Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater's 17th Anniversary Celebrates Black History Month With AN ANANSE TALE”

The Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation celebrated its 17th anniversary of its signature branch, the Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater (AYAADT), with an innovative, revitalized dance production at the Peter Norton Symphony Space on Saturday, February 3, 2018 in Manhattan, New York. The full-length performance was preceded by a private VIP reception and pre-show event by Egun Omode. Patrons cheered the non-stop energetic production of the ensemble's 90 minute performance rich with African culture.

This season's production, a narrative musical entitled "An Ananse Tale" was inspired by an oral folktale from Ghana, West Africa. Asase Yaa presented the folktale through music, dance, song, and narration. According to Yao Ababio, Founder and Artistic Director of AYAADT, the concept for An Ananse Tale originated over 10 years ago as a direct reflection of the company's view of arts and culture.

The traditions of African folktales demonstrate the strength of the African diaspora worldwide. Stories about Ananse the spider-god that originated in Ghana have been told and retold from generation to generation in West Africa, the West Indies and the United States.

Ananse tales hold great cultural significance, as the mischievous trickster's exploits have entertained children while imparting important life lessons. The character of Ananse symbolizes rebellion, and the stories give both hope and pride to historically enslaved and oppressed people who struggle to survive and fight for freedom.

"Since its inception 17 year ago, Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater has been dedicated to the promotion of the rich beauty of African culture," says Executive Director Kofi Osei Williams. "It is the goal as Universal Africans to unite the diaspora by celebrating our shared heritage. We aim to always push the boundaries to show the ever-present unique similarities that Continental and Diasporic Africans share in culture, music, dance and expression."

Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation and Asase Yaa African Dance Theater are extremely grateful to those who have supported over the years, and a special thank to sponsors who contributed to the evening's success. The event was supported by O Magazine, Moshood, Karen's Body Beautiful, Facialsbyobina, BBF Prints, WeDefineIT, Sibabalwe Mona, Yaa-Aso Hunter-Edwards, Grammy Award Winner Jeff Redd of Sol Real Records, Focus on Divas Events and Asase Yaa School of the Arts Parents Committee.

Other proud supporters of notable mention are Shirley Lewis, Rudena Harris, Aunjanee Ellis, Maisha Closson, Chris Sheridan, Auro Moore, Charles Cooke, Gimbu Smith, Christine Brewley, Reggie Bythewood, Maia Marson, Azi Kwofi Handon, Dalela Harrison, Nana Kodia Ababio, Debra Leftridge, Rajonna Lewis, Minnie Mae Mason, Elendar Barnes, Shaun Lee, Lisa Payton, Ayesha Soaries, Malandela Zulu and Babatunde Akowe.

The Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater (AYAADT) was founded in the summer of 2001. Artistic Director Yao Ababio created the esteemed company based on his love for African traditions and his extensive performing arts experience. Under his leadership, the company has distinguished itself in the dance and drum world for its dynamic and high energy performances as well as for its commitment to excellence and discipline. Where ever they perform, the Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater becomes the audience's favorite African dance and drum company, a reputation that AYAADT works diligently to maintain.

Asase Yaa School of the Arts (AYSA) was founded in 2010 with the mission to provide quality dance and drum instruction to boys and girls students ages 3 to 18. Through intensive study and technical training in various dance forms that include tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern, and African, students become well versed in their genre over the course of the 37 week program (which typically runs from October to June).

For more information, contact Asase Yaa at info@asaseyaaent.org.

Photo Credit: Solwazi Afi Olusola