November 6, 2013

Drexel University has partnered with West Philadelphia’s Community Education Center (CEC) to host the country’s most renowned festival of African dance, music and culture, DanceAfrica on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9. Created by acclaimed artistic director Dr. Chuck Davis during the 1960s, this two-day whirlwind of dazzling African dance performances and workshops has expanded to include master classes in African movement and music.

DanceAfrica showcases troupes ranging from indigenous African to urban American hip-hop, embracing the links between cultures across the African Diaspora and bearing the message, “Peace, love, and respect for everybody!” Philadelphia is the sixth major city to host DanceAfrica. This year’s main event, “Our African Legacy: Treasured Reflections,” will take place at the Drexel Main Building (3141 Market St., Philadelphia) Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m., featuring performances by Philadelphia's Kùlú Mèlé African Dance and Drum Ensemble, Dr. Kariamu Welsh (Umfundalai) and her Company, Illstyle and Peace Productions, and special guests Farafina Kan from Washington, D.C.  In addition to the two main stage concerts, the Drexel Main Building will host a performance for school age children, an “Afro Beauty Health and Wellness” marketplace (5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), and a series of dance and drumming workshops (9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Nov. 9 only).   

Click here for more information on ticket prices and event schedules.

General admission is $25, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for children under 17. Tickets for the Dance and Drumming workshops are $10 for adults, students and seniors and $5 for children under 17. Those interested in group sales can contact Annette Sanders at bapdiva@erizon.com. Dance workshops will take place inside the Main Building’s 4th Floor Dance Studio, while drumming workshops will be held in the Main Auditorium. 

For more information on DanceAfrica Philadelphia performance and workshop schedules and ticket prices, visit www.cecarts.org or call 215 387-1911.