international council of traditional dance and music
Safeguarding Global Heritage Through Dance, Music & Community Care
what is ICTDM ?
Introduction:
The International Council of Traditional Dance and Music (ICTDM) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Elk Grove, California. Inspired by UNESCO’s global vision of cultural heritage preservation, ICTDM is dedicated to promoting traditional dance and music as tools of peace, identity, and resilience.
Through our integrated departments in Medical, Legal, and Educational outreach, we aim to build a world where cultural traditions uplift communities, protect rights, and empower the underserved.
Korean dance
African dance
eourpean dance
Why Traditional Dance and Music?
Cultural Expressions
Traditional dance and music transcend borders, conveying stories, values, and ancestral wisdom. These art forms foster intercultural dialogue, preserve indigenous languages, and inspire global unity.
Universal Impact
In a time of division and displacement, ICTDM champions these expressions as a medium for peacebuilding, emotional healing, and community development. By promoting and protecting these traditions, we connect generations and strengthen cultural identity worldwide.
malaysian music
african music
uSA music
🫂 Community Support Beyond Culture
ICTDM recognizes that culture thrives when communities are healthy, educated, and legally protected. That’s why we integrate:
- Legal Support: Advocating for the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities.
- Medical Services: Offering health programs and wellness outreach where traditional practices meet modern care.
- Educational Initiatives: Empowering individuals with knowledge of both their heritage and the modern world.
Programs & Events
- Global Heritage Dance Summit
- Traditional Music Healing Workshops
- Legal Rights Clinics for Cultural Practitioners
- “Teach the Tune” School Program
- Indigenous Women’s Health Week
our mission
“To safeguard and celebrate traditional dance and music as living heritage while advancing legal, medical, and educational equity for all.”Our mission is to preserve, celebrate, and promote cultural diversity through the power of traditional dance, music, and artistic expression. We believe that every culture carries a unique story, and through movement and rhythm, these stories can transcend language, borders, and generations.
We are committed to:
Preserving Heritage: Safeguarding traditional dance and music as vital expressions of identity, history, and community values.
Fostering Education: Creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn about cultural traditions through performances, workshops, and community engagement.
Encouraging Unity: Bringing together people from different backgrounds to share, respect, and celebrate the richness of global cultures.
Inspiring Expression: Supporting artists, performers, and storytellers in keeping traditional arts alive in meaningful and modern ways.
Empowering Women Through Culture and Care
At ICTDM, we believe that traditional dance and music are powerful platforms for women’s voices, leadership, and dignity. From the matriarchal drum circles of Africa to the healing dances of Southeast Asia, women have preserved, performed, and passed down ancestral knowledge for generations.
But their contributions often go unrecognized or under-supported.
Our commitment to women empowerment includes:
Supporting Female Cultural Leaders
Providing recognition, resources, and platforms to traditional female artists, performers, and healers.Legal Advocacy for Women’s Rights
Offering legal assistance for women facing discrimination, displacement, or cultural erasure.Education and Mentorship for Girls and Women
Delivering inclusive educational programs that bridge cultural learning and modern opportunity.Women’s Health & Wellness Initiatives
Addressing maternal care, reproductive health, and mental wellness within culturally respectful frameworks.Safe Spaces for Expression and Healing
Creating environments where women can reclaim their identity through artistic expression and community support.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Introduction:
The Legal Department of ICTDM is dedicated to protecting the cultural and human rights of traditional artists, performers, and vulnerable communities.
Key Sections:
Legal Aid for Artists & Performers
Offering consultations on copyright, intellectual property, and cultural appropriation concerns.Indigenous Rights & Advocacy
Promoting legal recognition and protection of indigenous communities and their cultural practices.Community Clinics & Legal Workshops
On-the-ground support for immigration, housing rights, and access to justice.Partnerships
Collaborating with human rights bodies, bar associations, and pro bono legal networks
EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT
Introduction:
Education is at the heart of cultural continuity. ICTDM’s Educational Department bridges ancestral knowledge with modern learning to empower new generations.
Key Sections:
Workshops & School Programs
Bringing traditional music and dance into classrooms around the world.Scholarships & Fellowships
For students and researchers preserving or innovating within their cultural traditions.Digital Archives & E-Learning
Free and paid content: tutorials, oral histories, language preservation, and cultural modules.Mentorship Programs
Connecting master performers with emerging artists across borders.
medical department
Introduction:
ICTDM’s Medical Department supports health and wellness within cultural communities, blending traditional practices with modern medical outreach.
Key Sections:
Community Health Drives
Free clinics and wellness screenings in underserved areas.Traditional Healing Dialogues
Exploring synergies between indigenous knowledge and public health practices.Mental Health & Trauma Support
Programs for displaced cultural practitioners, refugees, and marginalized artists.Women’s Health & Education
Focused services for maternal health, family planning, and menstrual equity.
