Dance
DanceAfrica 2014
Artistic Director Chuck Davis
Groupe Bakomanga
DanceAfrica—the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African dance—returns for its 37th year, welcoming Madagascar-based music and dance troupe Bakomanga.
This year, the spotlight shines on Bakomanga, making its US debut. This Madagascar-based music and dance troupe embraces a rich variety of indigenous cultural forms, using jubilant drum- and accordion-driven music and movement to honor its ancestors, usher in the harvest, and preserve tradition. Catch them and select New York State artists in the annual Memorial Day weekend performances, hosted by Baba Chuck Davis. Ago! Amee!
DanceAfrica is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature
Artistic director Chuck Davis hosts this showcase of dance and music to kick off the festival, featuring Madagascar-based Groupe Bakomanga, Malagasy guitarist Madagascar Slim, New York State artists, and more.
Chuck Davis (1937—2017) was the founding artistic director of DanceAfrica.
BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble celebrates ancestral roots and the modern-day community.
The Malagasy-Canadian guitarist combines folk and blues in his own award-winning style.
Bakomanga has performed in Japan, France, La Reunion, and Gabon.
An internationally awarded artist, Okore was recently featured in Sculpture magazine.
Artistic Director Yao Ababio founded Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater in 2001.
This Buffalo-based organization draws on Senegalese dance and drum traditions.