West& DanceAfrica 2015 Street Style
DanceAfrica is more than just an unparalleled event that takes place through out the country and beyond. As a dancer with a focus in traditional vernacular it truly is a momentous occasion. The past year marked it’s 38th Anniversary! DanceAfrica was founded in 1977 by Dr. Baba Chuck Davis who hasn’t looked back since.
Now it is among the most anticipated annual Memorial Day Weekend events in NYC. In addition to taking place in the gorgeous Bam Opera House there is also an African festival, which included a Bazaar (street fair) and film festival.
This year was extra special because it marked the final year that Dr. Baba Chuck will serve as Artistic Dir. My Baba Abdel R. Salaam who also happens to be my Artistic Dir of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre is his successor! So it was an all out celebration of lineage and legacy. These two GIANTS within the arts have been instrumental influencers and dance Fathers to some of the most influential traditional dancers in the country. Not to mention that DanceAfrica also provides the opportunity for countries directly from the Motherland and Diaspora to share their exceptional gifts on a world-renowned stage within New York City! And every year they annihilate the stage leaving us all filled and empowered. I am grateful that I had the chance to perform on that stage with my little bro’s Brion/ Frank under the direction of the brilliant newly appointed 2016 artistic director Baba Abdel Salaam. Whom is already starting out with a bang. He united us all to surprise our beloved living legend Dr.Baba Chuck Davis with a beautiful grand finale tribute performance at BAM on Monday May 25, 2015! The tribute was comprised of Asase Yaa, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and the Restoration youth dancers. See more for from this Here:
If you follow my blog you know that fashion is something I have a huge appreciation for. I wanted to take this opportunity to salute the individuals within my circle that I love and respect and showcase what they wore for this dope celebration. No culture vultures here, we are all ABOUT THIS LIFE! You’re all beautiful, dope, destined for greatness, genuine and inspire me to be better. Not to mention the extent of talent amongst this circle is unprecedented. So this is my homage to you and your innate style.
Dr. Baba Chuck Davis Legendary Choreographer/ Founder of DanceAfrica
Baba Abdel R. Salaam Co Founder/ Artistic Dir of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre/ Newly Appointed Artistic Dir of DanceAfrica
Azana Simon Professional Make up Artist/ Mother of handsome Godchild
Mimi (Social worker/ FONDT Company Member)
Aimee (Professional Dancer/ Fela! Queen/ FONDT Alum)
Daaimah (Dancer /Choreographer /FONDT Company Member)
Eleanor (Dancer /Choreographer /FONDT Company Member)
Tesh (PR/ IT specialist)
Devie Miles (Photographer/ Model/ Actress)
Jade (Teacher)
Juliana Meow (DJ/Accountant)
Frank Malloy IV (Musician/ Musical Dir)
Brion Vann ( Dancer/ Designer/ Co –Founder of The Owl)
Yinka Parris (Dancer/ Choreographer/ Pesonality)
J.Westampersand (Dancer/Choreographer/ Teaching Artist/ Blogger
