DanceAfrica is a heritage and community celebration equable on the manifold dance forms of the African Diaspora held annually in New York City, Washington, DC, and Chicago. It includes indoor and outdoor performance including live music, a film series, master classes, education programs, and an outdoor bazaar.
Brooklyn Academy of Music Opera House
Origins and Evolution
Created in 1977, under the artistic direction of Founding Elder Chuck Davis and with the aim of heightening awareness of African culture, the festival has evolved into a beloved annual Memorial Day weekend event that brings the entire community together.
The celebration DanceAfrica, created by Chuck Davis, built on the momentum of those 1960s and 70s movements through its showcase of African and African-American traditions and art forms. The political movements in the 1960s and the growth of dance in the 1970s led to the development of a number of African American dance companies.
In the 1940s and 1950s, an African American cultural awareness emerged, seen in performances by Pearl Primus and Katherine Dunham at BAM, the dance focus was shifted from entertainment toward modern dance while integrating African elements. In the 1960s, Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, and Donald McKayle appeared at BAM. These artists were based at the Harlem Cultural Center with the New Dance Group when Chuck Davis arrived in the early 1960s. Davis moved to New York City to perform with musician Babatunde Olatunji; he also studied Dunham technique and jazz with Syvilla Fort.
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In February 1977, the Chuck Davis Dance Company performed in a constructed African village in the BAM Lepercq Space. Based on the success of the engagement, DanceAfrica debuted the following spring beginning with a day-long African bazaar.
Arthur Hall, Charles Moore, Chuck Davis, Dinizulu, and the International Afrikan American Ballet participated in the festival, which offered five performances in the BAM Playhouse and culminated with all five companies-approximately 70 performers-on the Opera House stage.
A festival was born, growing into the country's largest annual celebration of African and African American dance and, adding dates in other cities such as Chicago; Washington, DC; Los Angeles; Miami; Minneapolis; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; and many others. Dallas recently made the festival an annual event.
Key Aspects of DanceAfrica
Each year DanceAfrica welcomes a new visiting company from Africa or its diaspora at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. The performances include other traditional and contemporary dance companies, including the students of BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble, and live music.
Performances included the DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, the empowered artistry of The Women Of The Calabash, and the youthful exuberance of The Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble. Under Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam’s curation, an unforgettable lineup of soul-stirring dance performances graced the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House.
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Extending the cultural immersion, DanceAfrica 2024 offered a dance class, movement session, and master class for attendees to submerge into Cameroonian dance and music traditions. Attendees also gained insights through a talk with DanceAfrica Elders, who reflected on the festival’s history.
In the 1980s Chuck Davis added master classes in African movement and music.
DanceAfrica has showcased troupes based both in Africa and the African Diaspora including many from New York. Companies have ranged in style from indigenous African to urban American hip-hop.
DanceAfrica has shown that “traditional” African dance is not fixed in time and remains tremendously inclusive and diverse, and that even the most cutting-edge choreography can contain African influences.
Weddings, christenings, and other ceremonies have taken place during DanceAfrica-transcending performance and becoming ritual-a community’s celebration of African identity.
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BAM and DanceAfrica
DanceAfrica is BAM's longest running program and America's largest celebration of African and African-American dance, music, and culture. DanceAfrica is BAM’s longest running performance series-and has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition in Brooklyn.
BAM merges the artistic communities of local and global artists, masters and audiences at its multi-arts center. Founded in 1977 by the late visionary Baba Chuck Davis, DanceAfrica celebrates the African Diaspora and is BAM’s longest-running performance series. Since 2015, the festival has continued its legacy under Salaam. Its current artistic director is Abdel R.
In 2015, the leadership baton was passed to Abdel R. Salaam.
DanceAfrica Bazaar
Beyond the stage, the DanceAfrica Bazaar transformed the streets of New York into a cultural marketplace, drawing an impressive crowd of over 30,000 visitors. According to BAM, the bazaar featured over 150 vendors and introduced visitors to an array of food, crafts, and fashion by African, Caribbean, and African-American creators.
DanceAfrica Bazaar
Special Events and Milestones
DanceAfrica 1993 opened with a motorcade procession from Harlem to the steps of BAM. Fifty-two members of the Imperial Bikers Motorcycle Club, each carrying the flag of an African country, were joined by the Council of Elders, artists, and dignitaries for a libation pouring ceremony that included a gigantic carrot cake baked in the shape of Africa.
In 2007, DanceAfrica celebrates its 30th festival with 30 Years of DanceAfrica: Remember! Honor! Respect! 2007 30 Years of DanceAfrica: Remember! Honor! Respect! M.F.O.A. Odadaa!
DanceAfrica Beyond New York
DanceAfrica, DC is a jubilant annual celebration of the cultural vitality of Africa and its diaspora in the nation's capital. Inspired by the Brooklyn Academy of Music's festival and under the guidance of Dr. Baba Chuck Davis, Dance Place spearheaded its own unique format and traditions for this vital and vibrant celebration in 1987. Today, Director of Dance Place's African Dance Program Sylvia Soumah serves as Artistic Director and Griot since the passing of our much beloved Baba Chuck Davis in 2017. DanceAfrica, DC is one of the longest running arms of this nationwide phenomena, celebrating over 30 years of education, artistry and advocacy for African culture in our nation's capital.
DanceAfrica Chicago began in 1990 and is presented by Columbia College Chicago.
Here's a table summarizing the different locations and years DanceAfrica started:
| Location | Year Started | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn, New York | 1977 | Original DanceAfrica festival at BAM |
| Washington, D.C. | 1987 | Spearheaded by Dance Place under Dr. Baba Chuck Davis |
| Chicago, Illinois | 1990 | Presented by Columbia College Chicago |
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