ABOUT NAFRO
A LITTLE STORY
NAfro celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2022, and in those years they’ve been establishing themselves as Winnipeg’s most dynamic dance sensation. Setting itself apart from other dance companies in Winnipeg. NAfro thrills audiences with various dance and music dynamics with thought-provoking themes.
NAfro Dance Productions was started in 2002 as the result of Artistic Director Casimiro Nhussi’s relentless enthusiasm for sharing the beauty of his homeland’s culture with the rest of the world. NAfro Dance is the only African contemporary dance company in Western Canada, bringing a style of dance to Canada and Winnipeg that is well-known in the rest of the world, but which is still young here in the prairies. NAfro’s goal is to encourage and assist the development of both African and African-Canadian dancers and choreographers by giving them a place to explore and realize their thoughts and goals, and to have a great time along the way.
OUR
FOUNDER
Casimiro Nhussi
Artistic Director | Choreographer
NAfro Dance Productions
Casimiro Nhussi is a professional African dancer, choreographer, dance instructor and musician based in Winnipeg. Born in Mozambique, Africa, he has been a dance professional since 1982, training at Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre in New York. Starting his career as dancer, Casimiro then became the principal dancer, and then the Artistic Director of the Mozambique National Song and Dance Company. Currently Casimiro is the Artistic Director and Founder of Winnipeg’s only African contemporary dance company; NAfro Dance Productions.
Casimiro’s choreographic journey began in Mozambique. His choreographic style has evolved from almost purely African to one marked with Contemporary Dance influences and can now be described as African Contemporary Dance.
Since coming to Canada in 1997, Casimiro has produced and choreographed over 20 evening-length dance works both as an independent choreographer as well as Artistic Director of NAfro Dance. In addition, since 2012 Casimiro has been invited by the Mozambican Minister of Culture & Tourism to be the Artistic Director of the Mozambican National Culture Festival, dance & music section. This bi-annual festival brings together over 5,000 artists of diverse art forms from across the country.
Casimiro has also worked as a dance instructor and choreographer for many local, national and international organizations and groups. He has performed and led African dance workshops in over 30 countries worldwide.
Casimiro is also an accomplished musician. Casimiro has been nominated for the Western Canadian Music award six times including for “Makonde” (2010), “Gweka” (2013) and “Ximbombo” (2017) to name a few. Casimiro was also a finalist for the Mozambique music award Ngoma2017 and was honored to have played for the opening of the 2011 Africa Games in Mozambique. Casimiro was also commissioned by the Canadian National Film Board to compose music for the animated short “Mind Me Good Now.”
In 2022, Casimiro was nominated for three Dora Mavor Awards in Dance for his work in ‘MUKUTHO’. He also received the ‘Order of Mozambique’ in 2022, one of the highest honors given to Artists in Mozambique. In addition, Casimiro is a recent recipient of the ‘Manitoba Black Community Award’ for ‘Outstanding achievement and significant contribution to the Black community’ well as an ‘Appreciation Award’ from the ACOMI (African Communities of Manitoba Inc)’ in ‘recognition of his contributions to the African community’.
OUR
artists
NAFRO DANCERS
-
Paula Blair is a dance artist and choreographer currently living in Winnipeg. Under the direction of Casimiro Nhussi, Paula has been dancing with NAfro Dance Productions since the company’s inception and has been able to share the stage with the company hundreds of times. NAfro has toured within Canada and Mozambique, Africa and worked with numerous choreographers internationally. Some including, Michele Moss, Vincent Mantsoe, Kevin Ormsby, Patrick Parsons and Mohamed El Sayed. Paula has also choreographed several works for NAfro Dance Productions. Most importantly though, Paula is eternally grateful to have been with Casimiro through this entire artistic journey allowing her to grow as a dancer and artist and share in Casimiro’s vision of what he brings forth to the world.
As an independent dancer Paula has had the privilege of working with numerous Canadian choreographers spanning a rich performance career. She has worked with Rachel Browne, Stephanie Ballard, Gaile Petursson Hiley, Constance Cooke, Brent Lott, and Christina Medina just to name a few. Throughout Paula's entire professional career, she has had the good fortune of working with and being mentored by one of Canada’s most innovative and ground breaking dance makers, Sharon Moore. To note, Paula also performed solo work in Stephanie Ballard's acclaimed "Homeagain" featuring the great Rachel Browne.
Paula has presented her own work across Canada and Mozambique and has been creating and producing a new full length show annually. Paula is extremely active in enriching the Winnipeg Dance Community. Her projects are numerous as she teaches, advises, mentors, serves on Arts Boards, coordinates, produces and performs. She is always eager to work alongside her fellow colleagues and engage in any new artistic inspirations of her own or the cherished artists around her. Many of the collaborators being musicians, poets, writers, vocalists and visual artists. Paula is indebted to Susie Burpee, Reymark Capacete, Nicole Coppens, Julious Gambalan, Brooke Hess, Kim Hildebrand, Helene Le Moullec, Christina Medina, Jessica Oliphant, Robyn Thomson Kacki, Treasure Waddell and Kyla Wallace for their endless support.
Paula continues her long time association with The School of Contemporary Dancers under the direction of Odette Heyn and Faye Thomson. Currently Paula is on faculty and choreographs for the Professional Program for The School of Contemporary Dancers. Paula is also dedicated to working with her Prairie Dancers Performance Troupe of over two decades - student based dancers who train and perform regularly under Paula's direction. She has also had the opportunity to create on The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Aspirants Program and Genesis School of Dance Surfacing Community. Paula has been joyfully and passionately teaching dance for over three decades across the globe including in Africa and Brazil.
Other artistic endevours have led Paula to complete a role in the CBC mini-series DEATH COMES TO TOWN by Canada's Kids In The Hall. Paula was also thrilled to play a minor part in the celebrated director, Guy Maddin's movie KEYHOLE.
Paula gratefully received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award for her contributions to Contemporary Dance and her work in the community.
-
Reymark Capacete is a graduate of The School of Contemporary Dancers. His passion for dance began at a young age, inspired by Hip-Hop videos on YouTube. In high school, his love for movement deepened under the mentorship of Melanie Athayde and Jacqueline Garner, ultimately leading him to pursue formal training at The School of Contemporary Dancers.
Throughout his studies, Reymark had the privilege of working with a diverse range of esteemed choreographers, including Gaile Petursson-Hiley, Kathleen Hiley, Robyn Thomson-Kacki, Jera Wolfe, Constance Cooke, Odette Heyn, Marc Boivin, Harold Rhéaume, Sasha Ivanochko, Christina Medina, Paula Blair, Maritel Centurion, Jolene Bailie, and Casimiro Nhussi.
His international experience includes training and performing in Vienna, Austria, with Christina Medina and dancers from the Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. He also traveled to Mozambique, Africa, where he performed and trained with the Mozambique National Dance and Song Company and took part in the Mozambique National Culture Festival.
Reymark performed for four years with the Chai Folk Ensemble and currently dances with NAfro Dance Productions and Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers. In addition to performing, he is passionate about education and currently teaches at Little Monsters, Tec Voc High School, Andrew Mynarski VC School, and St. James Collegiate. Through his teaching, Reymark is committed to sharing his passion, knowledge, and love for dance with the next generation.
-
Julious Gambalan is a Filipino professional dance artist residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. A second generation Canadian, he holds both a 4-Year Bachelor of Science (2016) and 4-Year Honours Bachelor of Arts degree (2023) at the University of Winnipeg.
He started dance training in grade 9 at Sisler High School doing ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop throughout high school. Even being in their dance troupe Sisler’s Most Wanted for two years.
Once out of high school, he continued his training through The School of Contemporary Dancers Junior Professional Program for 5 years all while working on his degree in Biochemistry. Through the Junior Program, he has trained under many artists such as Gaile Petursson-Hiley, Paula Blair, Johanna Riley, and Alex Elliot. After that he continued his dance training through the Professional Program at The School of Contemporary Dancers. Throughout the Professional Program, he has worked with many local artists such as Odette Heyn, C.M., Faye Thomson, C.M., Stephanie Ballard, Jolene Bailie, and Casimiro Nhussi. He has also worked with many national and international artists such as: Christina Medina, Bill Evans, Jera Wolfe, Roger Sinha, Davida Monk, Harold Rhéaume, and Marc Boivin, to name a few. He has also had the opportunity to perform nationally at the Stream of Dance Festival in Regina, Saskatchewan, and the 40 dancer project at the New Blue Festival in Toronto, Ontario. He also had the opportunity to dance internationally in Vienna, Austria, under Christina Medina.
After graduating from the Professional Program in 2020, he works with Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, under Artistic Director Jolene Bailie. He is also part of NAfro Dance Productions, under Artistic Director Casimiro Nhussi. Julious also refound his love for choreography after he graduated from the Professional Program as he teaches at The School of Contemporary Dancers for their Junior Professional Program and their Adult General Program.
Recently in 2023, through NAfro Dance Productions, he has traveled with the company to Maputo, Mozambique, Africa, where they performed in the opening Gala of the Mozambique Festival Nacional da Cultura representing Canada; the first in its history. He has also performed in the festival representing NAfro Dance Productions and Canada in Ponta do Ouro.
-
Kim Hildebrand has been involved in Winnipeg’s dance community as a dancer, instructor, studio director, stage manager, and choreographer for many years. In collaboration with Folks Film, her piece called “Fly On” was presented in Skylines Dance and Film Series (2023). She enjoys choreographing and teaching for studio teams and pre-professional dancers throughout Manitoba.
Kim has been dancing professionally with NAfro Dance Productions since 2014. During her time with NAfro she has worked with a multitude of choreographers and artists which include, Casimiro Nhussi, Michèle Moss, Kevin Ormsby, Vincent Mantsoe, Mohamed El Sayed, and Paula Blair. She is so grateful to be part of the NAfro family and work alongside such talented artists.
In 2023, she had the amazing opportunity to travel to Maputo, Mozambique where she danced in the opening gala for the Festival Nacional da Cultura under the direction of Casimiro Nhussi. She also witnessed traditional dances from many provinces of Mozambique and made lasting connections with the artists there. Kim is a graduate of The School of Contemporary Dancers and received a BA Honours in dance from the University of Winnipeg. Her other accomplishments include performing in "Brut" under the direction of Peter Boneham in Ottawa, project with Constance Cook Company, Stephanie Ballard's Landscape Dancing, Odette Heyn Projects with Winnipeg's Symphony Orchestra, an apprenticeship with Brent Lott and Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers through ACI Manitoba, and Tedd Robinson's 60 Dancer Project at the Canada Dance Festival in Ottawa. Kim is a strong believer that movement is for everyone, and that dance is the language that connects us all.
-
Hélène Le Moullec graduated from the School of Contemporary Dancers with a BA Honours in Dance in 2005 and has never stopped performing. Over the past two decades, she has worked as a professional dance artist in Winnipeg in works by guest choreographers from around the world.
Now in her 19th season with NAfro Dance Productions under Artistic Director Casimiro Nhussi, Hélène has also collaborated on numerous productions with Paula Blair; danced six seasons and over 50 performances with Gearshifting Performance Works (2013–2019) in works by Jolene Bailie, Rachel Browne, and Marie-Josée Chartier; and performed with Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, Stephanie Ballard, and Brent Lott. Her career has taken her to Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, China, and Africa, performing at galleries and festivals — most recently at the Festival Nacional da Cultura in Mozambique.
Hélène’s artistry extends to the screen, where she has appeared in national and international film and media projects, including choreography and performance for Steve Patterson’s Lonesome Star, which has been shown across Canada, and Jocelyn Baribeau’s music video Entre Toi et Moi. Her on-camera work combines her strong stage presence with a deep understanding of movement for film.
Equally active behind the scenes in Winnipeg’s arts community, Hélène has served as Artistic Manager for the Winnipeg Comedy Festival since 2007, produced by the beloved Gas Station Arts Centre — where she has also worked for two decades. She is the long-time Coordinator and Administrator for the Moving Inspirations Dance Festival and currently serves as Operations Manager for the Gimli International Film Festival.
A dedicated educator, Hélène has taught students of all ages through Arts Smarts, Red Threads, Sawa Theatre, and Manitoba Artists in Health Care at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, as well as professional company classes for NAfro Dance Productions. As a mother, she deeply understands the importance of exposing the next generation to creativity and expression, and she believes the arts are essential to the health and vitality of any society.
For Hélène, performance is not a chapter in her life — it’s a constant. She continues to bring her artistry, energy, and dedication to every stage and screen
-
Robyn Thomson Kacki is a company member with NAfro Dance Productions under the Artistic Direction of Casimiro Nhussi, and has had the pleasure of working with the company since 2009. She has had the privilege of working with several outstanding artists throughout her career, including Stephanie Ballard, Paula Blair, Susie Burpee, Odette Heyn, C.M., Gaile Petursson-Hiley, Tedd Robinson, and with the company @tendance/C.Medina in Graz, Austria. She is a founding member of Drive Dance, producing and performing in several performance series. Robyn performed Cotton Handkerchiefs and Dog’s Tears, a duet with Susie Burpee, choreographed by Tedd Robinson in the Guelph Dance Festival. She had the honour of performing Rachel Browne’s Freddy both in New Dance Horizons’ Stream of Dance festival in Regina, and in WCD’s Verge: Remembering Rachel Browne performance series. Robyn is a graduate of the Professional Program of the School of Contemporary Dancers. She is an Artistic Coordinator for the General Program of SCD, and teaches and choreographs in the Junior and Senior Professional Programs.
-
Nicole Coppens is currently the Education Outreach Coordinator for NAfro’s Moving Inspirations Dance Festival, working to bring high school dancers and the professional dance community together to share and learn. Under the direction of Casimiro Nhussi, Nicole was a company dancer with NAfro Dance Productions for many years and had the opportunity to work with choreographers from across Canada and beyond. One of her favorite performances was Nhussi’s work Kudja, due to its challenging physicality and deep artistic focus. Nicole also worked closely with independent choreographer Paula Blair on several rewarding dance projects.
Nicole has recently completed her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Winnipeg and is excited to embark on a new teaching journey as a Performing Arts Educator within the Winnipeg School Division. After completing her dance training from the School of Contemporary Dancers Professional Program, working for many years at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School as a dance instructor, and a very satisfying career as a performing dance artist within the Winnipeg community, Nicole is now looking to share her knowledge and passion for dance and art with a new generation of young artists.
-
Jessica Oliphant began dancing at a young age, and after graduating from the School of Contemporary Dancers Professional Program in 2015, she had the pleasure of joining NAfro Dance Productions under the direction of Casimiro Nhussi.
With NAfro, Jessica enjoyed having the opportunity to work with guest choreographers including Michèle Moss, Vincent Mantsoe, Roger Sinha, and Paula Blair.
Whether working within ensemble pieces or contributing to solo-driven explorations Jessica’s performance experience spans festival stages, interdisciplinary projects, and community-rooted works.
She continues to be inspired by the NAfro community and the sense of purpose, connection, and artistic integrity it brings to every rehearsal and performance.
NAFRO MUSICIANS
-
Roger Cloutier has traveled across Canada playing in a variety of venues, and festivals as a guitar player, singer, and saxophone player. He played in the Million Civillians band for 2 decades.during the 80's and 90's. More recently he has played in the University of Winnipeg Downtown Jazz Band, Local Vocal, and teaches sax at MarSchells Music.
-
Mpho Mambira is a founding member of Bongo Love, an Afrocoustics band that plays music rooted in the instruments, songs and musical traditions of their homeland. Originally from Zimbabwe, Mpho has toured extensively throughout Africa, Europe, the United States and Canada and now makes his home in Winnipeg.
-
Jay Stoller is an original member of Nafro and continues to share his talents accompanying the dance shows and performing with the Nafro Band. He has studied drumming extensively in Ghana, West Africa as well as in South Africa. He performs regularly with his own group Drum Café, offering workshops, cultural performances and team building experiences. Jay has worked for many years as a class accompanist at the RWB School and has produced 7 of his own class accompaniment recordings. Jay was fortunate to have the opportunity to perform with Casimiro and the Nafro Band in Maputo, Mozambique in early 2025, and is looking forward to his next adventure in Africa.
-
Martin Valach - Born of a Jamaican woman and European man in 1973, Martin has been drumming from 7 years old. He began expressing the playing of drums in school concert bands and marching bands. Martin has played drums for many bands in Winnipeg and in other parts of Canada. Some of the bands include: Visions Drum Group, Bongo Roots, Krazy Madness, Rebel Force, Jah Vibes, Ras Tamils, Luciano, Jah Cutta, Blessed, Hi Road, Wantanara, JUPITER STORM, Fenom, Natalya, Satta Massive, Mellow Man, Golden Lions of Winnipeg Rastafari and Hare Krishna Chanters.
-
Binasio Wani started playing African drums when he was 6 years old. He then learned to play the mberra as well as keyboard, and drum kit. Binasio was a founding member of Kalahari African Drumming with Casmiro Nussi (1997). With this and other African music groups, Binasio performed many concerts, including Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg Singers, and also took part in the movies “The Saddest Music in the World” and “Sissy Boy Slap Party”, by Guy Madden. As a musician Binasio now helps youth from the Sudanese community; teaching them music to keep them off the street. He also works with Manitoba Schools in the Peaceful Village Program as the group drumming instructor.
-
In the ‘80s Dave Brown toured and recorded with popular ska, reggae and punk rock band the Dub Rifles. He has recorded with the Nils, JFK and the Conspirators, Pipe Dream and Wendy Isaac. As well as playing saxes and flute with NAfro Dance bands Dave is a member of Rebel Force reggae band.
-
Damon Rondeau has been a Winnipeg bassist for over 40 years. Playing in bands like Six Man Sedan, Million Civilians, The Kingmixers, The Clearwater Boys, Starlight Jazz, and Challenger Deep, Damon has played punk rock, pop rock, surf rock, R&B, funk, latin, country, bluegrass and small trio jazz. Playing African music in the NAfro Band with friends old and new is a connecting experience that feels just like coming home."
-
Tim Church is lifelong fascination with music has led him to experiences he never imagined. He’s played for the Canada Summer Games Closing Ceremony in a football stadium, on national TV, and even in a dance class in Johannesburg. He’s also drummed for an audience that included 1000 dogs and a camel.
Tim studied African percussion and has played in many ensembles. He became an accompanist for Modern dance classes and honed improvisational skills in weekly gatherings with a contemporary dance-based artist collective. This led to collaborations with choreographers, creating many scores using acoustic, electronic, and ‘found’ sounds, garnering good reviews in the Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press and CBC.
Tim joined Casimiro Nhussi’s NAfro Dance company in 2009 and has performed with the band at countless concerts and festivals in Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary and recently, Mozambique. Tim is grateful to be part of the vibrant NAfro family.
-
Nick Kolisnyk is a lifelong musician specializing in trumpet, percussion, and Djembe repair, with over 25 years of experience restoring drums in the Winnipeg area.
As a percussionist/horn player with NAfro Band, Nick contributed to the Western Canada Music Award-nominated albums Gweka and Ximbombo, adding fiery horn lines and layers of percussion.
He has also played with Batuque Percussion, Chango, Rupertsland Brass Band, Exile Brass Band, CMU Jazz Band, St. Benedict’s Table, and many others across Manitoba. Nick also performs with Super Cool Brass Band and local rock band, The Fistagons.
-
Kelly Leveille is a veteran drummer known for his dynamic fusion of global musical styles and electrifying stage presence. With over 40 years of performance experience, he brings passion and creativity to every show. A graduate of the Professional Musicians College of Winnipeg, Kelly has worked as both an educator and a gigging artist, recording and touring locally and internationally with groups such as Nafro, the Chai Folk Ensemble, the Swing Cats, and the Ragamaroons.