African dance and music deeply influenced pioneers of 20th-century modernism like choreographers Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus and Alvin Ailey and composer Steve Reich.
Alongside contemporary companies like Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the late choreographer Chuck Davis kept the connection alive through DanceAfrica, an annual series launched by the North Carolina native in 1977 for troupes around the country. Davis often traveled to the shows to play the role of griot, a traditional West African historian and storyteller.
Founded a year earlier, DBDT is opening its 50th anniversary season with the company’s 21st edition of DanceAfrica, including a free festival and marketplace and ticketed concerts starring a flurry of dance and music ensembles.
Besides the company’s two professional and three student groups, the concerts will feature performances by Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble, the Notes of Transformation choir and Lancaster High School’s DC3 dance company. Meanwhile, about 20 local groups are scheduled to appear at the outdoor festival.
DanceAfrica opens Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. with a free community dance class led by Bandan Koro at the DBDT studios, 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas. The free festival and marketplace take place Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, following a parade from Flora Street to the park at 9:45 a.m. Ticketed concerts are Oct. 9-10 at 7:30 p.m. at Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St. $65. dbdt.com.