Dance Centre Kenya (DCK) is a dance school founded in January 2015 by families of talented dancers, with the aim of promoting and encouraging dance throughout East Africa. Today it is the largest dance school in Kenya, with over 700 students attending classes in three studios located in Nairobi, the country's capital. American professional dancer Cooper Rust is the school's artistic director.
From the very beginning, one of the main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya has been to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their socio-economic background or nationality. Classes are made up of children from wealthy Kenyan families, children of foreign embassies officials located in Nairobi or kids from slums, where living conditions are very difficult. The latter, thanks to DCK's sponsorship program in collaboration with the American charity Artists for Africa, are able to attend the dance school free of charge. Scholarships are offered by individuals, families, groups or companies.
Dance Centre Kenya is not only a training school, it also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future. Over the past five years, the most deserving students of Dance Centre Kenya have been accepted to dance training courses in South Carolina, while others have been accepted to intensive summer courses in Europe.
Girls train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Children train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Pointe shoes are seen at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Children train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 9, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A moment of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A moment of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A general view of the Kuwinda slum in Nairobi, Kenya on October 11, 2024. Thanks to Dance Centre Kenya sponsorship program in collaboration with the American charity Artists for Africa, children from slums are able to attend school and dance lessons free of charge.
Dance Centre Kenya student Bravian Mise, 14 years old (right) and his mother Rehema Mwikali, 35 years old (left) are seen at Kuwinda slum in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Dance Centre Kenya student Bravian Mise, 14 years old is seen during an english lesson inside the Karen ‘C’ school in Nairobi, Kenya on October 11, 2024. Thanks to Dance Centre Kenya sponsorship program in collaboration with the American charity Artists for Africa, children from slums are able to attend school and dance lessons free of charge.
Dance Centre Kenya student Bravian Mise, 14 years old is seen at Kuwinda slum in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Children train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Dance teacher Lavender Orisa is seen during a training session at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Dance Centre Kenya student Bravian Mise, 14 years old (third on the left) is seen with his friends during a pause at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Girls train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A moment of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A moment of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Dance Centre Kenya student Bravian Mise, 14 years old (second on the left) walks with his friends along a street of the Kuwinda slum in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Dance Centre Kenya student Bravian Mise, 14 years old watches television inside his home at the Kuwinda slum in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Dance Centre Kenya student Bravian Mise, 14 years old is seen during a training session at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Girls train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A moment of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Children train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 9, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Children train at Dance Centre Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya on October 12, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A moment of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
A moment of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.
Backstage scenes of the show “The tales of Mother Goose” organized by Dance Centre Kenya at Braeburn Gitanga Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya on October 10, 2024. The main purposes of Dance Centre Kenya is to provide international training for talented young dancers, regardless of their background or nationality. It also represents a bridge between Africa and foreign countries, giving dozens of less fortunate children the chance to dream of a better future.