Dance For Awareness: Meet All-Female Tizika Dance Troupe Using Dance To Transform Lives

 

Kenya has over the years enjoyed and experienced a host of dance groups.

While many have boasted of entailing male only, just a handful fronted themselves as an all-female outfits and Tizika Dance Troupe is not an exception.

KOM.co.ke has learnt Tizika Dance Troupe has set itself apart by being the only all-female dance collective which uses African and contemporary moves to tell different stories and shape the society for the better while at it.

“Tizika came together naturally—born from a shared passion for dance, storytelling, and sisterhood. We were creatives who connected through movement, and that energy grew into a vision.” Tizika Dance Troupe said during an exclusive interview with KOM.co.ke.

Kenyans have been able to indulge themselves in non-stop entertainment and transformational experiences thanks to the unmatched performances by Tizika Dance Troupe; the new kid on the block shaking up the industry at a supersonic speed.

Barely months in the industry, the seven-member troupe has managed to change the face of dance in Kenya by curving a niche for itself in the male dominated field.

The group, which is made up of Haika Makiki, Nelly Bradbury, Deborah Taprandich, Mercy Mueni, Beatrice Mwangi, Marilyn Obuyu, and Virginia Kariuki has been blending traditional and contemporary dance styles to not only entertain the masses but also to educate and inspire them.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with this publication, Tizika Dance Troupe disclosed that dance to them is more than just choreography.

According to the unique dance group, their main calling is to be a creative force that uses dance as a platform for expression, empowerment, and most importantly social impact.

In their own word, Tizika Dance Troupe came into being to create a safe space to express, heal, and grow through dance—as women and as artists.

“We wanted to create a safe space for women to express themselves fully—artistically, emotionally, and culturally. Tizika was our way of reclaiming voice and visibility through art.” The group added.

In essence, Tizika uses dance to raise awareness about a myriad of societal issues such as mental health, youth empowerment, education, and environmental consciousness.

“Through dance, we address real issues like mental health, gender inequality, and self-worth. Our performances go beyond entertainment—they spark emotion, reflection, and dialogue.” Tizika Dance Troupe disclosed.

Tizika Dance Troupe intimates that they have largely capitalised on social media to reach and connect with their audiences.

Speaking to KOM.co.ke, Tizika Dance Troupe revealed that like in any other endeavor, they too have been facing a number of challenges including being misunderstood because people don’t always see dance as a serious career.

“Among the challenges we face include not being taken seriously as female dancers in a male-dominated industry, Balancing school, work, and art, limited performance platforms, the emotional weight of storytelling through movement among others.,”

With that said, the dance group has been under pressure to prove themselves, especially as young, African dancers.

Tizika Dance Troupe added that;

“We want to shift hearts and minds—turning awareness into empathy, and empathy into action. Art has the power to educate, heal, and unite—and we’re using it to do just that.”

Tizika’s main aim is to be established as a global dance movement, open a creative hub for training and mentorship, and to perform on international stages while impacting local communities.

Asked whether they have been able to receive any support from cooperates, government bodies or the community, the group noted;

“We’ve been blessed with an individual sponsor who has supported our transport, meals, and styling at times. Community love has also carried us—though we haven’t yet received direct corporate or government backing.”

The group also shared about their rate card, should there be prospective clients.

“Our rates vary depending on the nature of the event, travel, styling, and rehearsal time. We are open to partnerships and are happy to share a full rate card upon request.” Tizika disclosed.