The Congolese Dance & Drum Workshop was founded in 1979 by Malonga Casquelourd and Paul N’gouamba Ntoumi. “Malonga’s Workshop,” as it was then called, took place in Mendocino, CA for three days. An overwhelming response from the community and tremendous foresight on behalf of its founders led them to invite other master artists to participate in this event in subsequent years. 

Every year, Congolese master artists from around the globe would gather to share in this rare cultural learning experience. Classes in Congolese dance, music, and percussion were offered daily. In addition to the classes, the camp featured the Mbongui circle, a traditional learning circle or where students were able to learn the cultural context of the art forms they were exploring. 

The Congolese Dance & Drum Workshop is the longest-running residential ethnic dance and drum workshop in the United States. Many families have been loyal participants since its inception and remain members of our village.