Ijóyá

Ijóyá is a nonprofit arts organization based in Redding, CA, dedicated to igniting joy through dance. We use African and Afro-Latin movement traditions to bring people together across cultural divides, fostering unity, belonging, and celebration.

Through vibrant community programs, we create spaces where all ages can connect: Afro-Latino Nights are monthly free community dance gatherings that uplift and unite the community. Ijoya Creators Lab offers a growing catalog of paid classes and workshops for adults and families, including Rhythm & Roots, which brings cultural education and dance residencies into schools and after-school programs, and Dance & Bond, playful parent-child sessions designed for ages 2–5.

Our mission is simple: to inspire joy, restore connection, and empower communities through the healing power of dance.

Looking forward, Ijoya is preparing to expand its impact. We envision Healing Circles in shelters to restore dignity for people experiencing homelessness, youth dance cohorts that divert kids from crime, and community nights where neighbors and police build trust while moving side by side. These future programs reflect our belief that culture is medicine and that joy is a powerful antidote to isolation.

Every beat, every step, every gathering creates belonging. With your support, we can continue building on our foundation while planting seeds for a stronger, more connected Redding.

Click to see our website for more. 

IG: @afrolatinonights IG: @ijoyaorg

Afro-Latino Nights TrailerRedding Dance Festival

Donate today. Join the rhythm of healing.