DanceAfrica Chicago is the largest festival of African and African-American arts and culture in North America. Created by Columbia College Chicago and now entering its 14th year, DanceAfrica Chicago continues to uphold its single mission: To use the language of music and dance to expand the understanding and influence of African heritage on world cultures through education and the performing arts. The hypnotic beat of authentic African percussion, the unbridled energy of traditional and evolutionary African dance, exquisite costumes, with vibrant colors, patterns and textures…this is DanceAfrica Chicago. This year’s DanceAfrica Chicago pays tribute to the deep influence of African dance and music beyond the African shores.

AYA! explores how blended cultures have persevered to protect their identities in defiance of the odds. AYA! is a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol representing survival, strength, perseverance, resourcefulness, endurance, fearlessness and struggle for independence.

DanceAfrica Chicago is not only about African culture, dance and music but also celebrates African connections to world cultures. In addition to the mainstage performances at the Chicago Theatre October 22-24, the 2004 DanceAfrica Chicago Humanities Series was created to bring forth increased public participation and understanding of the Festivals’ theme. Searching Identity in the Diaspora, sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council, was offered as a series of free public lectures, panel discussions and performances.  This series intended to provoke dialogue aimed at deepening the understanding of the relationship of traditional cultural formations in Africa and their impact on, and interaction with diverse national cultures of the rest of the world. During the week of October 16-19, scholars confronted challenging theoretical questions that have emerged out of the Diasporic influence of African music and dance, including some of the most controversial issues in African studies today. They included: TransAtlantic Fusion-Tracing the Origins of Jazz, Where Does Cultural Tradition End and Originality Begin?, Are We All Global Creoles? and Searching Identity in the Diaspora. Each year DanceAfrica Chicago also works closely with educators to link students and teachers with the festival. Developed by arts-integration specialist Lisa E. Hutler and educator consultants from Theodore Herzl Elementary and Sabian Magnet Elementary, the AYA! Curriculum Guide offered teachers a year-round tool to infuse their lesson plans with African-centered arts and themes aligned with Fine Arts, Language Arts and Social Studies Illinois State Standards.

Baba Chuck Davis is the Founder and Artistic Director of the African American Dance Ensemble, Founder of DanceAfrica and cofounder of DanceAfrica Chicago. Michael Warr said, “I’m always amazed at the creativity, spirit and big heart of Baba Chuck. He travels the world on excursions looking for these African Dance troupes that we have the privilege and joy to have here in Chicago”. He is recognized as one of the most accomplished choreographers and teachers in the techniques of traditional African dance and is the recipient of many prestigious awards for his artistic and community work. “We’re following a tradition born on the continent of Africa and spread throughout the world. We would not be anywhere without your support and our Council of Elders. Thank you for opening the path for young people to walk on. You are a beacon of love, hope and kinship for all. In celebration of the 14^th Anniversary of DanceAfrica Chicago, we present four internationally acclaimed ensembles who, through their performances, embrace the spirit and meaning of AYA!”

Dr. Margaret Burroughs is the DanceAfrica, 2004 Torchbearer Award recipient. A Torchbearer is one who imports knowledge, truth and inspiration to others; someone in the forefront of a crusade, campaign or movement, one who enlightens; a charismatic leader, a forerunner. Burroughs has been a leader in the creative arts, international culture and particularly African and African-American culture for over half a century. She is cofounder of the DuSable Museum of African American History, founder of the South Side Community Arts Center, Lake Meadows Outdoor Art Fair and several other cultural conferences. She is the author of several books, respected as a visual artist and serves as a Commissioner to the Chicago Park District Board. She is known for her humanitarian efforts all over the world, determinedly authoring change in African and African American life, history and tradition.

Dayo Laoye, creator of DanceAfrica Chicago Festival 2004’s poster image, is a gifted artist whose work celebrates African and African American culture. Born in Nigeria, Dayo describes his work as ritualistic. “I extract the essence out of form through the use of tones, textures and lines while still keeping the identity of the subject. This was the goal of traditional African artists: straight, direct and to the point. My work not only represents my culture but my 16 years living in the United States. I have followed the DanceAfrica Chicago Festival for the past 10 years and feel very proud of its positive representation of Africa. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity for my work to be at this year’s DanceAfrica Festival.”

Merri Dee is the DanceAfrica Chicago Ambassador and is nationally recognized as a motivational speaker, panel moderator and fundraising strategist as well as for her outstanding work in over three decades in broadcast television. She is equally known for her community work, particularly in the areas of child welfare and education, and is the recipient of numerous service awards. “Enjoy the beat. It will hypnotize you!”

Sidi Goma, African Sufis of Gujarat, India

The African Sidis (Sidi Goma) are a tribal community of East African origin who arrived in India eight centuries ago and made Gujarat their home. Their history is rooted in the slave trade of the 13^th century and beyond, when slave traders systematically captured thousands of African men, women and children and took them across the seas for sale to the highest bidders. Recent findings have proved that the Sidis have been living for hundreds of years in Gujarat, India. They carried with them their exceptionally rich musical tradition and kept it alive and flourishing through generations. Sidi Goma has kept the African aspect of their music alive through performance. This group is an important part of Swahili culture.

 Peru Negro, Ambassadors of Peruvian Culture

This was Peru Negro’s first ever Chicago debut. The group was formed in 1969 in El Carmen, Peru by the late Ronaldo Campos de la Colina as a means of preserving and developing Afro-Peruvian music. The group pioneered a revival of the genre with its showcase of colorful costumes, sensual dances and historic verses that were often preserved through oral tradition. Black Peruvains developed a distinct style, opposite of African language or religious Santeria references, which still infuses its Afro-Cuban counterpart. Initially, Peru Negro was comprised of 12 family members. Now, under the artistic direction of the late founder’s son, Ronny Campos, the group currently has over 30 members.

Ko-Thi Dance Company

The third oldest African Dance Company in America and Milwaukee’s only professional touring dance company, Ko-Thi is considered to be one of America’s leading African-American dance companies specializing in African, African-American and Caribbean dance and music. The word “Ko-Thi” comes from the Shebro language of Sierra Leon, West Africa. Translated, it means, “seek out African roots”. Artistic Director, Ferne Yangyeitie Caulker, a native of Sierra Leon, West Africa, founded the company in 1969 after returning from a research trip in Ghana, West Africa. “It is through knowledge and exposure to each other’s cultures that we will gain mutual respect and love”, explains Caulker. The group is comprised of artists trained in the history, mythology and techniques of art forms within the African Diaspora.

National Song and Dance Company of Mazambique
Maputo, Mozambique

Internationally known for its luminous costumes, technical polish and seemingly inexhaustible energy, the company performs a diverse repertoire of traditional Mozambican folk styles as well as original dance-theater allegorical choreography. The company was founded in 1979 and made its Chicago debut.