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VOL 3. NO. 20 Monday, May 28 - Sunday, June 3, 2001
AFRICA
AGAINST THE GRAIN
BUSINESS/NETWORKING
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION
CONSCIOUSLY SPEAKING
FOR THE FAMILY
GALLERIES/MUSEUMS
GET YOUR LAUGH ON
GO GO GROOVES
HEALTH/LIVING WHOLE
HIP HOP/R&B
JAZZ/CLASSICAL
JUST CLUBBING
MORE MUSIC
PRAISE & WORSHIP
SOULFUL CUISINE
SPORTING ACTION
STAGE
THE WORD
STAGE & SCREEN
DanceAfrica DC 2001 - Honoring Sisters Who Move to The Rhythm
By Shantal DAVIS

KanKouran West African Dance Company, Courtesy photo

Music and dance is at the core of African culture and Africa's children throughout the Diaspora continue to lay claim to its rich legacy. No where is Africa's enduring inspiration more evident than in the annual tour de force DanceAfrica DC. Now in its 14th year, this celebration of rhythm and culture has become one of the area's most anticipated communal rituals.

Where else is the African tradition in dance more synergistically linked with the contemporary offerings it has inspired than at DanceAfrica. Over the years we have swayed to the rhythmic linkage that flows from traditional African dance forms from Benin, Ghana, Mali, Senegal and other African cultures, through to such contemporary fare as step, hip hop and hand dance.

The 2001 them and lineup of performers are proof positive of the expansive vision in dance. This year black women take center stage as the festival pays special tribute to the beauty, wisdom, strength and contributions of women of African descent. Participants include: Havana Select, International Capoeira Angola Foundation, Melvin Deal's African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Ezibu Muntu, Sankofa Dance Theater, Coyaba Dance Theater, Tam Tam Mandingue, KanKouran West African Dance, Images of Cultural Artistry and the Dono Dance and Drum Ensemble, among others.

Ever present is the creative energy of Chuck Davis, director of the African-American Dance Ensemble and DanceAfrica's artistic director. We owe this, the nation's largest annual celebration of African dance and culture, to his commitment to showcasing the African art form and empowering the community through the performing arts. In 1977 Davis launched the first DanceAfrica Festival under the auspices of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). Since then the event has grown significantly and is now featured in seven other cities. In addition to the celebrations in dance held in the District and Brooklyn, folks are kicking up their heels in Chicago, Hartford, Miami, Minneapolis and Los Angeles.

DanceAfrica DC is more than a feast for the eyes. Over six days there are three types of activities planned. For those who would like to strut their stuff, there are Master Classes scheduled (June 4-6 & 9-10) at Dance Place, one of the area's strongest proponents of diversity in dance forms. Instructors include some of the area's most renowned artists: Sylvia Soumah, Assane Konte, Sherill Barryman Johnson, Baba Car N'Diaye as well as the maestro himself, Baba Davis.

Then on June 9 and 10 there will be an all-day marketplace and well as a whole host of music and dance filling the space both in- and outdoor at Dance Place. The outdoor performances are free with a village celebration led by Coyaba Dance Theater.

The Memorial Concert Performance takes place June 9 at 7 p.m. Davis will be the evening's Griot, leading this tribute to Andrew Cacho. He will be joined by Andrew Cacho's Drummers and Friends, Dance Place's Energizer Youth Group, Melvin Deal, Coyaba Dance Theater, KanKouran West African Dance Company and the Council of Women.

Tickets for the Masters Classes are $10 each. Admission to the performances on the outdoor stage on June 10 & 11 are free while access to the indoor affair will cost you $5 advance/$8 at the door. The Saturday night gala tribut will run you $12 advance/$15 at the door. For tickets and/or a more detailed lineup or performances please call Dance Place (3225 8th Street, NE) at 202-269-1600.

Performance Schedule - Indoor/Outdoor Stage
Saturday June, 9
12 PMHavana Select
1 PMCoyaba Dance Theater
*2 PMTam Tam Mandingue Dancers and Drummers
3 PM Melvin Deals' African Heritage Dancers and Drummers
*4 PMVillage Celebration
5 PM Ezibu Muntu
*6 PMCapoeira Angola Foundation
7 PM KanKouran West African Dance Compnay & Coyaba Dance Theater
Sunday, June 10
12 PMEzibu Muntu
1 PM Memory of African Culture Featuring Djimo Kouyate & the Griot Ensemble
*2 PMSankofa Dance Theater
3 PM Dono Dance and Drum Ensemble
*4 PMVillage Celebration
5 PM Return from Goree
*6 PMMt. Nebo Gospel Choir
7 PM Sankofa Dance Theater
* indicates FREE performances on the outdoor stage. General seating, no ticket required.
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