Join Al Taw’am, recipients of the 2022—2023 Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship, as they guide participants through their “House Fusion” dance style.
“Danceafrica is a family reunion, a chance to see how the branches of the family tree have extended.”
—The New York Times
—The New York Times
DanceAfrica Performance 2023
May 26—29, 2023
GOLDEN GHANA: ADINKRA, ANANSE, AND ABUSUA
Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam
- Part of
- Winter/Spring 2023
“This festival heals, pumps up, and moves one to tears.”—Dance Enthusiast
The nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music returns to the stages and streets of Brooklyn for its 46th year! In 2023, we celebrate with traditional Ghanian dance and music from the National Dance Company of Ghana. Plus, the DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers return, along with the beloved RestorationArt Dance Youth Ensemble.
“Danceafrica is a family reunion, a chance to see how the branches of the family tree have extended.”
—The New York Times
—The New York Times
UPCOMING Performances
VENUE
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $35
All performances will adhere to protocols developed in accordance with New York State regulations and in consultation with medical professionals for the safety of our artists, audiences, and staff.
RELATED EVENTS
BAM Members enjoy waived handling fees (Level 2+).
Leadership support for
BAM Access Programs provided by
the Jerome L. Greene Foundation.
Leadership support for
programming in the
Howard Gilman Opera House
provided by:
Leadership support for
dance at BAM provided by
The SHS Foundation
Leadership support for
dance at BAM provided by:
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National Theater of Ghana’s National Dance CompanyThe National Dance Company of Ghana was established at the University of Ghana in 1962 by Albert Mawere Opoku, who also served as the inaugural artistic director. Opoku’s arrangements of traditional dances remain the core repertoire of the ensemble. Francis Nii Yartey succeeded Opoku for 30 years, creating extended works that explored the polyvalence of African performance. Currently under the leadership of Stephany Ursula Yamoah, the Ensemble presents indigenous and contemporary dance forms as well as dance-theater productions. -
Abdel R. SalaamAbdel R. Salaam is the Artistic Director of DanceAfrica; the Executive Artistic Director/Co-Founder of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, founded in 1981; and a critically acclaimed choreographer. Born in Harlem, he has served as a dancer, teacher, and performing artist in five continents throughout his 55-year career in the dance and theater worlds. He has received numerous awards and fellowships for excellence in dance and dance-theater and continues to dedicate his life’s work to the healing and empowerment of us all. -
BAM Restoration Dance Youth EnsembleThis DanceAfrica favorite returns to the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House for the 26th year. The ensemble serves as a symbol of youth involvement in the preservation of African heritage, celebrating both ancestral roots and the modern-day community. -
DanceAfrica Spirit WalkersThe DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers were founded by Baba Abdel R. Salaam in 2016 to theatrically honor the ancestors of Africa and its diaspora through the annual DanceAfrica Memorial Tribute, originally developed by the late Baba Chuck Davis. The group comprises professional dance artists and musicians from the Restoration alumni and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, melding African vernacular forms, modern, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. -
Arkestra AfricaTo reflect contemporary Ghana, part of the production will take the form of a vibrant club scene, including Ghanaian and Nigerian highlife music performed by Arkestra Africa, a 10-piece ensemble led by musical director K. Osei Williams and featuring Afropop vocalist Amma Whatt.
EXPLORE DanceAfrica
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ClassesChuck Davis Emerging Choreographers Fellowship Community Workshop & Artist Talk
Sat, May 13, 2023
Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographers Fellowship Community Workshop & Artist Talk
Sat, May 13, 2023 -
CommunityCommunity Day
Sat, May 20, 2023
Community Day
Sat, May 20, 2023DanceAfrica 2023 kicks off with this annual community welcome for the artists, featuring performances by students from the RestorationART Youth Arts Academy.
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CommunityTribute to the Ancestors
Sat, May 20, 2023
Tribute to the Ancestors
Sat, May 20, 2023This traditional tribute to those who have passed features music and drumming, dance performances, and a libation ceremony conducted by the DanceAfrica Council of Elders.
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CommunityMemorial Room
May 25—May 29, 2023
Memorial Room
May 25—May 29, 2023The Memorial Room is dedicated to preserving the tradition of paying homage to the ancestors of DanceAfrica’s past and present, as well as the ancestors of the visiting companies.
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ClassesDanceAfrica Community Workshop at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sat, May 27, 2023
DanceAfrica Community Workshop at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sat, May 27, 2023Caregivers and children alike deepen their engagement with DanceAfrica in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop with BAM teaching artist Adia Whitaker on the fundamentals of Haitian movement and music.
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CommunityLate Night Dance Party with DJ YB
Sat, May 27, 2023
Late Night Dance Party with DJ YB
Sat, May 27, 2023Keep the celebration going after hours with DJ YB, who brings a mix of Afrobeat, funk, soul, rock, jazz, and hip-hop stylings to the dance floor of BAMcafé.
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Community | TalksCouncil of Elders Roundtable: Legacy & Preservation
Sun, May 28, 2023
Council of Elders Roundtable: Legacy & Preservation
Sun, May 28, 2023Members of DanceAfrica’s Council of Elders discuss the importance of preserving legacy and their work to create connections between the ancestors, the culture of Africa and its diaspora, and the BAM community.
SUPPORT BAM
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MEMBERSHIPBAM Membership ($85+)
BAM Membership ($85+)
Enjoy half off stages and screens as a member. With valuable discounts, advance access to tickets, and invitations to special events, BAM Membership is your license to see more for less. -
SUPPORTBAM Patrons ($2,000+)
BAM Patrons ($2,000+)
Priority access to premium seats, personalized ticket services, exclusive invitations, and more. -
SUPPORTYoung Producers ($500+)
Young Producers ($500+)
Young Producers are a dynamic group of patrons who share a unique passion for BAM programming and play an integral part in supporting BAM’s work.
