America’s largest festival of African dance returns to the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House and beyond this weekend from May 22–25. Context is everything, so get even closer to the production with this curated selection of articles, videos, and original blog pieces related to the show. For those of you who've already attended an event, help us keep the conversation going by telling us what you thought below and by posting on social media using #DanceAfrica. Ago? Amée!!
Program Notes
DanceAfrica 2015 (PDF)
Related Events
Film
FilmAfrica (May 22–25)
Neighborhood
DanceAfrica 2015 Bazaar (May 23–25)
Music
JUMP N FUNK with Rich Medina and The Marksmen (Sat, May 23 at 10 PM)
Read
Article
DanceAfrica Spotlight: Balé Folclórico da Bahia (BAM blog)
Founded in 1988, Brazil's only professional folk dance company performs a unique blend of dance theater drawing from Bahian folkloric traditions, including Carnival celebrations, samba, capoiera, and slave dances.
Article
1977: The Origins of DanceAfrica (BAM blog)
Learn more about the genesis of this remarkable 38-year-old tradition.
Young members of the BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble share fond DanceAfrica memories and sound advice for future generations of artists.
Article
DanceAfrica Street Style: A Recap (BAM blog)
Relive highlights from last year's festival with a fabulous collection of fashions and faces snapped by some of our favorite Instagrammers.
Article
Transition in Leadership for BAM’s DanceAfrica (The New York Times)
DanceAfrica's beloved Artistic Director Baba Chuck Davis steps down in 2016. He will be succeeded by Abdel R. Salaam.
Article
Transition in Leadership for BAM’s DanceAfrica (The New York Times)
DanceAfrica's beloved Artistic Director Baba Chuck Davis steps down in 2016. He will be succeeded by Abdel R. Salaam.
Review
A Burst of Brazilian Energy (Washington Post)"Balé Folclórico da Bahia...performed with a level of energy, enthusiasm and abandon not often seen in North American dance, folk or otherwise."
Look & Listen
Playlist
DanceAfrica 2015 (Spotify)
A carefully curated selection of Afro-Brazilian beats to get your blood pumping and your booty shaking.
Video
Balé Folclórico da Bahia (YouTube)
This year’s featured DanceAfrica company performs in Itabuna, Bahia, in 2013.
Video
Dança dos Orixas (YouTube)
Another fantastic performance from Balé Folclórico da Bahia in Aneho, Togo, from 2014.
Essential Knowledge
"Ago?""Amée!!" If you've ever attended a DanceAfrica performance, you've definitely heard that call-and-response echo through the room. The words come from Ghana, and they mean "Can I have your attention?" and "You have my attention," respectively. So when Artistic Director Baba Chuck Davis bellows his booming "Ago?" at the crowd this weekend, be sure to holler back and let him know you're listening.
Now your turn...
Which event(s) did you attend? How did you enjoy yourself? Likes? Dislikes? Surprises? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #DanceAfrica.
Another fantastic performance from Balé Folclórico da Bahia in Aneho, Togo, from 2014.
Essential Knowledge
"Ago?""Amée!!" If you've ever attended a DanceAfrica performance, you've definitely heard that call-and-response echo through the room. The words come from Ghana, and they mean "Can I have your attention?" and "You have my attention," respectively. So when Artistic Director Baba Chuck Davis bellows his booming "Ago?" at the crowd this weekend, be sure to holler back and let him know you're listening.
Now your turn...
Which event(s) did you attend? How did you enjoy yourself? Likes? Dislikes? Surprises? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #DanceAfrica.