DanceAfrica 2024 turns its focus to Cameroon
DanceAfrica, one of New York City’s most beloved Memorial Day traditions, returns for its 47th year on May 24 with three days of dance performances, dance classes, film screenings, art installations, the popular DanceAfrica Bazaar, and much more.
The nation’s biggest annual celebration of African dance, DanceAfrica 2024 will feature performances by the Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, and Women of the Calabash in the Peter Jay Sharp Building of the Brooklyn Academy Of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House.
Sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, DanceAfrica 2024 is presented in partnership with other cornerstone Brooklyn cultural institutions, such as the Weeksville Heritage Center, Mark Morris Dance Center, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservatory, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), and African Film Festival.
The theme of this year’s festival is “The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Cultures.” Per the promotional materials, the theme signifies a “dynamic celebration of the rich tapestry of African arts and culture, with a focus on the traditions and contemporary innovations of Cameroon, affectionately known as Little Africa.”
Cameroon is in Central West Africa and is a culturally, linguistically, and topographically diverse former German, French, and British colony. It got its name from the Portuguese at the dawn of global capitalism. The calabash, a member of the gourd family, has a variety of uses in many African countries, including as musical instruments. The hard outer shell, in particular, also holds symbolic meaning as a vessel of magic and the “cosmic womb.”
The festival kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on May 24 with a memorial tribute to the ancestors and elders through a traditional libation ceremony on the steps of the Peter Jay Sharp Building. DanceAfrica continues its homage to ancestors throughout the festival as a curated exhibition in the Memorial Room of the Peter Jay Sharp Building.
On opening night, the Brooklyn-based dance ensemble Siren: Protectors of the Rain Forest, led by Cameroonian Mafor Mambo Tse, will join the Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, and Women of the Calabash for a performance grounding the festival in essential Cameroonian culture.
Of course, DanceAfrica wouldn’t be DanceAfrica without its much-loved, open to all ages, dance classes and party. The DanceAfrica Community Class, co-presented by BAM and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, takes place at Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 6 Liberty Lawn) on May 25.
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The outdoor DanceBazaar at Ashland Place and Lafayette Avenue starts on May 25. African, Caribbean, and African American food, fashion, artifacts, jewelry, and crafts will again be on offer.
DanceAfrica echoes many West African societies with its Council of Elders, an event staple that returns this year on May 26. Members of the DanceAfrica Council of Elders discuss the connections and relationships between Africa, its cultures, those in the diaspora, and those who are part of the DanceAfrica community as participants and/or attendees.
On May 27, the DanceAfrica Family Class, DanceAfrica Physically Integrated Movement Class, and DanceAfrica Masterclass will take place at Mark Morris Studios. The family class will explore the fundamentals of Cameroonian dance and the latter, which will also be streamed for virtual participants, does a deeper dive, highlighting how dance forms from Cameroon “celebrate community and aspects of daily life, providing a unique window into the culture, history, and traditions of its people.” The masterclass, as the name implies, promises a more immersive experience of Cameroonian dance for intermediate to advanced dancers.
The festival’s second day will be capped by an opportunity for festival-goers to attend the Late Night Dance Party with a DJ at the Adam Space/BAM Cafe. Starting at 10 p.m., it will feature a mix of Afrobeats, funk, soul, rock, jazz, and hip-hop.
DanceAfrica also offers a visual component, including a mixed-media work, “Le course 2,” by Salifou Lindou, curated by Museum of Contemporary African Arts (MoCADA). Composed of acrylic, pastel, and collage on canvas, it “explores the perceived conflict between notions of challenge and play.” Festival-goers may also want to listen to MoCADA’s companion podcast, “MoCADA Digital Presents: The Independents | Cameroon,” which showcases the culture that grew out of Cameroon’s fight for independence.
Finally, America’s largest African film festival, the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF), again joins forces with DanceAfrica this year. Through May 31, BAM Rose Cinemas will screen NYAFF films that amplify Cameroonian life and culture. See the full list of films at BAM.org/filmafrica.For more details about DanceAfrica, visit BAM.org/danceafrica.
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