About Us

Kai Kwéol Caribbean Music and Dance is a Cincinnati-based (501)(c)(3) multicultural, non-profit organization that seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of Afro- Caribbean performing arts, especially dance and music. Kai Kwéol Caribbean Music and Dance was founded in 1997 to create engaging multicultural experiences inspired by the "Joie de Vivre" of tropical island cultures of the Caribbean. 

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Artistic Director Flora Leptak-Moreau was born in the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, home (Kai) to a unique Creole (Kwéol / Kwéyol) mélange of African, native Carib Indian, Dutch,  French, and English colonial influences.

Kai Kwéol draws upon the traditions of the English, French, and Spanish Caribbean, with their many contributing influences.

 

Caribbean culture resulted from the blending of African, European, Indian and Asian cultures into unique new forms. Kai Kwéol is Creole-language for "Creole House," which is literally a form of folk architecture, but metaphorically refers to the multicultural world that we share.

 

Kai Kwéol  Caribbean Music and Dance hopes to help bridge the gaps between people of different racial and cultural backgrounds by presenting performances and workshops in schools, at conferences, festivals, and other functions such as parties or celebrations.

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Kai Kwéol has a 25+ year legacy of bringing Afro-Caribbean culture to Cincinnati, first incorporated in 1997. The founder, Flora Leptak-Moreau, made a deeply personal investment to sustain this vital culture for many years. We are now transitioning this legacy into a sustainable, community-owned future. "The new Kai Kwéol Cultural Hub will finally be the permanent home needed to realize the founder's vision and secure this cultural resource for the next 25 years.

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If you're interested in supporting our mission and vision through donations or would like more information about our workshops, classes, masterclasses, presentations, or performances when they are schedules, please contact us or visit our donation page to select your membership level donation. Keep in mind that we are looking for a space to create this vibrant community cultural hub for everyone. If you have any hints, please be a part of us and share with us.

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Mission

Our mission is to educate, entertain, enchant, connect and inspire audiences while celebrating the vibrant heritage of Afro-Caribbean cultures. Through the dynamic expressions of music, dance, and storytelling, we honor the resilience, creativity, and traditions that connect generations and communities, while seeking to share these traditions with diverse audiences in the local community.

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We strive to foster understanding and unity in our multicultural world by showcasing the rhythms, stories, and values of the Afro-Caribbean experience—values such as community, joie de vivre, resilience, tolerance, kindness, and cultural pride. By promoting cultural diversity, we create spaces for dialogue, shared experiences, and collective growth.

 

Vision

Our vision is to create a vibrant world where the arts, culture, entertainment, and education programs are not only sustainable but also intricately woven into the fabric of communities and schools. By fostering an environment where creativity and learning thrive hand in hand, we aim to empower communities to flourish in harmony with our organization. We are committed to inspiring youth to persevere and strive toward their goals within a nurturing and safe environment that feels like home. Through this seamless integration, we aspire to motivate the next generation to work diligently, unlocking their full potential within a supportive and culturally enriched backdrop.