About Our Programs

DanceAfrica

 
 
 

DanceAfrica celebrates the cultural vitality of Africa and its diaspora through dance, art, film, and an outdoor bazaar.

 
  Current Festival
 
 
 
BACK
 
BACK

DanceAfrica is BAM's longest running program and America's largest celebration of African and African-American dance, music, and culture. Created in 1977, under the artistic direction of Founding Elder Chuck Davis and with the aim of heightening awareness of African culture, the festival has evolved into a beloved annual Memorial Day weekend event that brings the entire community together. In 2015, the leadership baton was passed to Abdel R. Salaam.

Each year DanceAfrica welcomes a new visiting company from Africa or its diaspora at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. The performances include other traditional and contemporary dance companies, including the students of BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble, and live music. The weekend-long festival also includes master classes, community events, film screenings, an art exhibition, and the one-and-only DanceAfrica outdoor bazaar, a global marketplace of African, African-American, and Caribbean arts, crafts, and food featuring over 200 vendors and attracting up to 30,000 visitors per year.

DanceAfrica is part of the Winter/Spring Season.


 
DA Program
DanceAfrica Festival 2023
May 13—Jun 1, 2023
 
DanceAfrica Festival 2023
May 13—Jun 1, 2023
 
The beloved festival returns with a month of performances, classes, the bazaar, and more!
MORE
 
Past Seasons
DanceAfrica 2020
PROGRAMS
DanceAfrica 2020
 
DanceAfrica 2020
 

This year, we celebrate DanceAfrica with a series of digital offerings, including online dance classes, streams of past performances, a virtual bazaar, and more.

MORE
 
PAST EVENTS
Danceafrica Program
DanceAfrica Festival 2022
 

The beloved festival returns with a month of performances, classes, the bazaar, and more!

May 3—May 30, 2022
 
 
DanceAfrica
Programs
DanceAfrica Festival 2021
 

Celebrate Haiti at this vibrant virtual festival featuring dance, classes, films, and more.

May 4—Jun 14, 2021
 
 
Dance
DanceAfrica 2019 Performances
 

This year’s DanceAfrica performance offers a taste of the rich movement traditions of Rwanda.

May 24—May 27, 2019
 
 
Danceafrica 2018
Dance
DanceAfrica 2018 Performances
 

This year’s performance offers a taste of the rhythm and spirit of South Africa.

May 26—May 28, 2018
 
 
DanceAfrica 2017
Dance
DanceAfrica 2017
 

This year’s 40th anniversary celebration pays tribute to the music and movement traditions of Guinea.

May 26—May 29, 2017
 
 
Programs
DanceAfrica Festival 2016
 

The nation’s largest festival dedicated to African dance returns for its 39th year.

May 25—May 30, 2016
 
 
Programs
DanceAfrica 2015
 

The nation’s largest African dance festival returns, celebrating Afro-Brazilian dance.

May 16—May 25, 2015
 
 
Programs
DanceAfrica 2014
 

BAM’s annual festival of African dance welcomes Madagascar-based troupe Bakomanga.

May 17—May 26, 2014
 
 
Dance
DanceAfrica 2013
 

The nation’s largest African dance festival welcomes Umkhathi Theatre Works from Zimbabwe.

May 17—May 27, 2013
 
 
Programs
DanceAfrica 35 Years
 

DanceAfrica, a vibrant celebration of Africa and the diaspora, celebrates 35 years.

May 18—May 28, 2012