KUKUSANYA

KUKUSANYA: International Africanist Dance Intensive

Because We Are: Living the AADC Legacy

Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1, 2025

Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, 275 N. Eagleson Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405

KUKUSANYA: International Africanist Dance Intensive exposes participants to dance from the perspectives of African American culture and the broader African Diaspora through master classes, panel discussions, and performances.

Previously known as the African American Dance Company (AADC) Annual Dance Workshop, the AADC and Director Baba Stafford C. Berry, Jr. proudly present KUKUSANYA as the 27th anniversary event offered to the IU and greater Bloomington and surrounding communities.

People of all backgrounds and levels (ages 12+) are invited to participate in KUKUSANYA dance and drum masterclasses.

To register for classes, click on the "Register Now" button below. You may also visit the On-Site Registration table located in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Bridgwaters Lounge.   Register Now!

Meet the Artists

Beatrice Capote   CapoTechnique    
Joyce Lindsey                    Drumming Masterclass
Iris Rosa                                  Professor Emeritus
Alexis Beverly            Contemporary African
McDaniel Roberts                    West African
Corey Boatner  Contemporary/Jazz
Jaylen Ray                Contemporary African
Dr. Sheila Ward                    Dunham
Danzel Thompson - Stout          House
Andre Artis                                   Pan Afrikan Drum & Dance Ensemble

KUKUSANYA Schedule

Friday, February 28, 2025

Artist Panel Discussion
"Because We Are: Living the AADC Legacy” Moderated by Baba Stafford & Professor Iris Rosa
Time: 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Location: Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Grand Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public

West African Bantaba with Baba Stafford & Guest Artists
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: School of Public Health: SPH 161
Admission: Participants must register and pay: Register Now

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Note: Multiple classes are offered during each time slot. Registration and payment is required to participate in classes. All classes are held in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, 275 N. Eagleson Avenue.

9:00–10:15 a.m.

  • Dunham with Dr. Sheila Ward
  • House with Danzel Thompson-Stout
  • Jazz/Contemporary with Corey Boatner 
  • West African with Baba McDaniel Roberts
  • Drumming with Joyce Lindsey

10:30–11:45 a.m.

  • Dunham with Dr. Sheila Ward
  • House with Danzel Thompson-Stout
  • Jazz/Contemporary with Corey Boatner 
  • West African with Baba McDaniel Roberts
  • Contemporary African with Jaylen Ray & Alexis Beverly

12:00–1:00 p.m. Luncheon

1:30–3:30 p.m.

Note: Participants must be available and agree to perform in the informal Dance Showcase at 6–7:30 p.m. in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Grand Hall. The 1:30–3:30 p.m. classes are focused on choreography and preparation for informal performance.

  • Dunham with Dr. Sheila Ward
  • House with Danzel Thompson-Stout
  • Jazz/Contemporary with Corey Boatner 
  • West African with Baba McDaniel Roberts
  • CapoTechnique with Beatrice Capote

27th Annual Dance Showcase
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. 
Location: Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Grand Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public

To register for classes, click on the "Register Now" button below. You may also visit the On-Site Registration table located in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Bridgwaters Lounge.

Registration Coming Soon!

To register for classes, click on the "Register Now button below. You may also visit the On-Site Registration table located in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Bridgwaters Lounge.

All participants must register and pay for masterclasses.

Register Now!

Events free and open to the public include: Artist Panel Discussion (February 28, 4p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and 27th Annual Dance Showcase (March 1, 2025, 6p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

Class Participation Fees

  • Full Registration (Friday Bantaba + 3 Saturday Classes) — $115
  • All Saturday Classes (3 Classes) — $70
  • Friday Opening Masterclass / Bantaba — $30
  • Saturday Single Class — $25

 

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

With questions about the KUKUSANYA Intensive, please email aadcdw@iu.edu

With questions regarding scholarships and Scholarship Student participation, please email kukusanyascholarship@gmail.com

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