Angel Kaba

Hello, fellow New Yorkers! Are you looking to infuse your life with rhythm, energy, and a deep connection to global dance cultures? If so, then you absolutely must experience the dynamic and inspiring world of Angel Kaba. Angel Kaba isn't just a dance instructor; she's an international creative director, an award-winning choreographer, and a passionate educator who brings the vibrant spirit of Africa and Hip-Hop to our city's most renowned dance studios.

As one enthusiastic student beautifully put it, "If you love the incredible music coming out of Africa these days (encompassing Afro beats and SO much more)... And you like to move and want to learn in a welcoming, amazing community then I encourage you to give Angel's classes a try. Start with Fridays at Alvin Ailey and then you can progress from there. Any skill level, any age... Just bring an open mind!" This testimonial perfectly encapsulates the welcoming, engaging, and transformative experience that awaits you in Angel Kaba's classes. Her unique approach not only teaches steps but also fosters a genuine love for movement and a deep appreciation for cultural rhythms.

Angel Kaba has made a significant impact on the New York dance scene and beyond. Born in Belgium with Congolese and Martiniquean roots, she has perfected her training in various styles, including ballet, street jazz, and hip-hop, right here in the Big Apple. She even founded AfroDance New York (ADNY) in 2013, a platform dedicated to celebrating diversity, community, and global culture through dance. Her mission is to connect everyday people and the industry to the cultural journey of popular AfroDances, ensuring authenticity and integrity are preserved as these styles gain global popularity. Her impressive resume includes collaborations with international artists like Rihanna, Burna Boy, Kanye West, Coolio, and performances for major brands like Coca-Cola and MTV.

In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into what makes Angel Kaba's offerings such a cherished and invigorating experience for New Yorkers. We'll explore where you can find her classes, the diverse styles and services she provides, her unique teaching philosophy and career highlights, and how you can connect with her. If you're ready to embrace a dance journey that promises a great workout, cultural enrichment, and a truly welcoming community, keep reading to discover the magic of Angel Kaba.

While Angel Kaba herself operates as an individual artist and educator, her classes are predominantly held at some of New York City's most iconic and accessible dance institutions. The address provided, 2121 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA, refers to the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, specifically the Ailey Extension program, where Angel Kaba is a prominent faculty member.

The Ailey Extension, located in the Joan Weill Center for Dance on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is strategically positioned for excellent accessibility via public transportation. It is just a short walk from multiple subway lines, including the 1 train (stops at 66th Street-Lincoln Center or 72nd Street) and the A, B, C, D lines (stops at Columbus Circle). Numerous bus routes also serve the area, making it incredibly convenient for New Yorkers from all boroughs to reach the studio. The Upper West Side is a vibrant, safe, and well-trafficked neighborhood, ensuring easy and comfortable access for students attending evening or weekend classes.

In addition to Alvin Ailey, Angel Kaba also teaches at other premier dance studios in New York City, such as Steps on Broadway (located near Ailey at 2121 Broadway) and Broadway Dance Center (located in the Theater District, typically around 32nd Street and Broadway). These locations are equally accessible by multiple subway lines and buses, further expanding options for New Yorkers. The consistent presence at such high-profile, centrally located studios underscores her commitment to making quality dance education available to a wide audience across the city.

Angel Kaba offers a rich variety of dance instruction, primarily specializing in Afro'Dance and Hip-Hop. Her services are designed to be inclusive and educational, catering to a diverse student body.

• Afro'Dance Classes: This is Angel Kaba's signature technique, often referred to as "Ka'frican." It is a fusion of new generation African influences and street dance.
  • Classes heavily focus on musicality, drawing from the rhythms and musical trends of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Angola, and other African nations.
  • They incorporate urban street styles as a backdrop to the African-based technique.
  • The classes emphasize groundedness, rhythm, musicality, and body control.
  • They cultivate a cultural, social, and free-spirited environment where students can dance, learn, have fun, and feel free.
  • Available at various levels, including "Beginner Afro'Dance" and "All Levels Afro'Dance," making them accessible to a wide range of experience.
• Hip-Hop Classes: Angel Kaba also teaches Hip-Hop, focusing on its social dance aspect.
  • Classes explore rhythms, foundation, culture, and choreography.
  • They typically include warm-ups, exercises, and drills that focus on groove, musicality, and freestyle.
  • Cultural history of Hip-Hop is sometimes incorporated.
  • Suitable for beginners, dance enthusiasts, and even professionals looking to vibe and enjoy a fun class.
• Online and In-Studio Classes: Angel Kaba offers both in-studio (e.g., at Alvin Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center) and online class options, providing flexibility for students based on their preference and location.
• Workshops and Intensives: Beyond regular weekly classes, Angel Kaba frequently leads special workshops and intensives, often focusing on specific choreographies, performance skills, or deeper dives into particular styles.
• Community Platform (AfroDance New York): Angel Kaba founded AfroDance New York (ADNY) in 2013, which serves as a platform to celebrate diversity, community, and global culture. It connects the cultural journey of AfroDances to everyday people and the industry.
• Private Coaching & Mentorship: While not explicitly listed for direct booking, Angel Kaba's extensive experience and collaborations with high-profile artists suggest potential for private coaching, mentorship, or choreographic services for individuals or groups. Her professional profile indicates she empowers people to reach their personal goals with confidence.

Angel Kaba's classes and contributions to the dance world offer several distinct features and highlights that make her a truly exceptional resource for New York dancers.

• Expertise in African and Urban Dance Fusion: Angel Kaba's signature "Ka'frican" technique is a groundbreaking fusion of contemporary African influences and street dance. This unique blend offers students an authentic and dynamic exploration of rhythms and movements from various African countries (Congo, Ivory Coast, Angola) combined with the urban flair of Hip-Hop.
• Exceptional Teaching Pedagogy: Students consistently praise Angel for her ability to teach effectively across all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers. Her approach fosters an "amazing community" and encourages an "open mind," making the learning process welcoming, fun, and empowering. She guides students to be "aware of controlling certain parts of their bodies" and emphasizes musicality and rhythm.
• Culturally Rich and Authentic Experience: Angel is deeply passionate about preserving and sharing the cultural integrity of African dance. She connects movements to their "original names" and "proper ways of doing certain steps," ensuring students receive an authentic and respectful understanding of the dance forms. This cultural depth enriches the physical experience.
• Inspiring and Empowering Instructor: As noted in a review, Angel "empowers YOU" and transforms people into "the best version of themselves." Her teaching is described as "very supportive" and "easy to understand," helping individuals "reach their personal goals with confidence." This focus on personal growth and self-expression sets her apart.
• Prime New York City Locations: By teaching at prestigious institutions like Alvin Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center, Angel Kaba makes her high-quality instruction accessible to a broad audience in Manhattan. These studios are world-renowned and offer excellent facilities.
• Diverse Musicality: Classes are set to "incredible music coming out of Africa," including Afro beats and other contemporary African pop, ensuring a vibrant and motivating atmosphere that makes moving feel natural and joyful.
• Community Building: Angel is recognized for fostering a genuine sense of community. AfroDance New York, her platform, is explicitly designed to "celebrate diversity, communities, and global culture," bringing people together through shared passion for dance.
• Professional Acclaim and Experience: Angel Kaba is an international creative and artistic director, an award-winning choreographer, and has worked with global superstars like Rihanna and Kanye West. She is also noted as the first African/Caribbean woman to direct and choreograph an Off-Broadway show, "Breakin'NYC," which celebrates Hip-Hop and Street dances. This vast professional background enriches her teaching and inspires her students.

For those in the New York region eager to join Angel Kaba's inspiring dance classes or learn more about her offerings, here is the direct contact information related to her primary teaching location and contact details:

Address: 2121 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA (This is the address for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater / Ailey Extension, where Angel Kaba regularly teaches.)

Phone: (212) 874-2410 (This is the general phone number for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater / Ailey Extension. You can inquire about Angel Kaba's class schedule through this number or check their website.)

Mobile Phone: +1 212-874-2410 (This appears to be the same general contact number. For direct inquiries related to Angel Kaba specifically, it is often best to check the Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway, or Broadway Dance Center websites for her current class schedule and booking information, or seek out her personal website or social media for direct contact.)

To get the most up-to-date schedule and registration information for Angel Kaba's classes, it is highly recommended to visit the official websites of Alvin Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center, as her teaching schedule can vary. You can typically find her listed under their faculty or class schedules for Afro'Dance and Hip-Hop.

For New Yorkers, Angel Kaba's dance classes offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage with vibrant global cultures and discover a joyful path to fitness and self-expression. Her suitability for locals stems from a potent combination of accessibility, expert instruction, and a truly inclusive community ethos.

Firstly, the strategic placement of her classes within world-renowned institutions like the Alvin Ailey Extension, located at 2121 Broadway on the Upper West Side, ensures exceptional accessibility. New Yorkers rely on efficient public transportation, and these studios are perfectly positioned near multiple subway and bus lines, making it easy for residents from all boroughs to attend. This convenience means that even the busiest urban dweller can seamlessly integrate high-quality dance training into their routine.

Secondly, and most importantly, Angel Kaba herself is a powerhouse of knowledge and inspiration. The glowing review emphasizes her as an "amazing community" builder and a facilitator for those who "love the incredible music coming out of Africa." Her unique Afro'Dance technique, "Ka'frican," beautifully blends African and Hip-Hop styles, offering a refreshing and authentic dance experience. For New Yorkers looking to explore diverse dance forms, Angel provides not just steps but also a deep understanding of the cultural and musical roots of these movements. Her ability to teach "any skill level, any age" with an open and welcoming approach ensures that everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned dancers, feels supported and empowered to grow.

Moreover, Angel Kaba fosters a genuinely welcoming and non-judgmental environment. This is crucial for New Yorkers seeking not just a workout, but a space for creative expression and community connection. Her classes are a place to "move and sweat," but also to learn, connect with "respectful, fun partners," and "just have a great time." Her professional background, working with global artists and major brands, adds an exciting dimension to her teaching, bringing real-world experience and inspiring anecdotes to the studio.

In conclusion, Angel Kaba's classes are more than just dance lessons; they are an immersive cultural experience and a gateway to a supportive and vibrant community. For any New Yorker eager to embrace the rhythms of Africa, express themselves through movement, and connect with a passionate instructor, Angel Kaba offers an outstanding and highly recommended pathway to dance joy and personal growth right here in the heart of our city.

Angel Kaba

2121 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA