Dance | Music
DanceAfrica 2018 Performances
Remembrance, Reconciliation, Renewal
Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam
The nation’s largest African dance festival returns to BAM for its 41st year, under the leadership of artistic director Abdel R. Salaam. This year’s performance offers a taste of the rhythm and spirit of South Africa, acknowledging Nelson Mandela’s centennial birthday and the contributions of freedom fighters past and present.
South African supergroup Ingoma KwaZulu-Natal Dance Company brings traditional movement idioms alongside the contemporary stylings of Durban-based Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre. They are joined by the BAM/Restoration Dance Youth Ensemble and, together, rejoice in the transcendent power of movement and music in a range of forms and traditions. This year’s performance draws parallels between South African anti-apartheid and American civil rights movements, portraying the struggles for justice and, ultimately, serving up triumphant celebrations of culture.
Ingoma KwaZulu-Natal Dance Company
Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre
BAM/Restoration Dance Youth Ensemble (Brooklyn)
DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers
Lighting & Scenic Design by Al Crawford
Sound Design by David Margolin Lawson
Produced by BAM
Abdel R. Salaam is the Artistic Director Designate for DanceAfrica and the executive artistic director and choreographer of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.
An annual favorite at DanceAfrica and a symbol of youth involvement in the preservation of African heritage, the BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble celebrates both ancestral roots and the modern-day community.
Formed specially for DanceAfrica 2018, this supergroup comprises members of four traditional and contemporary South African companies.
Under the directorship of Jay Pather and resident choreographer Simphiwe Magazi, this South African company performs a range of contemporary and intercultural dance.
Experience DanceAfrica at these free community workshops led by BAM teaching artists Farai Malianga and Efeya Sampson.
This traditional tribute to the ancestors features a libation ceremony conducted by the DanceAfrica Council of Elders with music, drumming, and dance performances.
This year's festival kicks off with the annual community welcome for the artists, featuring performances by students from RestorationART.
DanceAfrica's beloved bazaar returns, featuring more than 150 vendors from around the world, offering African, Caribbean, and African-American food, crafts, and fashion.
A survey of recent video work by South African artist Nandipha Mntambo.
The South African sculptor, painter, and video artist discusses her practice with the Brooklyn Museum’s Ashley James.
This cinematic companion to the annual DanceAfrica celebration showcases the best new narrative, documentary, and short films from across Africa and the diaspora.
DJ Greg Caz brings his legendary mixes of vintage Brazilian beats to BAMcafé for DanceAfrica 2018.
Participants are introduced to South African rhythmic traditions and learn the fundamentals of South African movement styles in this immersive workshop.
Caregivers and children alike deepen their engagement with DanceAfrica in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop focusing on South African movement and music.
Be a part of the DanceAfrica community in this inclusive class, where adults of all physical abilities learn the rhythmic beats of the South African gumboot dance.