45406
Children Reached
Biography
About Us
Dance of Hope is not just a performing arts ensemble; it is a beacon of transformation and empowerment for underprivileged children..
History and OriginsThe seeds of this remarkable program were sown by Ugandan musician and educator Chinobay, who has dedicated his life to uplifting young people through music and culture.
Born and raised in Uganda, Chinobay was fortunate enough to experience the transformative power of music from a young age. His talent and passion led him to tour the world, where he conducted workshops and residencies, sharing his knowledge and love for African music with diverse audiences. However, each time he returned to Uganda, he was struck by the realization that many children in his homeland did not have the same opportunities that had shaped his life.
Determined to change this, Chinobay began training music in several schools across Uganda. He also gathered many underprivileged children at his parent's home, teaching them music with the hope of creating a similar path for them. His goal was simple yet profound: to use music as a tool for empowerment, offering these children a chance to see the world and build a future full of possibilities.
The Birth of Dance of HopeIn 2008, while on tour in Seattle, Chinobay crossed paths with Charles Terry, a long-time admirer of his work as a performer and workshop facilitator. Charles was deeply aware of Chinobay's passion for community and his commitment to uplifting children through music. He introduced Chinobay to M-LISADA Children's Home in Kampala in 2010, a meeting that would mark the beginning of Dance of Hope.
Inspired by his extensive touring experience and the potential he saw in the children at M-LISADA, Chinobay envisioned a program that would give underprivileged children the opportunity to learn music and tour the world, just as he had. He shared this vision with Bosco Segawa, the founder of M-LISADA, who immediately saw its potential and immediately got on board.
Chinobay then moved most of the children he had been nurturing at his parent's home to M-LISADA, where they enrolled in school and continued training in music. This was the birth of Dance of Hope, a program designed to uplift and empower through the transformative power of music and dance.
Touring and Global PresenceEight years after its inception, Dance of Hope embarked on its first international tour. The group traveled to the United States, where they reached over 45,000 children through concerts, workshops, and residencies. This tour was more than a performance—it was a cultural exchange, a chance for the young performers to interact with global communities, share their stories, and inspire others with their resilience and hope.
The global presence of Dance of Hope continues to grow, with the group performing and leading workshops in various countries, touching lives wherever they go. Each performance is a testament to the strength and spirit of these young performers, who have overcome unimaginable challenges to stand on the world stage.
Global and Local ImpactDance of Hope's impact is felt both globally and locally. On the global stage, the program has provided countless students and families with a deeper understanding of African culture and the power of the arts. In the United States, Dance of Hope's residencies and outreach programs have been instrumental in helping students become socially engaged, form new friendships, build self-esteem, and improve their mental health through creative expression.
Locally, in Uganda, Dance of Hope has transformed the lives of the young performers who participate in the program. These children, many of whom come from the most challenging circumstances, have found hope, purpose, and a future through music and dance. The funds raised from their international engagements not only support their education but also provide opportunities for other underprivileged children who do not go on tour.
Sustainability and the World Bridge FoundationIn 2019, Chinobay took another significant step in his mission to support underprivileged children by establishing the World Bridge Foundation, a US-based non-profit charity organization. The foundation extends cultural immersion programs to students and families worldwide while raising support for children in Africa and around the globe.
Dance of Hope is a sustainable model that continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of its founders, performers, and supporters. The program ensures that young performers are not only given the opportunity to tour and share their culture but also to use their talents to raise funds that support their peers' education. As older members of the ensemble move on to become music and dance teachers or pursue other professions, new and younger members are welcomed into the fold, ensuring that the legacy of Dance of Hope continues to grow.
ConclusionDance of Hope is more than a touring ensemble—it is a movement that embodies the power of music and dance to transform lives. From its humble beginnings in Uganda to its global presence today, Dance of Hope stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and hope of its young performers. Through their performances, these children have not only changed their own lives but have also inspired countless others around the world.
Our Story
Dance of Hope was established in 2010 by Ugandan musician, educator, producer, and World Bridge Foundation founder Chinobay (formerly Herbert Kinobe), along with Bosco Segawa - once an orphan on the streets of Kampala, Uganda, who founded M-LISADA, one of the most esteemed children’s homes in the country.
Despite his extensive travels and performances around the world, Chinobay’s connection to Uganda remains steadfast. Growing up in an impoverished community with scarce resources, Chinobay’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
In 2008, while on tour in the US, Chinobay was introduced to the work of M-LISADA children’s home by Charles Terry, a philanthropist who had been supporting the home for several years. Charles invited Chinobay to M-LISADA, where they witnessed a performance by children facing profound hardships.
Despite the challenges they had endured, their smiles radiated resilience. Hundreds of children were eager to share their music, and Chinobay found himself moved to tears - he had once been one of those children. Witnessing this, he envisioned a dream where they could travel the world, sharing their songs and stories with communities worldwide, while working to restore dignity and self-confidence. This emotional experience led Chinobay to return to M-LISADA by himself the next day, to meet with Bosco. They shared their personal life stories, experiences, and ideas on how these vulnerable children could forge paths to sustainable solutions that could transform their local communities, marking the birth of Dance of Hope.
2379
Children Educated
582
Children Graduated
1383
Rescued