Every year the Bedstuy Restoration Center collaborates with BAM’s Department of Education and Humanities for the DanceAfrica project. The annual event features BAM dance students from ages 5 and up, visitors, performers, or artist from Africa. The event also has an impressive audience of local leaders, council members, and the public/neighboring communities.
Dr. Charles "Chuck" Davis, artistic director and founding elder of DanceAfrica, leads open prayer before the festival begins. |
This year Dance Africa 2014 was graced with the presence of a group of 17 dancers, artists, and
musicians. The group called "Groupe Bakomanga", is known for its colorful dance and live music performances, drawing on traditional rhythms and choreographies from the Imerina, Antandroy, Betsileo, and a host of other Malagasy tribes.
Our Participants were truly amazed and enjoyed the experience. Although some were new to these traditions, others shared their stories of taking part in African dance during their elementary school years. Conversations of past memories were shared amongst the group of participants, as they closely watched performances.
Some JOIN participants who attended,and Community Programs Associate, Lisa (Middle). |
Dance Africa was truly another successful BOLTS trip!
Dance Africa 2014 is not over yet!
If you would like to get a taste of Madagascar,
the show will run from May 17th- 26th, it is a free event, and open to the public.
The Brownsville Community Justice Center highly recommends supporting the Bedstuy Restoration Center & BAM's Dance Africa 2014!
Local youth and drum students get ready to perform. |
BAM Student Dancers perform to live drums for crowd and Madagascar guest. |
A memorable moment at this place was when my Mom asked the maitre'd if the guest room we had our things in was unlocked b/c she wanted to get her flats. Next thing we know, he is coming to her table with her shoes on a silver platter. WOW.
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