Master Dancers, Drummers to Collaborate with Local Performers, Students
of African Dance at Upcoming Black River African Dance Conference
Third annual conference, including performances and classes, to open Friday, May 16th
The conference will open with a free performance, open to the community, at Dilworth Traditional Academy
on Friday, May 16th at 10:00 a.m. This performance will feature students in the Dilworth Children's
African Dance Workshop. Two feature performances on Friday and Saturday night will feature Master
Drummers Fode MoussaCamara, Mamadouba Mito Camara, & Assane M'Baye. The performances will take
place at East Liberty's KellyStrayhorn Theater, and tickets are available in advance ($20) or at the door ($25).
Those interested in learning more about African dance can participate in a slate of dance and drumming
workshops, which will take place at Obama Preparatory Academy. The workshop fee is $10 in advance or $15
at the door. Participants of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend! "This is a oneofakind
opportunity for both experienced dancers and novices alike to explore the energy and unity of African dance,"
explained Balafon's treasurer, Frank McNutt.
Saturday and Sunday will also include an African marketplace open to the public at Obama Preparatory
Academy. Vendors of apparel, jewelry, art, gifts, and more will be on site. Vendors are still being
accepted and can contact Balafon for more information about participating visit www.balafon.org.
For a full schedule and more details about the 2014 Black River African Dance Conference
and to purchase tickets online, please visit www.balafon.org.
About Balafon West African Dance Ensemble
Balafon West African Dance Ensemble is a cultural arts collaborative founded and directed by "Mama" Kadiatou
ConteForte. Balafon was first established in 1997 to offer empowering insights from a woman's perspective on
West African tradition and culture, shared through the power and healing energy of classical African arts. Today,
Balafon is incorporated as a nonprofit and prepares artists to carry on the cultural legacy of classical African arts
by educating and entertaining audiences of all nationalities and walks of life.
For more information
Visit www.balafon.org and call 724.543.1017
