By Walter Rutledge
DanceAfrica 2025- Mozambique: Movement! Magic! Manifestation! is the crown jewel of the annual four-day celebration of African and African influenced culture. The festivities coincide with the Memorial Day holiday weekend May 23rd thru May 26th at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House. Now in its 48th season Dance Africa continues its healing message through the voices of the Diaspora. The 2025 season transported us to the east African country of Mozambique.
The production began as soon as you entered the theater. While patrons milled about greeting old friends or just riveling with anticipatory excitement, a prerecorded list of names was being announced. These were the names of artists and activists who had become ancestors. This subtle acknowledgement symbolically brought those departed souls into the space. Tradition continued with the processional of the elders, Kofi Osei Williams delivering the libation (consecrating the space) and an exuberant dance/ceremony by the Memorial Candle Bearers. This joyous introduction is a greeting; a ritual/rite of passage demonstrating respect, humility, and gratitude.
We always marvel at the high production value of The DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers. This section theatrically honors the ancestors of Africa and its diaspora. A division of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre the section was added by Salaam in 2016 and is comprised of professional dancer and musicians from the RestorationART alumni and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.
Salaam’s muse and life partner Dyane Harvey Salaam lead the large ensemble cast on a journey that was visually arresting, ethereal and deeply rhythmic. One particularly memorable moment was a section of women in long white dresses who manipulated the over circle skirts in a rippling manner. The cascading circular patterns they created with the flowing skirts conjured images of Loie Fuller’s Serpentine Dance.
Throughout the production Salaam added AI generated video imagery. The images of “Motherland grandeur” (there were no National Geographic mud huts and toothless old bare breast women) was an ingenious 21st century touch. The images of jewel clad elephants, dancers moving in a lagoon, voluptuous Nubian queens and dark muscle laden warriors were met with vocal approval from the audience. It also integrated the traditional with cutting edge technology thrusting DanceAfrica and its relevant message into the current culture.
The Song & Dance Company of Mozambique comprised of both dancers and musicians presented an up-tempo collection of dances, music and songs that immediately wowed the audience. The dances showcased the country unique movement style consisting of intricate and fast footwork and high stag-like jumps. While the seven member drumming ensemble displayed Mozamique’s distinct music and vocal prowess.
The program also included two Brooklyn based dance organizations Mama Coumba Saaraba and Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble. The 12-member ensemble of dancers and musicians that comprise Mama Coumba Saaraba specialize in Sabar, Djembe, and Kutiro movement, history, and music from Senegal, and have become a DanceAfrica mainstay. Under the direction of Karen Thorton, Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble has been a part of DanceAfrica since 1996. The dance ensemble provides an opportunity to present the next generation of dance enthusiasts. Both groups echoed DanceAfrica’s 48-year commitment of sharing the rich and boundless gifts of Africa and the diaspora.
By sharing the culture, traditions and customs founder Davis created a holistic healing environment through the transformative power of dance. He became Ba Ba Chuck; a thoughtful teacher, giving mentor, and steadfast leader, who eloquently spoke to our teachable spirit. Artistic Director Abdel Salaam (Ba Ba Abdel) has picked up the mantle established by DanceAfrica founder Davis. He understands the importance and the power of teaching, educating and enlightening through the artforms of dance, music, spoken word/storytelling, singing, visual imagery and art.
The most important lesson we continue to learn from DanceAfrica is the cultural richness and diversity of the African continent. Traditionally Africa is seen as a cultural monolith usually defining the art and culture through the narrow lens of a few west and south African countries. DanceAfrica provides a sensory education introducing us to the vast and varied cultural riches of Africa and the Diaspora. The audiences’ enthusiastic and engaged reaction suggests that many are ready for Dance Africa 2026 and the next diasporic sojourn.
P.S.- The final performance is today, May 26th at 3pm.
