This month we introduced "Walking WIth the Ancestors," featuring Malonga Casquelourd and we're highlighting FUA DIA CONGO. It just made sense to chat with FUA's Artistic Director for Conversation Corner. We're leaving our West African sensibilities behind to learn a little about the Congolese scene.

CB: Thanks for talking to us Muisi-kongo. We are thrilled to have an opportunity to learn something about you and Congolese dance. Tell us your first memory of dance.

MKM: It was at a rehearsal for FUA. I was about three or four years old. I wasn't shy yet. They pulled me in front to do a dance called Mwana Mbenga. They were taken by how well I did. The next thing I remember was performing in a production by Congolese artists about a year later.

CB: When did you know that you had a calling to dance?

MKM: It was after my "rebellious" years. I think I was about twelve or thirteen. I was going to perform in our annual show, I had two dances. After getting feedback on the performance I suddenly realized I cared about it and I wanted to "own" my work.

CB: what were the rebellious years?

MKM: The "rebellious" years were those when I didn't want to dance. Dance felt like just another chore that my father was forcing me to do. But those were just growing pains, and that time didn't last long. I soon became really passionate about the family business and have spent most of my life dancing and performing.

CB: What did your father do to support you when you decided to own your work?

MKM: Dad saw that I had some leadership potential so he put me in charge of the Ballet Kizingu, the youth ensemble. I got my real training by having a leadership position with the youth. Our lead choreographer was a drummer and though he taught us some fundamentals, we had a lot of room to explore our creativity. The youth company also gave me my first experience as a choreographer as well.

CB: How long were you with the youth company?

MKM: I stayed with them for seven years. Then the youth company was not so youthful anymore, but we were hot! There was a definitely a competitive dynamic between the youth company and the adult company. We were good enough and old enough to be the adult company.

CB: So how was that resolved?

MKM: [laughs] We became the adult company.

CB: We asked about your Dad. Is your Mom Congolese also?

MKM: No, my Mom is African American. Her name is Dr. Faye McNair-Knox. She is a community organizer and an original member of FUA. She is totally supportive of me.