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The 5th Dance Africa Pittsburgh!
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Dance Africa, How I do love thee! As many already know, this historic event was birthed 40 years ago by the illustrious founder and artistic director, 'Baba' Chuck Davis. With a vision to return to the roots of Black dance and to honor our ancestors and elders, Baba Chuck has worked tirelessly for decades to preserve the cultures of Africa through the dances that have been brought forth. And what an honor to stand in his lineage as a 'cultural keeper', sharing the music, songs, dances, and clothing of places near and far.
This year's performance featured the traditions of Senegal, showcasing the national dance, known as 'Sabar', and songs sung by a griot. To witness it is to have a glimpse into the villages of Africa where women and men, young and old, kick high in the fervor of dance and listen to the words sung by the 'djali' that have been passed down for generations.
Extending into contemporary times, the 5th Dance Africa Pittsburgh, brought together youth, adults, and elders alike to share the stage. Some may call it magic, others say that it is divine, but something special happens in the presence of Baba Chuck. He stands tall as a beckoning reminder of 'love, peace, and respect for everyone.' His humanity sits atop all present, drawing forth a humble recognition of the undeniable connection that exists between all people. Its a part of the living legend that is Baba Chuck, to be held as a child to the bosom of the world, giving offerings so that, as was the theme of this year's event, "The Healing Continues".
This year's event was made possible and successful by the contributions of many. Baba Chuck Davis, Nadiyah Toni Stowers, Djaily Kunda, Idy Ciss, N'Deye Gueye, Hill Dance Academy Theater, Balafon 3, Project Tambor Cimmaron, Aaron White, Patricia Ford, Alyson Calloway, Brittany Johnson, TaJane Nolen, the Legacy Board, David Edmunds, the sold-out audience, Ujamaa Collective, Hotel Indigo, Brideway Capital, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater for their co-presentation, and the Heinz Endowments.
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Check out more photos from Dance Africa on the official Legacy Arts Project Facebook page.
Photos by Kelly Strayhorn Theater
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Orientation Day for the 2nd Annual Camp
Bara Makono.
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It didn't take long for us to reach our capacity with this year's summer program. Word-of-mouth had it that we had an awesome, art-filled program that was keeping children busy and engaged from 9am-4pm. And such was the case. Under the direction of Nadiyah Toni Stowers, the camp ran like a well-oiled machine as she brought her extensive background in arts and administration to the program. Drum and dance met science and gardening as we incorporated STEAM activities into our daily schedule. Thanks go out to the youth participants and their parents, the program staff and junior counselors, as well as the Grable Foundation and Heinz Endowments for their support of our annual summer arts program!
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Youth Work in and around the Arts
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Learn N' Earn youth at their orientation.
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For the first time, Legacy Arts was host to approximately 40 youth through the Learn N' Earn Program. Coming from different parts of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, the youth gained invaluable work experience in the Bara Makono summer camp, Sankofa Village Garden, and a garden in Penn Hills. In addition, seven staff positions were also created in order to facilitate the opportunities for the youth, contributing to the economy in our communities!
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Summer Dreamers Academy at U-Prep.
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Summer is the perfect time to be out-and-about, and such was the business of Legacy. As a new provider within the Pittsburgh Public Schools, we hosted programming with the Summer Dreamers Academy at Carmalt and King Elementary as well as U-Prep. With adult staff in place at each site, we offered "The LAP Experience" whereby youth received exposure to African art, photo journalism, and journal writing. Just as summer does, the six weeks went by quickly, but not before a final performance featuring the works of art created by the students. Many thanks to the LAP and PPS staff, as well as the students, who made the program great!!
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The Legacy Arts Project has been awarded the Artist Residency Grant through Advancing Black Arts Pittsburgh to host Haitian choreographer, Dieufel Lamisere. Many thanks to the Pittsburgh Foundation and Heinz Endowments.
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Stay posted for our Fall Calendar and get ready:
- Mondays with Mario - Hip Hop Dance
- African Dance with Chrisala Brown
- Screen Printing with Saihou Njie
- Sewing and Thangs with Sheba
- Interplay with Lois McClendon
and
THE 10TH ANNUAL KEEPERS OF THE FLAME AWARDS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12!!
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