Mr. Leitão came to New York to train in classical ballet at the Dance Theater of Harlem. Subsequently, while teaching African dance to adults, he noticed that children would routinely watch from the sidelines. It was then that Mr. Leitão realized that the allure of African dance and rhythm of the drums have an extraordinary, engaging force. He decided to use these art forms to share his childhood stories and culture with these youth. One week later, Batoto Yetu made its modest start with seven children in a neighborhood playground in Harlem. Within one month, donning self-made costumes, the group performed on Staff Day at the United Nations, receiving a standing ovation. Their outstanding accomplishments have led to the children performing at world-class venues and in theaters nationally and internationally. They have performed at The United Nations General Assembly Hall for “The Day Of African Child” with Harry Belafonte, at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC in “African Mosaic,” at The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and at Radio City Music Hall. Their regular Holiday Celebration in December has taken place at the Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, The Apollo Theater, and Symphony Space. Each year some 500 disadvantaged children have attended these performances with the help of New York City Department of Homeless Services. Batoto Yetu has appeared on,“The Today Show,” “Good Day New York,” “CBS This Morning,” and “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” Batoto Yetu is also featured in an ongoing segment of Sesame Street and a Celebration of Storytelling in PBS, and its children have appeared with Harry Belafonte and the Jim Henson Muppets for Save the Children, at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Lee, Massachusetts, and at the New Victory Theater in Manhattan. Mr. Leitão currently serves as an advisor to Sesame Street and is a 2001 recipient of a “Sun Days” award from that program.