The story of Igbo Dance Academy (IDA) is deeply rooted in a passionate mission to preserve, promote, and reawaken the cultural pride of Ndi Igbo through the powerful medium of dance. Born as a vibrant program under the Global Dance of Ndi Igbo (GDONI) initiative, IDA was created to serve as a sanctuary for traditional Igbo dance and an engine for cultural revival in modern times.

GDONI, a flagship cultural heritage project of Zikora Media, was established to celebrate the beauty, richness, and diversity of Igbo traditions. From within this vision, Igbo Dance Academy was founded as the training arm—dedicated to educating the next generation in the art and history of Igbo traditional dances.

The idea was sparked by a growing concern: as modern influences take root in everyday life, many young Igbo people were becoming disconnected from their roots. Dance—once a sacred and joyful expression of identity, spirituality, and community—was at risk of being forgotten. Recognizing this cultural gap, the founders set out to build a space where heritage would not just be remembered, but actively lived, danced, and passed on.

Since its inception, IDA has trained and mentored dancers of all ages, hosted workshops, collaborated with schools and cultural organizations, and performed at prestigious events both locally and internationally. Each step of the journey has been guided by a single vision: to keep Igbo culture alive, vibrant, and visible in the hearts of this generation and the next.

From Nkwa Umuagbogho to Atiliogwu, from grassroots rehearsals to grand stages, the journey of Igbo Dance Academy continues—powered by passion, sustained by culture, and inspired by the ancestors.