In 1445 and for over three and a half centuries afterwards over ten million African men, women and children were forcibly transported as slaves to the Americas. This was not the beginning of this cruel assault on the dignity of Africans as over 1300 years ago Africans were trafficked to the Middle East and eastern Asia. The African Diaspora or the taking of people away from their ancestral homelands did not however destroy the deep seeded roots of these victims. The King Arts Complex in honor of these past lives and their integrity is presenting The African Diaspora: An Evolution through Dance. This event at the Complex will engage students in workshops and there will be performances to attend that will take the viewer on a journey to experience many of the genres of dance and drumming originating from the peoples of West Africa. Puffin Foundation West is pleased to be a grant sponsor, which will enable pioneers of African dance and drumming in Ohio, Tony & Aziza West to come to the Center. During this exciting programming, students and audiences will learn and see how traditional African dance has impacted modern and street dance. The Dance Companies of Tapestry Performing Arts, I Am D.A.N.C.E., and, T.A.B.C.A.T will not only be performing for patrons, but matinee performances by the participating performers will be presented to Central Ohio Schools and they will include a teachable moment in which students are taught about the art of dance.
