When Know Our Culture was launched a few years ago, never would I have imagined it to be what is has become today. I was there when it started with only 6 dancers- 3 boys and 3 girls. It has since grown exponentially with about more than 20 dancers including an adult group.

Know Our Culture is like the solid foundation on which our culture stands and blossoms, giving us the opportunity to bask in our rich cultural heritage, no matter how far away we are from home.

Sabina is very passionate about our culture and it shows in her unwavering dedication. She has spent countless hours teaching the kids our cultural dances, making sure that they are well prepared for their performances. With Sabina at the helm, I have no doubt that Know Our Culture will continue to grow and become a force to be reckoned with.

Everytime I see the Performance it reminds me of the old days. Sabeniah is doing a fantastic job and I like a her strength and her enthusiastic spirit. Continue striving.
God bless your spirit

Sabeniah is an inspirational woman whose passion for life is deeply rooted in her Dominican heritage. I’ve had the privilege of working with her since the inception of her journey into performing traditional dance, and over the past two decades, I’ve witnessed her unwavering dedication to learning, mastering, and honoring these traditional art forms.

Through years of study and practice, Sabeniah has not only perfected the dances but has also committed herself to passing this invaluable cultural knowledge on to the younger generation. Her enthusiasm for traditional arts is contagious, encouraging others to embrace and celebrate Dominican culture with pride.

Watching the performances of the Know Our Culture dance group is a true joy. It’s incredibly moving to see young people carrying forward this beautiful heritage, and doing so with such excellence and professionalism. The attention to detail- from the traditional attire to the thoughtful music selection- enhances each performance and reflects the deep respect Sabeniah has for the culture she represents.

I am immensely proud of Sabeniah and the work she continues to do. She carries the Dominican legacy with grace, translating it for today’s youth and bringing it into national spaces to foster cultural awareness and appreciation.

I just want to say how incredibly proud I am of you and your team for everything you have built through Know Our Culture. Watching you pour your heart, passion, and talent into this program is truly inspiring. What you have created goes far beyond dance. You have built a community, a family, and a space where people grow in confidence, discipline, and pride.

On behalf of your entire SHI family, we are all cheering you on. Your dedication, creativity, and leadership amaze us every day, not just at SHI. Seeing Know Our Culture continue to grow and shine fills us with so much joy.

Congratulations, Sabeniah. We are proud of you, excited for you, and honored to support you. Keep shining. Your SHI family is with you every step of the way.

Know Your Culture (KOC) is an exceptional dance organization that passionately celebrates and preserves Dominican and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Led by the inspiring Sabeniah Mingo, KOC brings together children, teenagers, and adults in vibrant performances that honor ancestral traditions while embracing cultural fusion from across the Caribbean. Sabeniah's unmatched dedication, artistry, and mentorship shine through every aspect of the group's work—from choreography and costume design to music curation and storytelling.

KOC's commitment extends far beyond performance; it serves as a powerful ambassador for cultural education, community pride, and legacy-building. Families consistently praise the positive impact the group has had on their children, fostering confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a deep pride in their heritage. Through engaging routines, live drumming, and hand-made costumes, KOC immerses its members and audiences in the rich rhythms and stories of Dominica, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, Grenada, and more.

The troupe’s performances—whether at national events, galas, or community celebrations—captivate and inspire, bringing the spirit of the Caribbean to life and placing its culture on the global stage. KOC’s inclusive, multi-generational community welcomes all, teaching not just dance but the meaning and history behind each movement.

Thanks to Sabeniah and the entire KOC team, countless young people have gained invaluable skills, lasting friendships, and a profound appreciation for their cultural roots. Know Your Culture is more than a dance group—it is a living celebration of Caribbean identity and an inspiring force for keeping traditions alive.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking cultural enrichment, personal growth, and a true sense of community.

Sabeniah brings the soul of her nation to the world with unmatched passion and artistry. Her commitment goes far beyond the limits of a 24‑hour day — when she prepares a presentation, she pours her heart into every stitch, every rhythm, every detail. Her pursuit of perfection and innovation shines through in her designs, her craftsmanship, her choreography choices, her music curation, and the countless elements she elevates with intention and pride.

Thanks to her vision and dedication, Dominican and Afro‑Caribbean heritage doesn’t just appear on stage — it dazzles, inspires, and stands tall on the global cultural map. Congratulations Sabeniah!!

KnowYourCulture.com Dance Troupe is a powerful ambassador of Dominican and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Through rhythm, movement, and storytelling, the organization honors ancestral traditions while inspiring new generations to understand where they come from and why it matters. Their work is more than performance—it is cultural education, community pride, and a living celebration of the Afro-Caribbean spirit shared with the world.

KnowYourCulture.com Dance Troupe is a powerful ambassador of Dominican and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Through rhythm, movement, and storytelling, the organization honors ancestral traditions while inspiring new generations to understand where they come from and why it matters. It is cultural education, community pride, and a living celebration of the Afro-Caribbean spirit

Over the course of many years the Dominica-America Relief and Development Association has built a partnership with Know Our Culture whereby each November, KOC joins us at our National Day Gala to celebrate the anniversary of Dominica's Independence. KOC's dance performance is no doubt a highlight for all of our patrons. It is consistently a delight to see the young people demonstrating so passionately their connection to the island nation we call 'home'. DARDA gives thanks for KOC and we always look forward to the next time can see those smiling faces and colorful moves!

My daughter was part of the group for seven years, and it taught her so much about Dominican culture. She developed a genuine excitement for learning the traditional dances and the history behind them. Along the way, she formed strong bonds with her fellow dancers and gained invaluable skills in collaboration, teamwork, and discipline.

I am in awe each time I see a performance by the know Your Culture group. The ensemble of children, teenagers and adults delivers an amazing cultural performance with is deep routed in a cultural fusion of African, French and Caribbean, especially the Nature Island of Dominica.

The group’s dance routines, costumes and cadence of drums has transferred me vicariously to the streets and homes in Dominica where storytelling by our elders were our encyclopedias of knowledge and entertainment.

The group is led by Sabina who is an amazingly talented and dedicated person. Sabina and her group are cultural ambassadors.

With heartfelt regards.

Sabeniah’s passion for dance and Caribbean culture shines in everything she does. She loves teaching children, helping them grow in confidence, and inspiring them to take pride in their heritage. She is truly extraordinary, sharing the richness of her culture with the world through dance.

My kids have been part of the Know Your Culture dance group for the past 7 years, and it has been an amazing experience. Over the years, the girls have built so much confidence, formed strong friendships, and learned more about where they come from and their cultural roots. They’ve also had wonderful opportunities to travel and perform at different events. Being part of this group has been incredibly positive and enriching for them, and I’m so grateful for everything it has given my children.

The first time my daughter, Azelle saw a KOC performance, she was captivated!!! At just six years old, she insisted on becoming part of this amazing group. She has shown incredible commitment, matching her instructor’s dedication as she learned techniques and devoted her time to perfecting each performance. Through KOC, she has developed resilience, discipline, strength, coordination, and a deep pride for Bèlè music and cultural dance. She has embraced her Caribbean roots and rhythm which she proudly shares through her movements, captivating everyone who watches. None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of her instructor Sabienah, whose discipline, passion, and joy uplift every member of the KOC family.

Tavernier Family.

Well done, KOC. I have watched your performances over the years and I am here to say, Well Done. Your dance routines are always a pleasure to behold. You deliver thrilling and exciting performances that bring to life our rich culture. Kudos to you and keep up the good work.

Know Our Culture is a phenomenal dance group! My daughter is learning many traditional Caribbean dances and experiencing a range of Caribbean musical traditions reflective of Dominica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, Grenada and other parts of the Caribbean as well. What's more is that Know Our Culture is an extended family of dancers that welcomes multiple generations to take part. You will become a part of a tight-knit community that teaches, celebrates, and honors Caribbean heritage. Dancers will have many opportunities to perform dances such as bélé, which originates from African dance traditions with live drumming reflective of customs in Dominica, Haiti, Martinique and other Caribbean islands. Live singers present alongside dancers who wear vibrant hand-made costumes inspired by traditional Caribbean attire. I highly recommend Know Our Culture! It is a remarkable dance group to take part in!

Know Our Culture has been an incredibly impactful experience for my son, Logan. From the very beginning, this program has been about so much more than dance. It is about culture, identity, pride, and discipline.

Through Know Our Culture, Logan has been immersed in meaningful cultural education, learning not only the movements, but the history, purpose, and spirit behind them. He has gained a deeper appreciation for Caribbean culture and understands that what he is learning carries legacy and meaning.

Beyond culture, I have seen tremendous growth in his discipline and determination. Logan has learned the importance of showing up, listening, practicing, and pushing through challenges. The structure and expectations of the program have helped him build confidence, focus, and resilience, qualities that extend far beyond the dance floor.

Know Our Culture has given Logan a strong foundation, not just as a dancer, but as a young person learning commitment, teamwork, and pride in who he is. I am deeply grateful for the positive influence this program continues to have on him.

Thank you Sabeniah Mingo for your dedication to me as prepared to participate in the 2025 Bel Matador Pageant! Your training, and passion for what you do along with my commitment brought success in me capturing the title.
Thank you!