The Children of Cultures of Africa (COCOA) is Tufts’ African competitive dance team. I joined the team fall semester of my sophomore year, and it was one of the best decisions I have made in my college career. My first time seeing COCOA perform was fall of my freshman year at the Dakari Ball. Dakari is an annual ball hosted by the Tufts African Student Organization with the intent of displaying African culture through performances, music, and diverse cuisine.
When COCOA came onto the stage, the first thing that resonated with me was the music. Growing up in a Nigerian household, I was all too familiar with music from the diaspora, so it was comforting knowing that there were other students with whom I connected through our shared love of the culture. I remember the passion poured into every move, the intricate transitions between dances, the versatility of the song genres, and the expressions of the dancers. Everyone looked eager to be performing, putting all their energy into the moves. The performance was a captivating, unforgettable experience.
These feelings lingered throughout my first year, and thankfully, I had the opportunity to perform with them in their end-of-year annual showcase through a collaboration piece. Performing at the showcase was rejuvenating to say the least, and it ended up being the thing that gave me the courage to audition to join the team. When the fall of my sophomore year came around, auditions were one of the only things I could think about. I was anxious about what it would look like, yet hopeful for a new beginning. Nonetheless, during auditions, I was confident that I could seamlessly execute the choreography by remembering my childhood, which I spent most of dancing to Afrobeats. A couple of days after auditions, I received word that I made the team, and I was overjoyed. That excitement only grew as I was met with open arms, kindness, and a shared dedication to building a family.
Since joining, COCOA has not only allowed me to express myself through movement but has also connected me with a vibrant community that feels like home. It’s more than just a dance team; it’s a space where culture, creativity, and connection thrive. I’m beyond grateful for the memories we’ve made on and off the stage, the stories we’ve told through dance, and the friendships gained along the way. Being a part of COCOA has truly been one of the most meaningful parts of my Tufts experience and a defining piece of my story.