Rwanda Gets the Spotlight at DanceAfrica 2019

By David Hsieh

When this year’s DanceAfrica opens at the Howard Gilman Opera House stage on May 24, audiences will see a dance tradition that has never been presented in the 41 years of this treasured festival—the dance of Rwanda. It will be the fulfillment of Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam’s longtime dream—using the festival to expand our understanding of African dance and demonstrate the healing power of dance.

DanceAfrica Evolves

Abdel R. Salaam. Photo: Jack Vartoogian

By David Hsieh

For 40 years, the DanceAfrica Festival meant Baba Chuck Davis. As the founder and, until 2015, sole artistic director of the festival, he represented the festival, body and soul. With his 6-foot-5 height, booming voice, and regal dashikis, he was hard to miss on and off stage. Baba Chuck passed away at the age of 80 just before last year’s festival. His successor Abdel R. Salaam, is now writing the next chapter of this beloved tradition.

In Context: DanceAfrica

This year’s DanceAfrica performance offers a taste of the rhythm and spirit of South Africa, acknowledging Nelson Mandela’s centennial birthday and the contributions of freedom fighters past and present. Context is everything, so get even closer to the production with this curated selection of related articles and videos. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #DanceAfrica. Ago! Amée!

In Context: DanceAfrica 2017

Forty years after its inauguration under the artistic direction of the late Chuck Davis, the nation’s largest festival of African dance returns for a special anniversary celebration. Context is everything, so get closer to the production through our series of curated links, videos, and articles. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #DanceAfrica.

DanceAfrica: Opening Doors

DanceAfrica master class. Photo: Whitney Browne

By Susan Yung

Since its founding in 1977, DanceAfrica has continually been about the rich and variegated tradition of African dance, and also the rites and heritage passed down through generations. In that respect, this year’s festival (running May 25—30) will be a continuation, focusing on dance and culture from the country of Senegal. It will, however, for the first time be under the sole artistic direction of Abdel R. Salaam, who succeeds festival founder Baba Chuck Davis (who will make a guest appearance).

Salaam founded his New York-based company, Forces of Nature, in 1981. The company has since been a vital presence on the dance scene, sharing Salaam’s unique, impressively dramatic vision. The repertory often concerns our relationship with the planet, the environment, or our fellow creatures. Salaam—whose troupe has been a frequent presence in DanceAfrica— brings his years of creating narrative through-lines and thought-provoking allegory to DanceAfrica. This year’s thematic subtitle is Senegal: Doors of Ancient Futures.

DanceAfrica—Leadership Transition in 2016

(L) Chuck Davis; (R) Abdel R. Salaam

A big DanceAfrica announcement was made this past weekend: Abdel R. Salaam will succeed Chuck Davis as artistic director of DanceAfrica in 2016!

Davis founded the DanceAfrica Festival in 1977. It's the largest festival of its kind and has since presented more than 80 African and African diaspora dance companies and has expanded to several major cities.

Salaam founded Forces of Nature Dance Theatre in 1981; it has appeared in DanceAfrica eight times since 1986.

Read coverage of the announcement in The New York Times.

And don't miss this year's DanceAfrica, with its packed slate of dance performances featuring the Malagasy troupe Groupe Bakomanga, the fabulous bazaar—outdoors and at the Fisher, plus music at BAMcafé Live, art, and film.

The festivities take place as usual on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23—26. Ago! Amee!