Raised in the culturally rich city of Charleston, South Carolina, Sandella and Frank Malloy share a lifelong passion for culture, community, and the arts. After graduating from college, Frank served in the Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa, where Sandella joined him in 1989. During their time in Ghana, they immersed themselves in African culture, and Sandella discovered her natural affinity for African dance.
Inspired by the music, movement, and traditions they experienced, the couple returned to Charleston with a renewed purpose. After years of performing, studying, and traveling throughout Africa and the African Diaspora, they founded Harambee Dance Company in 1994.
For more than 30 years, Harambee Dance Company has blended traditional African dance, contemporary movement, live percussion, and original storytelling to celebrate the richness of the African Diaspora. Today, the family-led organization continues to inspire audiences through performances, arts education, and cultural exchange across the United States and around the world.
