Atlanta is a vibrant hub for arts and culture, and its African dance scene is no exception. Several dynamic groups call this city home, each contributing unique styles, performances, and community engagement initiatives. These groups not only entertain but also educate and inspire, fostering a deeper appreciation for African heritage and the power of dance.
Giwayen Mata: Elephant Women of Dance
Giwayen Mata is a dynamic, all-female dance, percussion, and vocal ensemble. Their name, meaning "elephant women" in the Hausa language of Nigeria, represents the leaders of women’s organizations. Just like elephants, they are a multi-generational herd.
Grounded by movements, rhythms, and songs of the African Diaspora, they present performance works that reflect, celebrate, and unlock the hidden treasures of Black womanhood. Standing tall with feet touching the sacred grounds of Indigenous American ancestors and the birth lands of African foremothers and forefathers, they show honor and respect for the beautiful tapestry of life that adorns who they are as powerful daughters of the world.
Manga African Dance: Educating and Inspiring
Manga African Dance was born out of a desire to edu-tain the community with exclusive performances, festivals, conferences, dance and drum classes and workshops meant to dazzle and inspire audiences from all over. Since 1990, they’ve engaged with the local community by providing emerging artists with opportunities to participate in their productions.
Manga African Dance provides emerging artists with opportunities to participate in their productions. Audiences feel apart of what Manga African Dance is doing and not just watch them dance.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
Here is what Vivian Carter-Cain, Black History Committee Member, Talley Street Upper Elementary School, City Schools of Decatur said about Manga African Dance:
"I just wanted to say thank you once again. I am getting texts and calls about hoe amazing you all are. You really went above and beyond and did things I was not even expecting. Folks loved to be able to sing and dance you made them feel apart of what you all was doing and not just watch you dance. I hope all is well with each of you and that you're having a Terrific Tuesday. Again, I would like to thank the Manga Dance Company for coming to Talley Street and blessing us with Rhythm in Motion and your overall beautiful spirit. I , along with the students, learned so much about African countries and where music and dance(s) originated from. You were all the rave and talk at Talley after you left. I, too, posted on Instagram."
The children loved the program and students enjoyed the presentation so very much.
Top 10 Best Traditional Dances in Africa - African Traditional Dances
Ballethnic: A Fusion of Ballet and African Dance
Ballethnic is a professional ballet company that creates visibility for Black and Brown dancers who, in spite of proper training, are overlooked. Ballethnic has distinguished itself from other black professional ballet companies by its unique and authentic praxis of blending ballet with African dance concepts and placing the movements sur la pointe for more than 30 years.
Ballethnic’s mission is to be a global catalyst for social change through ballet fused with African dance concepts placed on pointe. Since its inception Ballethnic has served a diverse base of people from its company members to its students.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
They are making a radical shift in the access of classical and contemporary ballet in Atlanta - in studios, on stage, behind the scenes, and among audiences, dance professionals, and students.
Ballethnic has worked to change the landscape of classical ballet by increasing artistic opportunities through their Dance Company, Ballethnic Academy of Dance, Youth Ensemble, and Danseur Development Project. They are one of the most prolific creators of critically acclaimed ballets in the Southeast and have developed diverse dance audiences across the country.
Ballethnic celebrates its selection as a Southern Cultural Treasure. Nationally recognized for its principal goal of giving Black dancers the professional opportunities they deserve based solely on their talent and dedication to the art, Ballethnic continues to increase visibility for Black ballet in Atlanta and throughout the southeast.
As a supporter, you will be making a valuable contribution to the sustainability of this small, historic dance company and will support its ongoing commitment to aspiring dancers and to its ever-increasing commitment to its loyal community.
Ballethnic, for many, was not just the place to go to dance. It became their life. It was their friends and family, their security, their artistic expression, and their voice.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
Ballethnic celebrates music with a melody, a message and live instrumentation. The Ballethnic Academy of Dance’s educational approach is about more than dance, it stresses disciplined lives, sound bodies, and focused minds for both children and adults.
Collaboration and community are built into every aspect of Ballethnic’s programming. They are dedicated to giving back to their community through educational workshops, free performances, outreach into local schools, and more.
Here is what Nena Y. Waverly T. Adam L. said about Ballethnic: "They stress the importance of paying it forward through family, youth services, and education. enough for their continued guidance cherishing all they have instilled in me."
Ballethnic does not visit communities of color or the under-served for the purpose of presenting occasional programs.
Key Programs of Ballethnic:
- Dance Company
- Ballethnic Academy of Dance
- Youth Ensemble
- Danseur Development Project
Ballethnic Academy of Dance Programs:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Modern
- Musical Theatre
These dance groups collectively enrich Atlanta's cultural scene, offering diverse experiences and opportunities for both performers and audiences. From traditional African rhythms to innovative blends of ballet and African dance, these groups showcase the power and beauty of movement.
