LEAD WITH LOVE.
The Ensemble
HAYIYA, INC.
Hayiya Dance Theatre, Inc. (Hayiya, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural arts organization that provides diverse opportunities. Grounded in Faith-Based values of service, compassion, restoration, and purpose, Hayiya, Inc. is committed to affirming the inherent worth and potential of every individual through the transformative power of the arts and reaches more than 3,500 students annually across Middle Georgia. Our year-round offerings included classes, residencies, workshops, performances, tutoring, and leadership development.
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In our 28th season, Hayiya Dance Theatre, Inc. (H.D.T. , Inc.) specializes in West African dance and percussion and Liturgical dance performance. Hayiya, Inc. remains a professional dance and percussion ensemble comprised of skilled women and men, boys and girls that have earned resounding accolades for our performances. Performances include featured acts at Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, Tuskegee University, Florida A & M University, Moja Arts Festival of Charleston, SC, tribute to the Vice President of Sierra Leone and various weddings, churches, schools, universities and festivals throughout the Southeast.
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Hayiya, Inc. provide free and reduced fee arts education, leadership, performance, and STEAM opportunities for families in Middle Georgia. Our core constituencies include K–12 students, families, justice-involved youth, and under-resourced communities. Hayiya, Inc. Our programming helps to develop emotional resilience, cultural literacy, and academic excellence. Our commitment to holistic education empowers participants to live with courage, creativity, and wisdom in all areas of life.
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Organized on the campus of Wesleyan College in August of 1997 as the dance club Harambee African Tribal Sounds Unlimited (Harambee!!!), HDT, Inc. is Middle Georiga's oldest West African dance ensemble. While H.D.T. Inc .specializes in traditional West African dance and percussion, the performers are also gifted liturgical, Latin, ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary dancers as well.
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Programming Includes:
INfluence Leadership Institute
STEAM Fridays
Mission
Our mission at Hayiya Dance Theatre, Inc. is to educate, entertain, and engage the community by providing diverse opportunities for cultural arts enrichment and exposure. Under the leadership of Artistic Director and founder, Pilar Wilder Lowden, Hayiya specializes in authentic and progressive West African dance and percussion, as well as dances of the Diaspora. We are committed to fostering cultural awareness, preserving rich artistic traditions, and providing a platform for both artistic expression and community engagement. Through our programs, we inspire individuals to explore and celebrate the beauty and diversity of global dance traditions while cultivating creativity, discipline, and connection.
Vision
At Hayiya Dance Theatre, Inc., our vision is to support, empower, and train Talking Lions — individuals who confidently share their stories, perspectives, and talents with the world. Inspired by the African proverb, "Until the Lion tells the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter," we strive to empower our students to reclaim their voices, shape their own narratives, and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive world. Through our programs, we aim to equip young people with the confidence and leadership skills they need to speak their truths, celebrate their cultures, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
