10th Annual Art Is Alive
Asase Yaa proudly presents our 10th Annual ART IS ALIVE Festival, a weeklong celebration culminating in our 2nd Annual BLOCK PARTY. It will be presented for seven days, Sunday, September 13 through Saturday, September 20. Our theme, “Rooted 10 Years Deep,” is inspired to unite our community, residents, neighbors, families, artists, cultural leaders, and people of all ages to become the Festival—it belongs to them!
All the Festival events will be held at 506 Macdonough Street, Bed-Stuy (between Patchen Avenue and Malcolm X Blvd).
The Festival will include 7 days of dance classes hosted by top instructors/choreographers. The Block Party will feature headlining artists, presentation of several community Awards, African and Diaspora inspired food and drink vendors, community artisans and product vendors.
Dance Drum and Wellness Classes:
Sun, Sept 13, 4PM
Dyanne Harvey-Salaam, Pilates
Accomplished dancer, educator, performing artist, choreographer, certified Pilates instructor, and assistant to the director of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre in New York.
Mon, Sept 14, 7pm
Jeffrey Page, Mali
Emmy-Award nominated director and choreographer for theater, film, television, and contemporary music artists and tours.
Tues, Sept 15, 7pm
Mouminatou Camara, West Africa
Founder of the Seewe African Dance Company, former principal dancer of the world-renowned dance company, Les Ballet Africains, and respected performer and instructor worldwide.
Wed, Sept 16, 7pm
Nadia Djedunne, Haitian
Veteran traditional Haitian folk dancer, choreographer, and revered certified teacher for the New York City Department of Education.
Thur, Sept 17, 7 pm
Yao Ababio, Djembe/West African/Asase Yaa style
Founder and Artistic Director of the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Organization, Award-Winning choreographer, master Djembe/West African drummer, and teacher.
Fri, Sept 18, 7PM
Babacar Mbaye, Senegalese
A renowned Senegalese choreographer, academic, expert instructor of Sabar dance and choreographer for the celebrated Sing Sing Rhythms performance group.
BLOCK PARTY PERFORMERS:
Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater
Bessie Award-winning dance and drum ensemble celebrating its 25th Anniversary
Brooklyn United Marching Band
One of the Tri-state area’s most prestigious and energetic Southern and HBCU-style performance bands known for electrifying drumlines, dance routines, brass, and flags.
Kofi Hunter
A dynamic jazz and classical drummer/
percussionist, composer, musician, and theater artist from Queens.
Farafina Kan
An intergenerational performance ensemble that translates West African history, traditions, and culture through dance and music.
Mai-Elka Prado Gil
An Afro-Panamanian songwriter/singer and cultural producer whose music fuses Latin pop, Salsa, Reggae, and Afro rhythms.
Something Positive
A NYC-based nonprofit educational group and ensemble of dancers, singers, and musicians who perform original music and dances inspired by Trinidadian and
Caribbean arts and culture.
Cory Vilegas
Celebrated Salsa dancer, educator, choreographer, Founder and Artistic Director/Founder of Soul Dance Company, and master of Salsa ON2, hosts an interactive class.