Muisi-kongo Malonga
Traditional Kongolese Dance; Kongolese Song
About the Artist
Muisi-kongo Malonga is a dancer, culture bearer, and Artistic Director of Fua Dia Kongo, dedicated to preserving the music, dance, and cultural practices of descendants of the Kongo Kingdom. Her work continues the cultural preservation efforts started by her parents, Malonga Casquelourd and Dr. Faye McNair-Knox, in 1977. With over 30 years of experience, Muisi-kongo is one of the foremost keepers of Kongolese dance traditions in the U.S. As a principal dancer, choreographer, and educator, she fosters multigenerational learning and cultural exchange through her arts practice, which emphasizes healing and social justice. She has received numerous honors, including the 2022 Dance/USA Fellowship, and has served as a Guest Lecturer in Stanford University’s Theater and Performance Studies Department. A resident instructor at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts for nearly 20 years, Muisi-kongo teaches weekly classes in traditional Kongolese dance, fostering community and healing through the arts.
Pronouns
she/her/hers
Expertise
Traditional Kongolese Dance; Kongolese Song
Offerings
Artistic consulting, Classes, Group instruction, Lectures / Lecture-demonstrations, Performances, Private instruction, Workshops
Program Participant
Apprenticeship Recipient, Living Cultures Grant Recipient, Traditional Arts Development Recipient
Offerings Location
In-person services, Online/remote services
City
East Palo Alto
Phone
+16508148213