Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam
This Memorial Day weekend, the vibrant artistry and revolutionary history of Ghana will electrify the streets and stages of Brooklyn for the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music. Now in its 46th year, DanceAfrica presents a choreographic, sonic, and cinematic journey through the past and present of Ghanaian culture—like the symbol of the sankofa, looking back to look forward.
Created for DanceAfrica 2023, Cecilia Lamptey-Botchway’s “Spirit and Rhythm of African Dance” takes inspiration from the celebrated dancer and educator Cherie Hill and the diaspora's many different movements.
The nation’s largest festival dedicated to African dance and music returns to the stages and streets of Brooklyn for its 46th year! In 2023, we celebrate with traditional dance and music from Ghana.
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 2023 kicks off with this annual community welcome for the artists, featuring performances by students from the Restoration Youth Arts Academy.
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.
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.
This cinematic companion to the annual DanceAfrica celebration showcases the best new narrative, documentary, and short films from across Africa and the diaspora, with a special focus on films from and about Ghana.
Join us for the opening night of DanceAfrica—and celebrate with the cast, crew, and fellow BAM Patrons at an exclusive post-show party!
DanceAfrica’s beloved bazaar returns, featuring more than 150 vendors from around the world, offering African, Caribbean, and African-American food, crafts, and fashion.
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.
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.
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 invites caregivers and children to explore the fundamentals of Ghanaian dance movement and music in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop.
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.
A member of the National Dance Company of Ghana leads this immersive workshop in music and dance, introducing participants to Ghanaian rhythmic traditions and traditional movement styles.
Discover the BAM Hamm Archives’ ongoing work to preserve the incredible legacy of DanceAfrica through projects focused on oral history, audiovisual media.
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.