Vivid Performances at BAM’s DanceAfrica Festival
June 3, 2013

On Memorial Day weekend, one of the country’s largest African dance festivals wrapped up its 36th annual performance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Founded by Chuck Davis in 1977, DanceAfrica spreads the love of African dance with performances and master classes by traditional and contemporary companies from around the world. Here are a few of the most colorful moments from the event:

The BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble performed in the festival’s finale and opening celebration. The youth company is the result of a partnership between BAM and the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, dedicated to improving the lives of residents of Central Brooklyn.

 

A cappella troupe Sweet Honey in the Rock performed at DanceAfrica’s opening ceremony.

 

Umkhathi Theatre Works from Zimbabwe performed at DanceAfrica 2013 in Brooklyn, New York.

 

Zimbabwe’s Umkhathi Theatre Works

 

Atlanta’s all-female African dance, percussion, and vocal company Giwayen Mata

 

Chuck Davis and DanceAfrica were recently named one of “America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: The First 100” by the Dance Heritage Coalition.

 

Sweet Honey photo and top Umkhathi photo by Dino Perrucci, others by Jack Vartoogian; all photos courtesy of BAM

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