CityStep in Ethiopia

CityStep was invited to the Haile-Manas Academy in Ethiopia to teach a weeklong, full-time dance-based intensive to 30+ high-school students. The project was led by CityStep founder Sabrina Peck, aided by a teaching team of college students who currently teach with CityStep in their respective American cities, (see profiles below). The intensive used movement to foster the creative self-expression and self-confidence of each child; bringing children together in collaboration and mutual understanding. Directed locally by CityStep Associate Director Luana DeBorst with the help of Ethiopian educationalist Adam Abebe, the program brought together local guest artists, including cultural dance expert Enquselassie Demeke and local musicians, in a vibrant collaboration making space for children and team to thrive. The workshop culminated in a showing for the school and surrounding community of Debre Birhan.

Thank you to all those who helped make this program a reality. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support!

About HMA

Haile-Manas Academy (HMA) is a premier, first-of-its-kind boarding school for students of promise recruited from across Ethiopia. Through depth of inquiry, hands-on learning, and the sustained shared experiences a residential setting permits, HMA provides an education that allows students to reach their highest potential as critical thinkers, enterprising young problem solvers and purposeful, community-minded individuals. HMA is a project of Ethiopia Education Initiatives (EEI), a US not-for-profit. EEI provides world-class educational opportunities for talented Ethiopian students and aims to help ignite positive change in education more broadly. hmacademy.org