DanceAfrica 2012 Kicks off at Weeksville Heritage Center [Video]

This year marks the 35th anniversary of DanceAfrica, the largest performance celebration hosted by the Brooklyn Academy of Music!

Created in 1977 by Chuck Davis, it is the nation’s first festival devoted to African dance and has become one of the largest celebrations of its kind—uniting dancers the world over to celebrate the cultural vitality of Africa and its diaspora.

DanceAfrica 2012l kicked off on Saturday, May 19, at the historic Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, featuring music, dance performances by Adanfo Dance Theater from Ghana, the BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble, United African Dance Troupe from Queens and the Council of Elders performing libation ceremonies to honor those who have passed on to the ancestral grounds.

In the coming days leading up to Memorial Day, DanceAfrica 2012 will feature an expanded lineup of African and American companies in a program that promises to inspire.

Fri, May 25 at 7:30pm
Adanfo Dance Theater (representing Ghana)
Farafina Kan: The Sound of Africa (Washington, DC)
United African Dance Troupe (Queens)
BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble (Brooklyn)

Sat, May 26 at 2pm & 7:30pm
Adanfo Dance Theater (representing Ghana)
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre (Manhattan)
Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Company (Manhattan)
BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble (Brooklyn)

Sun, May 27 at 3pm
Adanfo Dance Theater (representing Ghana)
Illstyle Peace Productions (Philadelphia)
Creative Outlet (Brooklyn)
BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble (Brooklyn)

Mon, May 28 at 3pm
Adanfo Dance Theater (representing Ghana)
Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna (Bronx)
Asase Yaa (Brooklyn)
BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble (Brooklyn)

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
Run time: 2hrs with intermission
Full price: Start at $20 (half price for children 16 and under)

To purchase advanced tickets and for more information, go to BAM Dance Africa