About the Artist/Ensemble
Since its May 2022 début, the Dance & Drumming Ensemble of the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance has been adding authentic African Dance to events all over the Hampton Roads/Tidewater region. Known for its versatility in offering both cultural (traditional) and contemporary (Afrobeats) dance styles, they are in demand for their unique performances, full of energetic moves and vibrant costumes, that will make your heart and soul smile. The dancers and drummers hail from Ghana, Sierra Leone, the United States, and Zambia, bringing their diverse cultures and traditions with them to create a true African Diaspora cultural experience with every performance.
In addition to being a favorite part of the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA)’s own events and elevating local weddings and celebrations, they have lent their talents to such events as the Juneteenth at the Oceanfront, the VA African American Cultural Center’s Fall Festival, ODU’s Center for Bioelectronics Conference, International Night, Dare II Be, and the Art of Living’s World Culture Festival in VA Beach; Nubian Fest and Norfolk State University’s International Student Week in Norfolk; Hampton History Museum’s Mosaic Festival, and the African Landing Day events at Fort Monroe, in Hampton; the Shoebox Lunch Festival at the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop & Memorial Museum on the Eastern Shore; and the World Arts Celebration with the City of Newport News.
They are available for performances/assemblies that have just dance and live drumming or are interactive, with workshops or master classes built in for the attendees.
Concert/Performance Description
Rhythm of the Diaspora: A Journey Through Continents A dynamic performance that traces how African rhythms and movement traveled through the world, touching the Caribbean, Latin America, and the U.S. Ideal for: libraries, cultural festivals, museums, colleges
African Folktales in Motion Traditional stories brought to life through dance, drumming, narration, and audience participation. Ideal for: elementary schools, family-friendly events
Women of the Drum: Celebrating Female Tradition Bearers A performance honoring the women keeping African music and dance traditions alive across the continent and diaspora. Could include storytelling. Ideal for: Women’s History Month, colleges, community groups
African Harvest Festivals & Celebrations Showcase dances and rhythms from major celebrations such as:
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- Homowo (Ghana)
- Yam Festival (Nigeria/Togo)
- Timkat (Ethiopia)
- Carnival traditions with African roots (Caribbean)
- Ideal for: fall season programming, multicultural festivals.
Beat of the Drum: Interactive African Percussion Lab Half performance, half workshop. Teaches rhythm patterns, call-and-response, and cultural context. Ideal for: STEAM programs, music departments, youth residencies
Story of the Drum: Instruments of Africa Demonstrations and performances featuring: Djembe; Kpanlogo; Dundun; Talking Drum; Shekere, Agogo, Bells. Audience ‘play along’ portions included. Ideal for: Music classrooms, camps, festivals.
Greetings from Ghana Interactive Performance Experience Uses authentic costumes, dances, and drumming to engage audience with 3-4 Ghanaian regions. Includes brief history and language, and interactive audience participation. Ideal for: All audiences
Technical Requirements
Depending on the size of the performance venue, we require:
- 3 microphones with stands for the drummers
- 1 wireless or handheld microphone for the lead speaker/singer
- Access to a screen and projector to project backdrop, if in a large auditorium with a stage
- Access to sound system, if Afrobeats dance is included
- Dressing room/holding space for dancers and drummers
Educational Programs
Residencies & Workshops
- Multi-day African drumming residency specific to learning a rhythm from a country
- Dance + storytelling cultural immersion week, with elementary school age children learning folk stories and the accompanying dances/drumming patterns
- Public library “culture labs” that has attendees fully immerse in a country with that country’s ‘room’ (i.e. Ghana room, Nigeria room, etc.)
- Teacher professional development on African arts integration (cultural dances, drumming)
Fees
- Event Performance (at least 5 dancers and 3 drummers providing 3 dances with drumming interlude): $1600-$2000
- Event Performance & Interactive Tutorial (at least 5 dancers and 3 drummers providing 3 dances with drumming interlude & short class for interactive participants): $2000-$2500
- 1 Hour Master Class (2 instructors + at least 2 drummers): $1000 – $1600
- Story of the Drum (at least 3 drummers): $1600 – $2000
- Country specific programs (includes interactive portions): $2500 – $3500