Kevin's Journey

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About Kevin and the Path of Progress

A scholar-artist at the crossroads: Kevin McEwen merges education, performance, pedagogy, and African Diasporic research, with 25 years of deepening cultural connections.

Kevin McEwen is a highly regarded and prominent figure in the expansive field of dance education, widely recognized for his groundbreaking and innovative work regarding African Diasporic dance education and the profound influence it has on community development and engagement. His dedication to this important area of study has led him to produce numerous impactful and thought-provoking productions that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. In addition to his artistic contributions, he has served as a key advisor and consultant to various community-based organizations as well as international organizations, helping to guide their programs and initiatives to ensure they effectively promote cultural awareness and social change. McEwen’s influence extends beyond the stage, as he continues to work diligently to empower communities through the arts and foster a deeper understanding of the richness of African Diasporic traditions.

Legacy in Motion

 Projects, Programs, and Cultural Impact

Kofago is something very special.  What started out as a social justice project three years ago has blossomed into a performing arts company with a full cast of artists who are dedicated to their healing and growth through our work.  For more information, please check out our work at the website below:

Link to Kofago Dance Ensemble website

Link to Kofago Institute website

 
 

Queensborough Community College

2018–Present
Teaching and leading cultural productions like the QCC Kwanzaa show.

An AMAZING project with Sesame Flyers International and Sesame Carnival in 2018. My father would bring me “home” to work with his organization. He would never get to see the results of this work, as he would pass away before we premiered this work. We dedicated this presentation to him.

Sesame Flyers Carnival Video (2018)

Walk All Night (Documentary)

2011
Followed Chicago youth to Senegal for cultural exchange in drumming.

In 2011, I traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to take part in the Danse Edeyo project—an initiative created to support the Edeyo Foundation and the children of the Joyous Heart School in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Collaborating closely with my dear friend and fellow artist Doris Pradieu, we used dance as a tool for healing, empowerment, and cultural celebration. Through movement workshops and community engagement, we offered the students a space to express themselves, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the vibrancy of Haitian culture. It was a deeply moving experience that underscored the power of art to uplift and restore hope in times of crisis.

Watch video footage

Dance to Save Lives (Haiti)

2016
Annual dance retreats in Jacmel with folkloric training for youth.

Kofago Dance Ensemble

2018–Present
A social justice initiative evolved into a full dance company.

At Queensborough Community College, I serve as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Dance, where I teach Traditional West African Dance and mentored students in the college’s Dance Program.   I have lead the development and production of the Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, a community-centered performance tradition that has thrived for the past seven years, connecting students and audiences to African Diasporic culture through dance, music, and storytelling.

Link to QCC article on Kevin’s work

Link to the Kwanzaa Celebration Website

Legacy Vision 150

2018
150 dancers trained for NYC’s Caribbean Day Parade.

In 2011, I had the privilege of facilitating my first trip to the African continent as part of the production team for Walk All Night: A Drum Beat Journey. This powerful documentary follows the vision of an idealistic social worker who sets out to create a transformative experience by taking a group of street musicians from Chicago, to West Africa. The goal was more than just a cultural exchange—it was a journey of healing, self-discovery, and reconnection with ancestral roots through the power of rhythm and community.

 
 

Danse Edeyo

2011–2014
Grassroots dance workshops for Haitian earthquake recovery efforts.

In 2016, during my graduate studies at NYU, I had the opportunity to return to Haiti to participate in Vin Pran Baget, a dance conference organized by renowned Haitian dancer and cultural arts leader Dieufel Lamisere. The project brought together artists, educators, and community leaders to use dance as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and social change. That year was a whirlwind of international work—I also had the privilege of lecturing in both Barbados and Nigeria—but returning to Haiti for this initiative was especially meaningful, as it reaffirmed the role of dance as both a cultural bridge and a force for healing.

Watch Video Footage

Learning & Legacy

Education has been a vital part of Kevin’s growth.

B.S. in Business Management –

Hampton University

M.A. in Dance Education –

New York University

These academic journies throughout my career have deepened my commitment to creating inclusive, diverse, and culturally affirming dance education.


I’m currently exploring doctoral programs where my work can grow into a movement—not just a degree.

Working with Communities & Institutions

Kevin has led workshops, performances, and mentorship programs across the U.S. and abroad, working with:

What’s Next?

Kevin’s work continues to evolve through performance, mentorship, and research. He is passionate about bridging academic excellence with cultural empowerment and aims to pursue doctoral research that centers dance, identity, and justice in higher education.

Be Part of the Journey

Interested in hosting Kevin, booking a workshop, or supporting his work? Let’s build something meaningful together.