Rites of Passage: Sisters in Sisterhood (SIS) & I Am My Brother (IAMB), are free programs that lead youth through multi-year processes of learning African concepts and philosophical principles of development from pre-adolescence to early adulthood.
Major components include African-centered cultural identity awareness, leadership, career exploration and development, community service, health and wellbeing, global citizenry and activism.
Awakening (Age 6-9)
This first stage is designed to excite, encourage, engage, and celebrate sisters & brothers of African descent. The sessions nurture affirmative self-love through creative exploration of African Diaspora Cultural development.
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Pre - Teen (Age 10 - 12)
The evolution stage is designed to assist the youth in the first stage of transition into adolescence. Positive role models and coaches are a major source of support, as each child is guided to reach inner clarity and develop positive self-awareness.
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Transition (Age 13-15)
At this stage young brothers & sisters transition through adolescence. They learn valuable leadership skills and perspectives on how to become contributors that shape community, locally and globally. Current workshop tracks include podcasting, career and college counseling and financial literacy.
Fridays, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Teen (Age 16-18)
The final phase is designed to assist teens as they transition into early adulthood. Workshop lessons are designed to develop skills necessary to transcend the negative pitfalls that can derail future successes. Workshops include more advanced podcasting topics, college prep, career counseling and financial literacy.
Fridays, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
What Parents Say
Learn about Participants' experience.
Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us in making a difference! We have various volunteer roles that help support our mission. Whether you’re enthusiastic about arts education, community events, or behind-the-scenes activities, there’s a place for you here. Ready to take the next step? Check out our open positions below!
Arts Programs
Art Instructor
Local Studio
As an Art Instructor, you will inspire young minds and share your passion for creativity. Help us cultivate an appreciation for the arts while working in a supportive environment. Apply if you’re ready to spread artistic joy!
Community Facilitator
Community Center
Help bridge cultures and strengthen community ties as a Community Facilitator. Engage with diverse groups and facilitate meaningful conversations through various activities designed to promote inclusivity. Your efforts will make a real impact!
Event Volunteer
Various Locations
As an Event Volunteer, you’ll be the heartbeat of our fun, engaging activities. Whether it’s helping set up, welcoming guests, or ensuring everything runs smoothly, your contribution is essential for our events to thrive!
Community Outreach
Office Support
Headquarters
Help our team thrive from behind the scenes! As Office Support, you’ll handle essential tasks that keep our organization running smoothly. Your role will help empower our community through arts and education.
Marketing Assistant
Remote
Bring your creative flair to the forefront as a Marketing Assistant. Engage with our community through social media, newsletters, and campaigns that promote our mission. You’ll be instrumental in spreading our message far and wide!
Graphic Designer
Flexible
Express your creativity as a Graphic Designer with us. Create engaging visuals that resonate with our community while supporting our various programs. If you’re passionate about design and community, we’d love to see your portfolio!
Event Coordination
Program Coordinator
On-site
Join our team as a Program Coordinator to oversee the planning and execution of our arts programs. Use your leadership skills to engage volunteers and ensure our programs are impactful and enriching for the community.
Fundraising Assistant
Remote
Support our fundraising efforts as a Fundraising Assistant. Collaborate with our team to create strategies and campaigns that draw in support and funding for our vital programs. If you love to connect with people, this role is for you!
Job title
location
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FAQ's
General Questions
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Fees*
Understanding Fees
Cash, Check and Merch
Do I have to pay fees for all programs?
Yes, there is one time registration fee of $85 per student. Registration fee is paid once a year at the start of the new season and includes all on site programs.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee covers the enrollment fee, PTC Scholar Care Fee, and Ifetayo T-shirt.
What about uniforms?
Uniform items are listed for each class. All families will receive a uniform order sheet via the parent portal on August 15. The cost per item is included in the order sheet.
My child turns 6 or 10 years old in the fall; can I register them for the age-appropriate class?
Scholars are allowed to register for the age-appropriate class as long as they turn 6 or 10 years old by 12/31/2026.
Can I pay in cash or check?
Tuition and registration payments are collected via e-payment directly through Jackrabbit, our new classroom management software.
For our special events, classes, and select merchandise, we use a mixture of Eventbrite, Jackrabbit, and/or Square. WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENTS VIA CASH, CHECKS, CASHAPP, VENMO, ZELLE, OR APPLE PAY.
Does Ifetayo offer scholarships?
Currently, we do not have a general scholarship fund in place. However, if a family is experiencing financial hardship, please email the Cultural Arts Program Director at cdaninthe@ifetayo.org to discuss potential solutions.
Can I register for Fall or Spring classes only?
No, we are resuming our full year model as prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Families may register through January 16, 2027, as class capacity allows.
Afro Modern
Community Center
This dance style combines traditional African dance with Western contemporary techniques found in modern dance. It bridges the gap between traditional African dance, rooted in cultural rituals and meaning, and dance techniques of Western culture. This dance style blends techniques from multiple genres, including classical ballet, jazz, modern and lyrical dance.
Ballet
Various Locations
In Ballet classes, students learn all basic ballet positions while synchronizing and interpreting ballet movement vocabulary and combinations. Students become more spatially aware of their individual placement in relation to other dancers in ensemble work, at the barre. and/or with floor-barre techniques while simultaneously learning to strengthen their own core. All students gain a better sense of ballet’s cultural relevancy through the use of common ballet vocabulary terms. within the general field of dance.
Hip Hop
Various Locations
In Hip Hop Dance, students learn to identify, understand, and appreciate the cultural significance of the dance genre as well as Hip Hop culture. Through muscle isolations, flexibility, and fluidity, students gain knowledge of the techniques of a Hip Hop dancer by building their own skills of self-expression, spatial awareness, musicality, and stage presence. Students also build their own style of uniqueness and finesse as they exhibit an understanding of Hip Hop’s technical vocabulary including Boogaloo, Funk, Breaking, Popping, Locking, Krumping, Turfing, House and Freestyle, thus developing increased self-confidence as performers.
Payment Schedule
Toddler Creative Expressions (Ages 2-5)
Remote
Through exposure to multiple arts disciplines, scholars learn to use songs, movement, storytelling, and visual arts to express themselves as young artists. With the support of our expert faculty, and a little help from parents and guardians, the classroom becomes a communal space where toddlers use visual and performance art as vehicles to improve speech coordination, develop fine motor skills, and refine their ability to independently connect and socially engage with their peers. This class is especially beneficial for toddlers who struggle with separation, or need extra support transitioning into classroom spaces.
Foundations (Ages 6 - 9)
Remote
In this acting class, scholars cultivate technical skills and an appreciation for acting as an instrument for educating, entertaining and “voicing” culture. Using published works within the diaspora, scholars learn characterization through dramatic and comedic portrayals. At the foundation level, scholars are introduced to basic stage and performance terminology and begin cultivating their personal stage voice, stage presence, and overall stage etiquette under the guidance of experienced theater professionals.
Beginner (Ages 10 - 14)
Remote
Scholars build on foundational theater training and refine technical skills in an ensemble environment. At this level, scholars develop a functional understanding of stage design and lighting, refine the use of vocal skills and nonverbal communication, and develop their sense of proprioception to create stage blocking. Our young performers also study and memorize scenes, monologues and poetry to understand plot, action, and conflict as they continue to develop their character building skills.
Acting / Devised Theater
Remote
Here, students cultivate technical and expressive skills of the acting process. They learn to tell their own stories and create characters from published works relevant to the Diaspora while developing their stage presence, expressive voice, and at all levels learn to identify basic stage and performance terminology. They develop the ability to engage active listening while cultivating authentic responses. Students become co-creators and writers of their own works which culminates in public presentations. Other areas covered in the course include performance poetry. Students interested in theater, spoken word, public speaking, debate & recitation, and vocal music are highly encouraged to take acting/devised theater.
Discounts and Savings
Capoeira
On-site
Capoeira is the Brazilian martial art that teaches students to resist, defend, dance, and play all at the same time. Students learn commands and songs in Brazilian Portuguese and become comfortable with the instruments and visual culture of rotating between watching, singing, and playing. They also develop confidence, agility, and skill as they do acrobatics at varying speeds while interacting with classmates. Toddlers and beginner-level students become more spatially aware of their surroundings while more advanced students accomplish more physically challenging maneuvers within smaller spaces while learning about Capoeira’s rich history of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Visual Arts
Remote
Students in Painting, Sketching, and Drawing are drawn into the world of visual expression and introduced to a myriad of ways to use their eyes to interpret what they see around them on a blank canvas. Students will learn principles of both traditional and contemporary African art as they analyze the work of famous artists of African descent and their contribution to the world of visual art as a whole. The student artists will explore visual elements (patterns & texture, color, line, shape, space) to create their own works as they make expressive connections between self, nature, and creativity.
Program
location
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Uniforms
Chorus
Headquarters
In the Ifetayo Chorus, students are introduced to methods that strengthen, preserve, and improve the first instrument: the human voice. Students develop ear training, practice breath control, and learn exercises such as scales, tongue twisters, harmonization, and warm-up songs to prepare to use their voice in choral, small ensemble, and solo performance scenarios. Students also begin to build their vocal repertoire by researching legendary vocalists and recording artists of African descent throughout the diaspora and by analyzing their vocal techniques and performance. All students interested in theater, public speaking, debate & recitation, and vocal music are highly encouraged to take vocal class.
African Drum
Remote
Students in Djembe Orchestra learn to identify the cultural relevance of the traditional and internationally recognized West African djembe drum orchestra and all of its components. By tuning their ears to the role of each drum in the orchestra (i.e djembe, songba, kinkini, and dundun), students begin to identify regional rhythms & songs as they consistently practice African percussive elements such as call-and-response and the break. With directed interaction, developed hand placement skills, and a command of complex timing patterns, advanced students enjoy the developing skills to accompany dance classes and interact with student dancers during the choreographic process.
Learn More About ROP
To ask questions and learn more about Rites of Passage, please schedule a call with or send an email to the Program Coordinator, Brother Dexter Braithwaite.
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