MORE THAN DANCE
Gombey's by Sonju uses the art of dance as a powerful and creative form of communication that nurtures rhythmic awareness, builds confidence and fosters self discovery. Classes are offered to ages 5 and up.
Gombey's by Sonju is a subsidiary of Sonju Enterprises, LLC. Through our visual and performing arts program, we aim to provide a sage and encouraging space where students can express themselves artistically while developing essential life skills.
Our studio is proudly housed at Oakwood Adventist Academy in Huntsville, AL.
Fun Fact
The name Gombey's by Sonju pays homage to Founder + Creative Director, Shayla-René's Bermudian heritage. The Gombey is an iconic symbol of Bermuda, a unique performing art full of colorful and intricate masquerade, dance and drumming. This folklife tradition reflects the island's blend of African, Caribbean and British cultures.
2024-2025 Resident Dance Program
GOMBEY'S by SONJU
THE DETAILS
What You Need to Know
THE SESSIONS
(2) 12 - Week Sessions | 2 Classes per Week
Fall Session ||| August 26 - November 22
Winter Session ||| December 1 - February 7
(1) 9 - Week Session | 2 Classes per Week
Spring Session ||| March 17 - May 16
SERVING AGES
***Only 5 slots available per division for NEW students. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis.***
THE SCHEDULE BY DIVISION
Ruby's | Ages 5-8 | M,W | 4 - 5PM
Emerald's | Ages 9-11| T,TH | 4 - 5:15PM
Diamond's | Ages 12-17 | T,TH | 5:15PM - 6:30PM
THE INVESTMENT
Registration Fee | (1x) for the Year = $50
Each session is $360 @ $33/ week @ $16/class
THE PROGRAM
Resident Dance @ Oakwood
Our Resident Dance Program for ages 5-17 offers a holistic approach to dance education by focusing on various dance techniques and genres with a spiritual emphasis. We believe in nurturing the full dancer—mind, body, and spirit—by integrating self-awareness, spatial awareness, and artistic expression into each session. Our classes foster personal growth, discipline, and creativity while ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment.
In addition to technical and artistic training, we are committed to promoting overall well-being. Each class includes a wholesome snack to support our dancers’ physical health, reinforcing the importance of nourishing the body alongside refining dance skills. Our program is designed to develop confident, expressive dancers who understand the importance of discipline, teamwork, and self-respect.
Whether students are exploring dance as a fun recreational activity or preparing for future opportunities in the performing arts, our Resident Dance Program provides the tools and guidance they need to flourish. The goal is to ensure that each dancer grows not only as a performer but as an individual, ready to shine both on stage and in life.
A MESSAGE FROM SHAYLA-RENÉ
I am thoroughly looking forward to the opportunity to work with your child(ren). I am a firm believer that dance is a creative form of communication. It allows us to express and connect in ways that the ordinary person does not. It translates to praise, unity and awareness of self.
Above all, it is the epitome of the fruits of the spirit as we work attentively, individually and collectively while developing rhythmic awareness and knowledge of self.
In 2015, in an effort to follow God's calling, I closed the doors of my studio, formerly Elsie M. Brown School of the Arts. This operation ran for 7 years with a minimum enrollment of 50 students per session. I knew that I would be led back to one of my drives, passions and love for providing dance education to all ages and levels.
In 2019 I was able to see this manifest via Gombey's by Sonju! I look forward to contributing to the social, emotional, spiritual and physical development of your child(ren)
XO,
The LORD answered me: "Write down this vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." - Habakkuk 2:2