Community collaboration to bring world-class dance troupe to the Outer Banks in May

Community collaboration to bring world-class dance troupe to the Outer Banks in May

Dare Arts and the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series have been working together to bring the Saakumu Dance Troupe from Ghana to the Outer Banks, and in May the community residency that has been almost a year in the making will come to fruition. “We are thrilled to invite the Outer Banks community to experience the vibrant artistry of the Saakumu Dance Troupe,” said Bob Muller, co-chair of the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series.

“From First Friday in downtown Manteo to the public performance at the Duck Amphitheater, and appearances at Artrageous and KidsFest, these events offer dynamic opportunities for cultural connection and celebration.

We’re grateful to the Outer Banks Community Foundation, Dare Arts, and the Children & Youth Partnership for helping make this rich and joyful exchange possible for audiences of all ages.” Driven by a passion for bringing innovative dances and world music to their audiences, the Saakumu Dance Troupe will arrive on the Outer Banks in May for a week-long residency to share traditional and contemporary Ghanaian dance and music, noted a Dare Arts news release.

“Saakumu is recognized as one of the leading cultural performing troupes in Ghana and abroad. They began touring Africa and the United States in 2008 in collaboration with Griffin Brady and the Slyboots School of Music, Art & Dance,” stated the release. “Saakumu Dance Troupe’s residency on the Outer Banks is a celebration of culture, rhythm, and connection,” said ethnomusicologist, educator and performer Griffin Brady.

“At our community performances, audiences can expect a vibrant and immersive experience—live drumming, traditional and contemporary African dance, and heartfelt storytelling that bridges continents and generations.”

The Saakumu Dance Troupe’s scheduled public performances on the Outer Banks are: · Friday, May 2: Dare Arts’ Courtyard during First Friday in downtown Manteo at 6 p.m. · Thursday, May 8: Duck Amphitheater in Duck at 6:30 p.m. · Friday, May 9: KidsFest at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. · Saturday, May 10: The Artrageous Kids Art Festival at Dowdy Park in Nags Head at 10:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.