AfroContIgbo Dance & Wellness Company Presents
Origins to Ovation
Friday, November 20, 2026
Doors 5:30PM | Show 6PM
Standing | All Ages
about this show
Presented by AfroContIgbo, Origins to Ovation brings together six choreographers exploring their cultural roots through traditional and contemporary African and diasporic dance. Experience an evening of storytelling, cultural expression, and powerful movement celebrating heritage, identity, and creativity.
Abrecia Haillasellise
Abrecia Haillasellise trained in Dance Theater at the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts at Illinois State University. During her professional dance career she served as a company member for Nunafatima, Jukeboxx Mas Band and as principal dancer for the West Indian Dance Theater Company. Upon relocating to Minnesota, Abrecia joined the illustrious Afrocontigbo, South Asian Arts Theater House, and Titambe Dance Ensemble.
Elsie Nsoh
Elsie Nsoh is a dancer and artistic creator from Togo. Elsie's passion for and commitment to dance started at a very young age where she would entertain her family, friends and community through her movements. Elsie continued her dance career throughout every stage of her life, from praise dance at her church, to musical theater and dance in high school, to dance organizations in College, and more recently, Afrocontigbo Dance Therapy. Elsie is the founder of Moves of Glory Dance Ministry, which focuses on teaching kids and young adults Praise Dance.
“Dance for me is not just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. I am privileged, blessed and grateful to constantly have the opportunity to continue my creative career and challenge myself to teach and learn different styles of dance. As my favorite quote goes: Dance reveals what music conceals. I make it a priority to live as an example as I strive to encourage everyone to explore their creative side, whether it is dance, music, arts etc.” - Elsie Y. Nsoh
Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer
Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer is a Nigerian-born dance educator, artist, and cultural leader based in Minnesota. As Founder and CEO of Afrocontigbo Dance & Wellness Company, she blends traditional Igbo movement with contemporary African styles to promote cultural pride, wellness, and community connection. Since founding Afrocontigbo in 2014, she has taught and many through community classes, school residencies, workshops, and youth programs.
Her collaborations include African Global Roots, Titambe West African Dance Ensemble, the Somali Museum, and schools and arts organizations across Minnesota. Her work has been presented at the Minnesota State Fair, Ordway Family Festival, Minnesota Fringe Festival, and Minnesota Timberwolves African Night. Through Afrocontigbo, Korma reaches more than 1,000 community members annually and provides opportunities for over 30 artists. Her signature Émume residency combines dance training, cultural storytelling, and performance, creating meaningful pathways for participants to learn, create, and celebrate African heritage.
Patricia “Tricia” Davies
Patricia “Tricia” Davies is a passionate, versatile dancer, choreographer, and instructor with more than eight years of experience. Her movement background spans Afro, Afro-fusion, Hip Hop, Heels, Twerk, Contemporary, Jazz, Kick, and Dancehall. She shares her passion for movement through classes, performances, and creative collaborations.
Peace Madimutsa
Peace Madimutsa is a Zimbabwean creator and artist who currently resides in Minnesota. He specializes in dances relating and extending from continental and diasporic Africa. Peace began his dance journey as a choreographer at Macalester College. He learnt from community leaders such as Patricia Brown, Ololade Gbadamosi and found a pathway to Minnesota stages after being featured in Maia Maiden’s Rooted Choreographers Evening. Peace then went on to become a co-founder and director of Atlantis Universe Dance Company, as well as curator of SEGMENTS MN dance platform. He is known for his dynamic and expressive approach to teaching, creation, and performance realms. He participates in various statewide and international collaborations. Peace’s goal is to create work that inspires beyond space and time.
Prince Warapisseme Mouta
Wara is a self-taught dancer and artistic creator from Togo. His passion for dance began at a young age. Wara has explored many styles over the years, developing a unique ability to adapt and perform across genres. Wara has danced through every stage of life. His journey has taken him to incredible places, including sharing the stage with renowned artists like Toofan and others and featuring in music videos. Now, as part of Afrocontigbo, Wara continues to grow as an artist, performer, and instructor, using dance as a tool for healing, expression, and connection. Wara believes in the power of creativity and encourages everyone to tap into their own, whether through dance, music, art, or any form of self-expression.