The Company was founded by a group of artists whose desire was to express their common cultural heritage through the performing arts. The group began rehearsing in a local park district field house, attracting attention among local artists and the community. As word of the Company, grew Muntu was asked to perform for a variety of community functions, including celebrations, weddings, etc. This early involvement in our communities helped to build a loyal local following for the Company as it continued to grow and mature. Word of the Company soon spread beyond Illinois. In 1977, the Company had its first tour to Cincinnati, OH where they present two full concerts and master classes. Shortly after, the Company had its debut performances in NY at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. These artistic achievements were matched by continuous organizational development, as well. Now in its 38th year, Muntu provides full time employment and benefits to six staff and ten professional artists. Its arts education programs serve over 300 youth each week. The Company is in the midst of its campaign to develop the Muntu Performing Arts Center at 47th Street and Greenwood Avenue.

Muntu Dance Theatre was founded in 1972 to perpetuate awareness and understanding of, as well as an appreciation for the dance, music and folklore of African cultures. The Company carries out this mission through professional performances both at home and abroad, comprehensive community arts programs, classes for the public, and the identification and training of emerging new young artists.

Muntu tours nationally and internationally, and self produces three annual events: The Summer Concert and Gala at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in July; Summer Dance Jamboree for youth and families at the University of Chicagos International House each Wednesday in July; and the Fall Benefit and Concert, including four mainstage performances and a student matinee at the Gary Comer Youth Center in December. For each of its major concert series, The Company commissions new work from the most talented choreographers in its genre. Muntu continues to maintain a vigorous presence in communities through its Arts for Community Empowerment programs (ACE). Developed in partnership with schools, community groups and organizations, ACE provides a variety of program services for youth, teachers and parents. Through ACE, Muntu has conducted in-school and after-school programs at many CPS high schools including Wendell Phillips Academy and Walter Payton College Prep as well as CPS elementary schools including Murray Language Academy and the University of Chicagos Donoghue Charter School. In 2011, Muntu will begin offering an ACE program on acclaimed dancer, anthropologist and choreographer, Dr. Pearl Primus whose work was featured in its 2010 concert series. The curriculum will explore the life and relevance of Dr. Primus, with a focus on the historical, social and political context of her works around issues of social justice. Students will also learn Fanga, a dance with roots in West African that was first introduced to America by Dr. Primus. In addition to its arts education programs, the Company maintains a busy schedule of local performances at universities, PreK-12 schools, libraries and businesses such as: Bank of America; The Boeing Company; ConAgra Foods; The Nielson Company; North Central College; Kaskaskia College; Kennedy King College; University of Illinois-Chicago; Geneva Middle School; Sacred Heart High School; Robert Frost Middle School; University of Chicago Lab School; Steppenwolf Theatre.