Culture

Step Afrika! announces 30th anniversary gala in Washington, DC on June 4, 2024

Step Afrika!’s has announced the 30th anniversary gala celebration of dance, culture, and community to take place Tuesday, June 4 in Washington D.C.

Published

2 years ago

May 28, 2024

UVM Staff

Photo Credit: Keith Major

Step Afrika!’s has announced the 30th anniversary gala celebration of dance, culture, and community to take place Tuesday, June 4 in Washington D.C at Arena Stage.

About Step Afrika!

Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping—a unique form of percussive dance that originated in African American fraternities and sororities.

Step Afrika

The gala typically features captivating performances by the talented members of Step Afrika!, as well as guest artists from around the world.

It’s not only a showcase of incredible dance skills; it’s also a fundraiser to support Step Afrika!’s educational programs, which bring the art of stepping to schools and communities, inspiring and empowering young people through dance.

Fundraiser

Funds raised at this year’s 30th anniversary gala will not only support Step Afrika’s efforts stateside, but will support a number of artistic collaborations, workshops and performances throughout their 2-week tour of South Africa in August 2024.

Step Afrika! Performances

The 30th Anniversary Gala performances will honor three decades of dedication to South African Zulu and Gumboot dances, as well as the rich African American tradition of stepping.

Smokie Norful

Guests will be treated to a special performance of the “Wade Suite” from the company’s acclaimed production, “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence,” featuring Grammy-award winning gospel legend, Smokie Norful. This dynamic piece recounts the monumental Great Migration, showcasing the journey of millions of African Americans fleeing racial oppression in the 1900s.

Lawrence’s series

Drawing inspiration from Jacob Lawrence’s iconic “The Migration Series,” Step Afrika! seamlessly blends pulsating rhythms and visually stunning movement to bring this historic narrative to life. For the first time, the company has been granted permission to incorporate images from both the even and odd panels of Lawrence’s series, elevating the performance to new heights.