DALLAS – DanceAfrica, a cultural experience that celebrates African and African American dance, culture and arts will take place at the AT&T Performing Arts Center October 4 and 5. Modeled after the largest festival of its kind in America (BAM in New York), DanceAfrica will feature a free marketplace with vendors and performances by local talent at the Annette Strauss Square on Saturday, October 5 and two ticketed performances in the Winspear Opera House on Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 4 – 5.
This year, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is featuring the Booker T. Washington HSPVA World Dance Ensemble, Bandan Koro Drum and Dance Ensemble and all five of the performing companies of DBDT (DBDT, DBDTII, Allegro, Senior Performing Ensemble, Junior Performing Ensemble) as a part of the celebration. Baba Chuck Davis, founder and artistic director for DanceAfrica returns for an 8th season to lead the celebration. As a highlight, community elders will be performing choreography by Davis. Davis will also visit several area schools and programs prior to the weekend to teach master classes and perform various outreach activities.
“Unity is the theme for this year’s celebration,” said Ann Williams, founder and artistic director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. “We wanted to showcase our high school and local dance groups this year to promote the strength of the dance community and highlight our Academy dancers.”
One of the highlights of DanceAfrica is the annual festival and marketplace. Held on Saturday, October 5 at the Annette Strauss Square, the free event features a main stage with performances by local talent and a marketplace with cultural vendors. Several of the city’s most prominent African Vendors will also be in attendance to sell goods and demonstrate unique techniques.
DanceAfrica performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, October 4-5, at 7:30pm at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Winspear Opera House. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ATTPAC Box Office at 214.880.0202 or visiting attpac.org. Group tickets available at the DBDT Ticket Sales office at 214-871-2390. DanceAfrica Festival and Marketplace is Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Annette Strauss Square with the parade beginning at 9:45 a.m. For more information, visit dbdt.com
