About Umdabu

The Umdabu Dance Company is a Birmingham, Alabama based dance theater dedicated to the preservation and presentation of traditional and Contemporary South African history and culture; particularly that of the Zulu people. The Umdabu Dance Company was incorporated in 2000 under the artistic direction of veteran South African dancers, choreographer, and drummer Johannes “Jomo” Xulu.

The Umdabu Dance Company made its debut performance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in January 2001. Since then, the touring company has performed at more than sixty (60) colleges, universities, and festivals throughout the United States, as well as local presentations and more than thirty(30) schools and community arts residencies. In 2002, the Birmingham International Festival contracted with Umdabu to provide teacher workshops and to be the featured group for the Birmingham International Festival’s week long artist residency program that reached 15 area schools during its Salute to South Africa. The Umdabu Dance Company has demonstrated its ability, commitment and passion for working with undeserved young people who would not normally be exposed to arts experiences, particularly South Africa dance, history, and culture.

Umdabu Offers...

The Umdabu Dance Company offers a 90 minute presentation and a 45 min lecture and demonstration for colleges, universities, and performing art centers.
Umdabu offers a 45 minute presentation for festivals and outdoor events for colleges and universities. The company also offers a lecture and demonstration for elementary, middle, and high schools. Umdabu also, offers workshops and dance classes for intermediate and advance students.

Depending on what show is touring, Umdabu may portray traditional South African culture or a mixture of both traditional and contemporary South African culture in its presentation.