Intercultural Kids Classes
Come learn with us
focsARTS brings world-class intercultural programming to children in Seattle. Our professional teaching artists lead classes in dance, music, and cultural arts from traditions around the world.
Current Programs
Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Dance
Classes available for ages 3-6 and 7+ years. Learn traditional Polynesian dance forms from experienced instructors.
West African Dance & Music
Experience the rhythms and movements of West African cultural traditions through drumming and dance.
Brazilian Capoeira
A dynamic blend of martial arts, dance, and music rooted in Brazilian cultural heritage.
Toddler Breakdancing
Introduction to Hip-Hop dance designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.
Spanish Story Time & Song
Bilingual story time and music sessions for young children learning about Latino culture.
Hawaiian Ukulele
Learn to play the ukulele while exploring Hawaiian musical traditions and culture.
focsARTS Instructor Profiles
Afua Kouyate & Aboubacar “Boka” Kouyate-Griot
Afua Kouyate is one of Seattle’s treasures, renowned for building cultural pathways for youth and families in African culture. Originated from a big Griot family, “The Kouyates” of Guinea, West Africa. Husband Aboubacar is an energetic composer who plays Balafone, African traditional drums, guitar, piano, and is a professional singer.
Rayann Kalei Onzuka
Born and raised in Wai’anae, O’ahu, Kalei began dancing at six years old. She trained with the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Ensemble and is a teaching artist with Arts Corps, Seattle’s largest arts program. Kalei founded Huraiti Mana, a Polynesian dance troupe to empower students through dance.
Daniel Pak
Born and raised in Kane’ohe, Hawaii, Daniel is the lead singer, writer and composer for Seattle reggae band Kore Ionz. He is a teaching artist at local public schools with Arts Corps and co-founded non-profit music production program Totem Star.
Mestre Silvinho Dos Reis
Dedicated 23 years of his life to Capoeira Angola. He started capoeira with Mestre Rogerio in Belo Horizonte, Brazil in 1986. He has taught for social programs including youth projects teaching African Brazilian music, drums, and dance.
Tia Maria Gomez
Maria is an Interpreter for Kent School District and a Seattle Public Library Story Time Teller. She has over 20 years of experience teaching children and a love for early education. Maria is from Mexico and is a native Spanish speaker and bilingual English speaker.
Anna Banana Freeze
B-girl, Massive Monkee & Vivid Vixen. Founder of Mini BREAKS: The Original Hip-Hop Dance Class For Toddlers + Preschoolers. Anna has been breaking since 1998 and is a world-class internationally acclaimed b-girl and legendary dance teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
focsARTS intercultural kids classes are arts education programs taught by professional teaching artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Classes include West African Dance and Music, Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Dance, Brazilian Capoeira, Toddler Breakdancing, Spanish Story Time, and Hawaiian Ukulele.
Each class introduces children to a different cultural art form, helping them develop appreciation for global traditions while building physical skills, creativity, and confidence.
focsARTS classes are designed for children from toddlers through age 12. Some classes are organized by specific age ranges, such as classes for 3-6 year olds and separate sessions for children 7 years and older.
Drop-in classes are also available for families who want to try a class before committing to a full session. Contact the FOCS office for the current class schedule and age group details.
focsARTS classes are taught by world-class professional teaching artists. Instructors include specialists in West African Dance and Music, Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian Dance, Brazilian Capoeira, Toddler Breakdancing, Spanish Story Time and Song, and Hawaiian Ukulele.
All teaching artists are experienced performers and educators who bring authentic cultural knowledge to their classes while creating engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.
focsARTS classes are held in the Seattle area, with programming available at various community locations. The FOCS Columbia City office serves as a central hub for scheduling and registration.
For current class locations and times, contact the FOCS office at 3818 South Edmunds Street, Unit #103, Seattle, WA 98118.
Yes, drop-in classes are available for families who want to experience focsARTS programming without a full-session commitment. Drop-in classes let children try different cultural arts activities in a supportive, fun environment.
Contact the FOCS office for drop-in class availability, schedule, and pricing information.