KowTeff African Dance Company was founded in 1991 by Sewaa Codrington and Aicha (Makeda) Diop in Brooklyn, New York. 2021 truly marks a significant milestone of surviving and thriving as a cultural arts organization for three decades. KowTeff has a strong legacy of training generations of adults and youth in traditional African Diaspora folklore, and delivering powerful and diverse performances, free dance classes, and cultural programming for the community. As we continue to evolve and embark on this next chapter, KowTeff remains committed to preserving traditional African Diaspora folklore, edutainment, and using the cultural arts as a tool of community empowerment.
Topical Breeze Ballroom 1367 Utica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203
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Topical Breeze Ballroom 1367 Utica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203
Please join us as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of KowTeff African Dance Company! KowTeff was founded in 1991 by Sewaa Codrington and Aicha (Makeda) Diop in the heart of Brooklyn, NY. 2021 has truly marked a significant milestone of surviving and thriving as a cultural arts organization for three decades. KowTeff has a strong legacy of training generations of adults and youth in traditional African Diaspora folklore, and delivering powerful and diverse performances, free dance classes, and cultural programming for the community. As we continue to evolve and embark on this next chapter, KowTeff remains committed to preserving traditional African Diaspora folklore, edutainment, and using the cultural arts as a tool of community empowerment.
Come out and be a part of history as we celebrate this momentous occasion! The event features a live DJ and drumming for your listening and dancing pleasure, cultural entertainment, great food, cash bar, exciting raffle prizes, special guest honorees (Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Esther Grant, and Akua Brabham), a 30th Anniversary commemorative video, and of course lots of fun KowTeff memories and positive vibes!
Out of an abundance of care and concern for our guests, COVID-19 safety and risk management procedures will be followed. Please note: masks are required as well as a negative COVID test within 72 hours for all attendees 12 years old and over (even if vaccinated).
Click on the link below to purchase event tickets and/or raffle tickets. Seating is limited! Advance ticket purchase encouraged. Discounted child and group tickets are available.
2021 Keeper of the Culture Award: Teaching Artist
2021 Keeper of the Culture Award: African Diaspora Cultural Historian & Artist
2021 Keeper of the Culture Award: Cultural Ambassador
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. ~ Marcus Garvey.
The 30th anniversary logo encapsulates much of what the KowTeff legacy is all about. It’s a uniquely constructed patchwork of vintage KowTeff images, which tells the story of a Brooklyn-based cultural arts institution that has survived three decades. The design is a vibrant historical quilt of KowTeff dancers, drummers, and moko jumbie / chakaba (stilt dancers) in action, laced with references to the institution’s origins.
It merges rich detail – an essential ingredient of the company’s research-based choreography, costuming and programming – with blurred images that are symbolic of the generations of families that have blended into one cultural arts institution. The conglomeration of images represents the unity of the “KowTeff Family”, which has been cultivated and strengthened over the past 30 years. The bright, colorful patchwork of images is reminiscent of the clothing of the Baye Fall of Senegal, where KowTeff’s name originates. The 30 th anniversary logo was designed by artist and long-time KowTeff company member, Konate Primus, who has shared the stage with many of the artists depicted. It was inspired by his rich memories of the communities served and the lives touched by KowTeff.
KowTeff's Juneteenth Celebration Fund
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