Ballet International Africans

Photo by Ballet International Africans Photographer

BOOM Performance:
Anke Dje, Anke Be – Drum Of Unity

Ballet International Africans: Dance/Theatre

Things go wrong when women and men try to keep the drum for themselves. Somehow order and balance must be restored, so all can learn the djembe is a gift to serve the community and not the ego.

This piece was inspired by the need in society for unity.

There is a great division between men and women, that needs healing. And the djembe has often been used as a tool to serve status and recognition. “Anke Dje, Anke Be” aims to return the instrument to its traditional use — to bring people together.

Audiences will become a part of the village as they are engulfed by the sounds of the drums and singing, while seeing African form before their eyes. This show also includes a segment where the audience joins with the performers for a full experience of culture!

Everyone will leave feeling energized, happy and with a new point of view.

Artists:

Ballet International Africans (BIA), was formed in Queens, NY, in 1996 by professional dancer and choreographer, Amina Heckstall. This company has performed all over the college and university circuit, as well as on news media broadcasts. The company’s major performance venues also include The Hollywood Casinos, The Black Spectrum Theater, DansAfrica Puerto Rico, and The International Afrikan Arts Festival. Currently based in North Carolina (Charlotte/ Statesville), the company has performed at various multi-cultural arts festivals and BOOM Fringe Festival 2019 outdoors.

BIA offers beginner and intro lessons in West African Dance, as well as workshops for females only, in healing techniques blended with dance.

Performance date(s) and time(s) will be announced in March, 2020.