Ensemble

Hayiya Dance Theatre is a professional dance and percussion ensemble comprised of accomplished women and men, boys and girls. Organized on the campus of Wesleyan College in August of 1997 as the dance club, Harambee African Tribal Sounds Unlimited (Harambee!!!), Hayiya is in its 14th season making the group Macon, Georgia’s oldest West African dance ensemble.

Our mission is to educate, entertain and engage the community by providing opportunities for cultural arts enrichment and exposure. Under the leadership of Artistic Director and founder, Pilar Wilder, Hayiya specializes in authentic and progressive West African dance and percussion as well as dances of the Diaspora.

Hayiya performs in the Macon and Middle Georgia area regularly. Local performance venues and events include The Macon Symphony Orchestra, Tubman Museum, 13 WMAZ, Cherry Blossom Festival, Mercer University, Wesleyan College, Pan African Festival and Macon State College as well as at weddings, churches, and schools. As cultural ambassadors, members of Hayiya have been inspiring audiences throughout the Southeast at in events and venues including Arts in the Heart of Augusta, Florida A&M University, Moja Arts Festival of Charleston, SC, Tribute to the Vice President of Sierra Leone, and Albany State University.

Our Arts in Education initiatives support preservation of traditional dance culture while also promoting a commitment to innovation and student creativity.

Hayiya is steadfast in our service in the community. In addition to offering a number of performances and workshops at no cost to the community, free fitness classes for adults and children and the Adopt-A-Dancer Campaign, Hayiya provides skilled dance and music instruction to students during the school day through our Artist in Residence program.

Hayiya’s signature acrobatics, lifts and immeasurable energy call out to your spirit to “Get On Your Feet and Dance!” Our Signature Works highlight an amazing journey through the diaspora with jazz and contemporary dance.  Hayiya! “Dance With Joy!”

To book Hayiya for  your next event, contact us or call.