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Unification of
Cultures (Unificação das Culturas - UDC)
Our Mission:
Many cultures of the world are rich with
various styles of music and dance. Through
the provision of cultural exchange experiences,
classes, and performances, we seek to unify
world cultures and promote the similarities
that we all share.
UDC Directors
 Gamo
Da Paz
Born in Salvador, Bahia, Gamo Da
Paz, is a master drummer trained
in the tradition of Candomble with
expertise in religious drumming
including songs of the Orixas (Afro-Brazilian
deities) from the nations of Ketu,
Angola, Jeje, and Ijexa. Gamo has
performed internationally with touring
groups such as Viva Bahia, Oba Oba,
and Bale Folclorico da Bahia. Gamo
is an accomplished recording artist
in Brazil who currently teaches
various drumming classes in the
Bay Area.
Nikko
S. Thompson
As a Stanford graduate, Nikko has
studied ballet, modern, jazz, and
traditional African dance for over
25 years. Professionally, Nikko
has performed traditional Congolese
Dance for 10 years under the direction
of Malonga Casquelourd; she has
toured with the legendary Babatunde
Olatunji while serving as an assistant
teacher of African Dance at Esalen
Institute in Big Sur, CA, Hollyhock
Resort in Cortes Island, British
Columbia, and Omega Institute in
Rheinebeck, NY. In addition, Nikko
has taught choreography at the University
of Ghana in West Africa while completing
a Master's degree in African Studies
and Traditional Choreography.
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