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The D.C.Youth Ensemble, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) young people's performing arts company based in Washington, D.C. Founded by Carol W. Foster, the Artistic and Executive Director The Youth Ensemble offers extensive training in dance, drama, and music. There is both professional and non-professional training for children, teens, and young adults. Since its inception, D.C. Youth Ensemble, Inc. has emerged as a leader and pioneer in the performing arts for youth ages three through young adult. The Ensemble is the recipient of one of the highest honors afforded artist in the District of Columbia, "The Mayor's Art Award." The group has been featured on numerous television and radio programs as well as performances at the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival in New York City. The Ensemble has also been featured with notable artists in the music industry as well as dance artists. Foster and the D.C. Youth Ensemble have continually and consistently received favorable reviews from the Washington Post over a 20 year period. The ensemble is a past host of the International Conference of Blacks in Dance (1994), and has performed at several previous conferences. D.C. Youth Ensemble is also a founding member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance.

The D.C. Youth Ensemble has also gained an outstanding reputation for its TARATIBU program. TARATIBU, which means "the order" in KiSwahili, is a style of movement, which combines contemporary military drill with South African Gum Boot, and traditional African dance movement. The Pan African Drill Team Program of the D.C. Youth Ensemble is Watoto na Nia (Children of Purpose). It is a chartered drill team of the African Youth Organization (AYO). The TARATIBU was developed and is copyrighted by Afia Akota of Watoto Nationhouse School. The drill seeks to put into practice the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba… UMOJA-unity, KUJICHAGULIA-self determination, UJIMA-collective work and responsibility, UJAMAA-cooperative economics, KUUMBA-creativity, NIA-purpose, IMANI-faith. In doing TARATIBU we realize that our children are not lost that they can become a well disciplined positive unit of strength. TARATIBU teaches young people the value of discipline, cooperation, and unity; it builds self-esteem, and reinforces responsibility to the community.

Overall, community outreach is a major focus of the Ensemble. There are regular performances at public schools, churches, community events, and for community based organizations. There is a demanding course of study within the ensemble which emphasizes not only the performing arts but the importance of commitment to a goal and community service as well. The Ensemble particularly targets talented youth and young people with special needs including the physically and emotionally challenged as well as students who would not necessarily involve themselves in an activity of this nature. The D.C. Youth Ensemble is committed to making the arts available to all ages and all communities.