied and performed with the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts/Dance Department. After graduation, she returned to Chicago and earned several scholarships from Joseph Holmes School of Dance and the position of apprentice with the Najwa Dance Corp. “The rhythm of dance and music just flows through my soul with so much vibrancy yet so peacefully… it will always be my breath.”

 
Rene Jean-Guy: is a master drummer from Haiti. He has traveled to Martinique, Jamaica, Guadalupe and Spain, drumming with various dance troupes in Port-au-Prince. Mr. Jean-Guy has recently made of Chicago his home, where he is teaching Haitian drumming and performing with many dance companies.

Mahal Laude: is currently completing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, at National-Louis University and operates her own home-school childcare. She is also the Art and Dance Director for the Center of Immigrant Ressources and Community Arts (CIRCA). Art and creativity are what keeps Mahal alive. She is honored to be working with such a group of immensely talented individuals. “It humbles me to have the opportunity to connect myself and my children to the beauty and richness of our culture”.

 
Mardochee Jean-Charles: is one of the founders and sound director of TEDCO. Since its inception, Mardochee has been at the forefront of this organization’s activities and a major reason for its success. Mardochee is also an activist in the Haitian Communty who is involved in several Haitian based organization and Haitian radio stations in Chicago.                                                                   


Leslie Woods, began her dancing adventure studying Dunham, Graham, and ballet techniques.  After dancing with Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre Company as a principal dancer for 5 years she put her career on hold to start a family.  Leslie's continuous desire for creative expression lead her to study Caribbean and African dance with West Indian Folk Dance Company and Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company where she now plans to cultivate the art of dance.  "My dance experience has been and will continue to be a door to the diverse cultures of the world".


Jude Laude, is a Chicago native of Haitian descent.  Born to immigrant parents, Jude traveled to meet their homeland before his first birthday. He is a founding member and president of Tamboula. Jude embarked on a three year journey throughout the South Pacific, Australia, South East Asia, India and West Africa. Jude holds a Bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a Masters degree in Public administration from Governor State University. He is currently the student services coordinator at the Chicago State University Upward Bound program.  Jude resides in Hazel Crest, IL with his wife Kimberly Mahal and their three children.