Dance | Community
Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship Showing
- 7PM
Tamara Thomas, recipient of the 2017 Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship, presents an evening of choreography that emanates from her study in Ghana. This annual fellowship—in honor of DanceAfrica founding elder Baba Chuck Davis—awards emerging choreographers an opportunity to travel to Africa and study with one or more experts in African dance.
Thomas returns to share a movement technique called denkyem, which she began developing during her trip in Ghana. The evening begins with a video introduction to denkyem, followed by a performance of Thomas’ choreographic works: ...still..., Fugitive Body, and Defying Death/you will NOT steal my joy.
Tamara Thomas is an educator, performing artist, and choreographer. After touring with Chuck Davis' African American Dance Ensemble, she earned her MFA in dance at Temple University. She has studied and taught internationally, showcasing her work at World Cafe Live and the Black Women's Arts Festival, among others. Her artistic vision involves integrating arts and community development, a focus which drove the creation of the Nkonsonkonson Afrikan Youth Ensemble in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship is supported by The SHS Foundation.
The nation’s largest festival dedicated to African dance and music returns, offering a jubilant celebration of the rhythm, movement, and spirit of South Africa past and present.
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.
Caregivers and children alike deepen their engagement with DanceAfrica in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop focusing on South African movement and music.
Participants are introduced to South African rhythmic traditions and learn the fundamentals of South African movement styles in this immersive workshop.
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.