WHEN:                   
Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9
7:30 p.m.

WHERE:                 
Drexel University – Main Building
3141 Chestnut St. 
More information at 215-387-1911, cecarts.orgor brownpapertickets.com/event/428884

WHAT:                    
At the heart of the first-ever DanceAfrica Philadelphia (DAP!) festival, two live performances on Nov. 8 and 9 will showcase outstanding traditional and contemporary African dance and drumming troupes whose vibrant, high-energy performances celebrate Africa’s rich culture and heritage. Presented by West Philadelphia’s Community Education Center in partnership with Drexel University, DAP! is made possible through funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Created by Charles “Baba Chuck” Davis in 1977 to heighten awareness of African culture, DanceAfrica has evolved into a high-spirited weeklong annual celebration in New York as well as a traveling series, showcased in six cities across the country, now including Philadelphia. The first-ever DanceAfrica Philadelphia (or DAP!) features performances from local troupes ranging from traditional to contemporary, including:

·       Kùlú Mèlé African Dance and Drum Ensemble (Philadelphia), the longest-running African dance company in Philadelphia, dedicated to preserving the culture and aesthetic of traditional dance and music of Africa and the African diaspora.

·       Kariamu and Company: Traditions (Philadelphia), seeking to broaden and deepen the genre of African dance with contemporary choreography, music and poetry, using the Umfundalai technique created by company founder Dr. Kariamu Welsh.

·       Illstyle and Peace Productions (Philadelphia), fusing the movement and spirit of old-school hip-hop with other styles of dance such as ballet, tap and jazz.

·       Farafina Kan (Washington, D.C.), dedicated to enhancing the history, integrity and representation of traditional African dance and music through high-quality performance.