Dance Africa Fest is a multi-day conference featuring internationally renowned artists in African diaspora dance workshops. 

On Sept 28 -29, 2019, we are proud to present our signature festival for the FIFTH amazing year! Dance Africa Fest welcomes dance artists from all over the country and the world, for two-days of intensive workshops exploring African diaspora dance! Taught by premier artists, these high-energy workshops introduce participants to a unique blend of dance and dance traditions, with classes incorporating live drumming and music performed by some of the best musicians. Other highlights include special free dance workshops for youth and the community, and a vendor marketplace featuring artisan made goods and products. Come. Make some drum/dance/magic with us!

LOCATION: Balance Dance Studios, Bravo Theater, 4544 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78745

Dance facilitators represent an array of artists of the African/Black diaspora, generously sharing their expertise including:

***** Pre-registration strongly recommended, as space is limited.

⭕ SATURDAY, September 28, 2019

           12:25 pm - 1:25 pm: Lunch break

  • 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Dance Culture of Ayiti - Jean-Sebastien Duvilaire. Haitian Vodou Dance.

  • *** 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm: DONATION- BASED. Malian dance for youth and beginners - Souleymane Solo Sana. With live drumming by percussionist Di Andree Dukes. *** Youth especially encouraged to attend. Ages 13 and younger must have parent or guardian on site.

  • 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Malian dance (Intermediate to Advanced dancers) - Souleymane Solo Sana. With live drumming by percussionist Di Andree Dukes.

⭕⭕ SUNDAY, September 29, 2019

  • 9:00 am -10:30 am: Dance Culture of Ayiti - Jean-Sebastien Duvilaire. Haitian Vodou Dance.

  • 10:45 am- 12:15 pm: Afro Modern - Michelle N. Gibson. With live drumming by percussionist Lázaro Martínez. Fuses African diasporic modern dance techniques, recognizing the contribution that dances of the African diaspora have given in support of codified techniques.

           12:25 pm - 1:25 pm: Lunch break

  • *** 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm: DONATION- BASED. Malian dance for youth and beginners - Souleymane Solo Sana. With live drumming by percussionist Di Andree Dukes. *** Youth especially encouraged to attend. Ages 13 and younger must have parent or guardian on site..

  • 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm: Malian dance (Intermediate to Advanced dancers) - Souleymane Solo Sana. With live drumming by percussionist Di Andree Dukes.

  • 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: The New Orleans Original BuckShop - Michelle N. Gibson With live music. Workshop explores rich Diasporic blood lines of the Black, New Orleans community, focusing on the rooted and embodied traditions clearly noticeable within the Second Line Aesthetic.

* All workshops will incorporate live drumming or music performed by some of Austin's and the world's best musicians.