African American Dance Ensemble

With its motto, "Peace, Love, Respect for Everybody," the African American Dance Ensemble preserves and shares the finest traditions of African and African American dance and music as well as contemporary choreography. Chuck Davis, who also serves as Artistic Director of Dance Africa, is the foremost teacher and choreographer of traditional African dance in America. He was recently honored as a National Dance Treasure by the National Dance Coalition. Through his instruction, inspiration and performance, countless Americans have come to understand and appreciate this significant aspect of our culture.

Touring Artist Directory Profile

Touring Category: Dance

The African American Dance Ensemble celebrates more than 24 years as an international professional touring company of dancers and musicians, conveying its message of "Peace, Love, Respect for Everybody" to audiences across the U.S. and abroad. The company’s repertoire of traditional African and contemporary African American works is guided by its Artistic Director, the highly acclaimed, internationally renowned choreographer, Chuck Davis. The Ensemble seeks to preserve and share the finest traditions of African and African-American dance and music through research, education, and entertainment. The Ensemble reaches more than 300,000 people each year with its concerts, lecture/demonstrations, workshops, and cultural activities. In addition, Chuck Davis travels to Africa on an annual basis to study African dance, music, and culture.

Performances include a 90-minute to two-hour full concert with colorfully costumed dancers and musicians. Repertoire includes traditional and contemporary African and African-American dance. Fee: $3,500-$6,500, plus expenses.

In-School Educational Programs
Additional activities for schools and communities include lecture/demonstrations incorporating dance, music, and cultural history, and movement sessions, master classes, specialized workshops, and curriculum-based core class residencies of three to five days with culminating participatory performances. Fee: $500-$1,000 for single educational activities; $4,500-$10,000 for residencies.