DanceAfrica 2024

Abdel R. Salaam is the Artistic Director of DanceAfrica, the Executive Artistic Director and co-founder of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, and a critically acclaimed choreographer. Born in Harlem, he has served as a dancer, teacher, and performing artist on five continents throughout his 56-year career. He has received numerous awards and fellowships for excellence in dance and dance theater, and continues to dedicate his life's work to the healing and empowerment of us all.

The DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers were founded by Baba Abdel R. Salaam in 2016 to theatrically honor the ancestors of Africa and its diaspora through the annual DanceAfrica Memorial Tribute, originally developed by the late Baba Chuck Davis. The group comprises professional dance artists and musicians from the RestorationART alumni and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, melding African vernacular forms, modern, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. The DanceAfrica Spiritwalkers is a division of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.

This DanceAfrica favorite returns to the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House for the 27th year. The ensemble serves as a symbol of youth involvement in the preservation of African heritage, celebrating both ancestral roots and the modern-day community.

Formed in 1978 by the late Madeleine Yayodele Nelson, Women Of The Calabash combine traditional instruments, vocals, and musical forms with contemporary influences. Through performance and informal dialogue, the ensemble—currently Joan Ashley, Caren Calder-Adams, Susan Rapalee, and Carole Caru Thompson—introduces audiences of all ages to the history and playing techniques of a wide variety of instruments. By performing music from Africa, the Caribbean, and Black America, Women Of The Calabash gives unity and context to the African American experience.

Founded in Brooklyn in 2008, Siren—Protectors of the Rainforest preserve, promote, and present knowledge passed down through generations in art, dance, history, music, and culture. The company of 30-plus dancers uses artistic expression and African arts to form comprehensive and innovative educational programming. They enlighten diverse audiences and bring vital context to today’s issues, from climate change to food accessibility and the crisis at the southern border. Most importantly, Siren is dedicated to preserving the rainforests—not only for us, but for generations to come—using dance and music as a platform to educate people about deforestation and ecological conservation.