707 955-5780
I am an experienced arts educator, professional theater performer, circus artist, and sports coach with forty years experience mentoring youth k-12th and families in inner urban areas. I have taught theater arts including acting, clowning, juggling, stilt walking, jazz, tap, ballet, modern and West African Drumming/Dance, also various physical activities ranging from gymnastics to basketball, football and track.
We are launching #CommunityCulturalEnlightenment.
From an educators perspective, the authentic African story, if not the entire stories of the POC community has been omitted from the education system and replaced with many things that simply are not true. Therefore, by sharing and engaging in Community building Cultural offerings, we Enlighten those who participate, thus giving them the opportunity to learn and know these great joys for themselves.
I am listed in the Arts Education Resource Directory, partnered with Sacramento START and various school districts to produce performing arts programs which enlightened all.
Lions Den Education Institute Founder, Drummer, Dancer, Choreographer
Tyehimba Kokayi-Head Lion
At 15 in Oakland, I began taking formal dance classes, and by the age of 18 began my dance career while teaching gymnastics at a dance studio in Alameda, Ca.
My formal training expanded to include Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern and Dunham, while concurrently performing with the Oakland Children’s Chorus and The Oakland Youth Chorus. I later moved to Sacramento and began studying theater under the late great Dr Thomas Michael Gates, mentored in dance with James Wheatley of Celebration Arts and Pepper Von of Step 1 Dance Academy, choreographed with the Black Repertory Dance Troupe of UC Davis and began training in West African Dance with Linda Faye Johnson, Zak and Niaomi Diouf, the late greats Alasane Kane and Abdoulia Diakite by joining “CEEDO” (Chedo) West African Drum and Dance Troupe in 1986. I learned the Djembe and mastered it while completing ten years of rigorous training and founded Lions Den Entertainment, which was incorporate in 2002. Exactly 20 years later, in 2022, I established The Lions Den Education Institute, to further educate about West African culture. I also teach ZUMBA to encourage some form of movement. I received a Neighborhood Arts Program grant in 2006, began and served as President of The West African Drum and Drum Club at CSUS, from March 2007 until March 2008, hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies, minor in Dance, a Master of Arts Degree in Education. For 2023, I am a grant recipient and relocating the Den to a new area. Now it 2024 and we have found a New Home!
WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING AND DANCE
Give yourself the enriching opportunity to learn the fun filled, playful art and skill of West African Drumming and Dance in a safe and caring environment.
The Dynamic Drum and Dance Duo, Tyehimba Kokayi and Ben Professor Slaps Isaac's passion has led them to become the ONLY local Senegalese West African Drum and Dance instructors in Sonoma County. They supported and joined up with the Mendocino County Crew as Drum and Dance teachers there and realized our counties use a lot of the same survival skills as each other.
They have since gone on to train many children and adults in a variety of skills that range from just being a casual backyard drummer, to a well skilled professional performing artist.
This is a Family Affair... so come, be a part of the family and
"Get in da Den... the Lion's Den!"
Private Lessons Or Group Classes Available On Demand!
Call now, for rates and scholarships availabile.
Come Be Part of Our Community
LDE Institute is always looking to partner with like minded groups and individuals as we move to preserve and share the rich beauty, heritage and positivity of the experiences of people of color...
We look forward to passing on the enlightenment shared by our ancestors, as we continue to contribute to building caring, healthy, inclusive communities today.
Also Jazz Dance, Tap Dance and Zumba
A PEEK INTO DA DEN
LIONS DEN EDUCATION INSTITUTE
FAMILY ADVISORS
Although LDEI is a Sole Proprietorship, I heavily rely on the support of my primary family members who share in the Headlions dream and vision of Community Cultural Enlightenment #CommunityCulturalEnlightenment by providing low cost, good clean family fun Edu-tainment classes to anyone interested in trying new and challenging things. Our attention to community building is our way of making the world a better place!
So, COME ON!!! GET IN DA DEN!!!
CORE DEN MEMBERS
Core Den Members are members who have shown unyeilding support for LDEI over the last few years we have been organizing and preparing to launch this hashtag #CommunityCulturalEnlightenment. Core Den Family Advisors assist with LDEI policy making decisions. Core Den Members also contribute heavily to the day to day operations of LDEI.
If you would like to become a contributing investor, please see our contact information at the bottom of this page.
Tyehimba Kokayi-Head Lion
Lions Den Education Institute Founder- Drummer, Dancer, Choreographer
I am an experienced arts educator, professional theater performer, circus artist, and sports coach with forty years experience mentoring youth k-12th and families in inner urban areas. I have taught theater arts including acting, clowning, juggling, stilt walking, jazz, tap, ballet, modern and West African Drumming/Dance, also various physical activities ranging from gymnastics to basketball, football and track.
We are launching #CommunityCulturalEnlightenment.
From an educators perspective, the authentic African story, if not the entire stories of the POC community has been omitted from the education system and replaced with many things that simply are not true. Therefore, by sharing and engaging in Community building Cultural offerings, we Enlighten those who participate, thus giving them the opportunity to learn and know these great joys for themselves.
I am a Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission 2006 Neighborhood Arts Grant Recipient, Listed in the Arts Education Resource Directory, partnered with Sacramento START and various school districts to produce performing arts programs which enlightened all.
Laura Cook-
I'm a "Den" member having worked as an educator and curriculum builder out of The University Of California Of Davis, with SAYS/ Sacramento Area Youth Speaks, for over a decade
Working in classrooms throughout the Sacramento area to raise literacy levels and a love of learning in our youth has been rewarding, while also allowing me to learn from our amazing youth.
Everything i lay may hands to, i lay my heart to, my central focus rests in greater healing, self awareness and self care.
I am a spoken word artist, writer, advisor & consultant who saturates myself in the arts to stay fed.
LDEI's West African Dance has been a life force which fuels, furthering my intents of living and bringing life as SHE paths her way forward.
ImmoBme az.i.B.we...
Judah Jamison
King Drummer Lion
I'm in "da Den" and a Drummer who
has been playing for almost 20 years and truly Love it! I have not played with every West African group in town yet, but I will. I also own and operate Sonoma County Cosmic Canine for dog traing and boarding
King Tafari
King Drummer Lion
I'm in "da Den" and a Drummer who got my early training in Southern California. I am now here as a local artist and Drumming instructor in downtown Santa Rosa!
Osayande Kokayi
King Lion- Drummer
I'm in "da Den" and feel honored and blessed to have this incremental piece of knowledge passed down from my parents and ancestors. It's value is indescribable. I am obligated to continue learning, and also to share these teachings with people. My goals are to use the Djembe' and Lions Den Education Institute as a platform to educate youth of "Our" Culture! I also teach Juggling, Stilt-walking, Improv and play almost every class.
Nailah Kokayi
Queen Lioness-Treasurer
I'm in "da Den" and Substitute Dance Instructor. I look forward to meeting and sharing our culture with you all! I also teach Juggling, Stilt-walking, Improv and attend almost every class. Come on down, introduce yourself to me so I can get to know you! With my Dad as Headlion, and my brother as King, "I enjoy assisting family whenever I can!"
Jailah Spratling - Princess Lioness
Assistant Dance /Tumbling Instructor
I am in "da Den" and assistant of LDEI. I help my mom, Nailah Kokayi and Baba. I help with stuff like putting away the informative texts, hanging up the LDEI banner and if my mom does not want to do stretching I do it for her; I am just a big help in class and out. I love to be around family and friends.
Amayah Spratling - Princess Lioness
Assistant Dance /Tumbling/ Stilts Instructor
I am in "da Den", an assistant of LDEI, help my mom, Nailah Kokayi and Baba. I enjoy Everything about Stilts, flying my drone and dancing!
(Look Close, that's me dancing behind my mom, Nailah! *Queen Lioness)