Tiffany Knighten-Buddington is the founder and artistic director of Nkiruka Drum and Dance Ensemble. Tiffany has over 36 years of experience in dance, acting and professional perfomances. She has received formal training in traditional African Dance, Afro-Modern, modern, ballet, samba, various Brazilian dance styles, jazz, and tap dance.

 

She has been a principal dancer in many dance companies and teams, most notably: Khadija's School of Dance under the direction of Khadija Williams where she received the foundation of her dance career as a child, focusing in afro-contemporary; Southern University's Dancing Dolls; Young African American Dance Ensemble under the direction of Kai Knight focusing in modern dance; N’kafu Traditional African Dance Company under the direction of Mariama Curry; and Casa Samba focusing on samba, samba-reggae and Afro-Brazilian under the direction of Curtis Pierre.

 

Tiffany has studied Samba dance styles in Brazil. She also studied under master African Dance teachers including Marie Basse-Wiles, Mouminatou Camara and Youssouff Koumbassa.

 

In January 2015 Tiffany choreographed and danced in the "G.O.M.D" video for nationally renowned recording artist J. Cole

 

Tiffany has been an African Dance Teacher for Young Audiences since 2013. She is also currently the coach of the dance team at West Jefferson Highschool - La Jolie Rouge.  The young ladies recently won a Dance Competition at the 2015 Essence Festival in New Orleans, LA.