Carmelia D. Van Horn started African Dance with Carmelia as a method to teach, perform, and promote traditional African dance in the Colorado community and beyond.

Carmelia is the leader and principle dancer of Kidimandi, a West African dance and
drum troupe she established in 1999. The troupe is comprised of African dance students and
professional percussionists.

She started African dance with Harambee African Dance Troupe of Boulder, Colorado.
Harambee was directed by Letitia Williams. Carmelia danced with the group for 5 years (1992-1997).

In addition to her regular, weekly classes, Carmelia teaches workshops at schools and other businesses and performs at weddings, festivals, parades,
and other cultural and educational events throughout the Colorado region.

Performing African dance for over nine years, Carmelia is dedicated to traditional dances and delivering movements authentically. She regularly attends West African dance conferences taught by professional, native African dancers.
Carmelia has studied extensively with Youssouff Koumbassa, Marie Basse, Djeneba Sako, Moustapha Bangoura, Mouminatou Camara, Abdoulaye Sylla, Malang Bayo, Abdoulaye Camara, and Raymond Cessa.

Carmelia frequently brings touring African dance and drum teachers to Denver for special workshops.