Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation’s Youth Ensemble

Based in the heart of Brooklyn, Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation has been creating powerful connections through African dance, music, and storytelling for over two decades. Their work brings generations together, uplifts youth, and keeps cultural traditions thriving in fresh and meaningful ways. In the interview below, they share insights into their journey, recent milestones, and the passion that fuels their mission. Read on to learn more about their impact and what’s ahead.

Where are you based?
We are based in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn at 506 Macdonough Street Brooklyn, NY 11233. Due to the overwhelming popularity of our programs, we expanded into a new, state-of-the-art community arts space late last year. The new location features three dance studios, a music room, community lounge, and office space, giving our instructors the room they need to meet demand and teach a wide range of styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, Caribbean folklore, drum styles, Djembe, Afro-Cuban, buckets, and several African dance styles.

What inspired the creation of Asase Yaa?
Asase Yaa was founded by Yao Ababio to preserve African artistic traditions and empower youth through the arts. Inspired by his upbringing in African Cultural Arts and Brooklyn community, it fosters pride, discipline, and cultural connection, offering dance, music, and storytelling as tools for growth and unity.

Why is it important to have such a cultural dance company available to kids but also all ages in the community?
A cultural dance company like Asase Yaa is vital because it keeps the spirit of African traditions alive, teaching kids and adults the rhythms, stories, and values of our ancestors. For youth, it builds pride, discipline, and identity rooted in who we are. For elders, it’s a way to honor legacy and pass it on. It brings generations together in community, celebrating our culture, healing our wounds, and reminding us that we stand on the shoulders of those before us. It’s more than dance, it’s how we keep our history, spirit, and unity alive.

Congrats on performing at The Met’s reopening of the Rockefeller Wing! Can you tell us a little bit about the experience?
Performing at The Met’s new African wing reopening deeply connected Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble to their roots. Honoring Africa’s art and legacy on such a historic stage reflected their mission to celebrate ancestral heritage, foster a strong sense of identity, and showcase the beauty and power of African culture on a global stage.

Can you tell us about the performance you presented at the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony?
At the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, the Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble presented a 10–12 minute excerpt from “An Ode to Ballet Djoliba.” This piece honors Guinea’s national ballet, founded by Harry Belafonte and President Sékou Touré, and highlights the rich history of Guinean dance. The performance served as a vibrant tribute that beautifully echoed the exhibition’s celebration of African arts and culture.

How did you choose or choreograph the pieces for this particular event? Were they inspired by the new galleries?
We chose and choreographed “An Ode to Ballet Djoliba” because it reflects a revolutionary and inspiring period in African culture. These dances and companies emerged as Africa gained its independence, symbolizing pride and identity. Similarly, The Met is now revolutionizing how African art is seen, bringing its beauty and history to a broader audience at an unprecedented level. Our piece felt like the perfect way to honor both moments of cultural transformation.

How does Asase Yaa’s mission align with the themes and cultural legacies presented in The Met’s newly reimagined galleries?
Asase Yaa’s mission powerfully aligns with The Met’s reimagined galleries by demonstrating that Africa’s cultural heritage is not just history, but a vibrant, living tradition that continues to thrive. Through our youth programs, school outreach, professional dance company, and community classes, we carry forward the rhythms, stories, and artistry celebrated in the galleries. While The Met honors Africa’s history and creativity through its collections, Asase Yaa brings those traditions to life; teaching, performing, and inspiring new generations to take pride in their heritage and see themselves reflected in the richness of African culture. Together, we both aim to educate, preserve, and celebrate Africa’s enduring impact on the world.

What message are you hoping to send by opening the day with spiritual energy and traditional West African dance?
It was important for us to represent African culture authentically, reminding audiences that these stories, rhythms, and movements are not relics of the past, but living expressions of identity, pride, and resilience that continue to inspire and unite communities around the world.

What’s next for the youth ensemble after this performance? Are there other major projects or performances planned this year?
What’s next for the Youth Ensemble is just as exciting as this milestone performance. Recently, some of our members performed and taught at Art Saves Lives in St. Maarten, a major achievement that reflects their growth as artists and cultural ambassadors. This year, we’re also celebrating Asase Yaa’s 25thanniversary, which makes every moment even more meaningful. On top of that, most of our Youth Ensemble members are entering their senior year of high school, so we’ve launched a year-long campaign to raise $50,000 – the most we’ve ever aimed for – in scholarships to support their next chapter. It’s a transformative year for them, and we’re proud to help them shine on and off the stage.

We love that your school offers scholarships to students. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
We started our scholarship program in 2021 during the pandemic, after seeing a few of our students excel in school despite having limited support. We wanted them to know their hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. In 2022, community partners joined us and began matching our scholarships, helping us expand the program. Since then, we’ve continued to grow, adding more partners and reaching more students each year. Next year, we plan to award 8–10 scholarships, our largest number yet, as part of our commitment to uplifting and investing in our youth both artistically and academically.

Why is dance so important in the world right now?
Dance is more important than ever right now because it’s a universal language of healing, expression, and connection. In a world facing so much division, stress, and uncertainty, dance brings people together, reminding us of our shared humanity.

How can people support the work that Asase Yaa is doing in Brooklyn and beyond?
There are so many ways people can help us carry this work forward. Donating is one of the most direct ways. Right now, we’re running a campaign to raise $50,000 in scholarships for our graduating Youth Ensemble, the most we’ve ever aimed for. That support helps our students continue their education and their journey as artists and leaders. People can also partner with us – whether you’re a school, business, or community group – to bring our programs, residencies, or performances to new audiences. We also welcome volunteers to help at events or behind the scenes. And of course, spreading the word is powerful; come to our performances, follow us, share what we do with your networks. Every action helps us preserve African culture, empower young people, and keep our traditions alive for the next generation.

It has been a crazy past few years, and we suspect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
We’ve stayed positive by keeping our focus on community, always putting the children at the forefront. The very year we started Asase Yaa, we witnessed the devastation of 9/11, and we saw firsthand how the arts became such an important part of the healing process. That lesson has stayed with us—through every challenge, we remember that what we do uplifts people, brings them together, and gives them hope. That keeps us going.

What is your motto in life?
“Honor the past, live with purpose, and inspire the future.” That motto reflects how we strive to carry forward the wisdom and beauty of our ancestors, stay grounded in service and community today, and create opportunities that light the way for the next generation.

To learn more about Asae Yaa, please check out the links below:
https://www.asaseyaaent.org
Social Media Channels: Instagram, Facebook , YouTube, and Twitter/X.

Rooted in Rhythm: How Asase Yaa is Preserving African Arts in Brooklyn