Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam
The nation’s largest festival dedicated to African dance and music celebrates its 45th year, under the leadership of artistic director Abdel R. Salaam. Join us for a month of activities—including an art exhibition, dance workshops, community events, the annual FilmAfrica series, and outdoor bazaar—and a dance performance that honors DanceAfrica’s homegrown roots
Work directly with some of the festival’s choreographers in these open level workshops exploring different movement practices.
Choreographers from this year’s festival come together for a conversation about honoring and celebrating the legacies of Africa and its diaspora through their own practices.
This talent expo aims to connect youth through artistic expression and extend the legacy of DanceAfrica to teen community members, hosted by BAM’s very own Brooklyn Interns for Arts and Culture.
This traditional tribute to those who have passed features music and drumming, dance performances, and a libation ceremony conducted by the DanceAfrica Council of Elders.
DanceAfrica 2022 kicks off with this annual community welcome for the artists, featuring performances by students from RestorationArt.
The 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.
Looking back at more than a decade of FilmAfrica at BAM, this series gathers recent work with hits from past festivals to celebrate the incredible cinema New York African Film Festival brings to BAM each year.
BAM’s beloved annual festival celebrates a home-grown vision of traditional African dances with five guest companies from New York and DC.
Keep 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.
Caregivers 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.
Members 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.
DanceAfrica’s beloved bazaar returns, featuring more than 150 vendors from around the world, offering African, Caribbean, and African-American food, crafts, and fashion.
Featured company Farafina Kan invites caregivers and children to explore the fundamentals of West African dance movement and music in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop.
A member of Farafina Kan leads this immersive workshop in the music and dance of West Africa, introducing participants to rhythmic traditions and traditional movement styles.
Discover how African and diasporic dance forms celebrate community and aspects of daily life in this inclusive, interactive class led by Pat Hall, designed for persons with or without disabilities.
Members 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.
In this new work made of stained glass, artist and writer Christopher Myers pays homage to interdisciplinary artist Ralph Lemon.
We are committed to making our programming—both virtual and in person—welcoming and accessible to all patrons. Visit our Accessibility page or contact us at accessibility@BAM.org with any questions, suggestions, or for additional information.