MISSION

Ayodele Drum & Dance exists to foster community from a feminine perspective through the study and performance of diasporic African drum and dance.

WHO WE ARE

Whether we’re teaching children, healing the community with classes, producing sold out concerts, studying with female Samba Masters in Brazil, Master Djembe and Dununfolas of West Africa or spreading our healing energy through performances; Ayodele Drum & Dance remains an unending circle firmly rooted in joy.

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and Ayodele Drum and Dance presents

Beauty and the Beat: Masked
Friday, October 31st | 7:30pm
Vendor Market | 6:00pm
Saturday, November 1st | 12:00pm
Vendor Market | 11:00am

Dance Center of Columbia College
1306 S. Michigan Ave | Chicago
Tickets: $30 | Students: $10
Free to Columbia College Students

BEAUTY AND THE BEAT: MASKED follows the story of a young woman – Beauty – who experiences rejection by her community and enters an imagined world conjured through the sacred rhythms of drum and dance. What began in struggle transforms into a celebration of the healing power of heritage. The concert draws inspiration and weaves together mask dances from the Baga people of Guinea, the Red YabonDo mask dance by the Temine and Mandinye people from Guinea and Sierra Leone, Dance of the Jesters by the Maninka people of Guinea and the Bamana people of Mali, and Zaouli created by Gouro people in Cote D’Ivoire that is similar in its lightning fast steps to Chicago Footwork.

“Beauty struggles with feelings of not belonging, a feeling too many of us experience every day,” says T. Ayo Alston who wrote and directed the performance. “My exposure in 7th grade to West African dance and drumming lit a spark that helped affirm my own identity, ignite my confidence, and find community through some very difficult times. These concerts are a way to share the power these forms hold to incite joy.”

“Ayodele Drum and Dance brings you to your feet every time,” says Dance Center Artistic Director Meredith Sutton. “We are excited for audiences of all ages to tap into the rush their performances conjure – compared to a Halloween sugar high, it’s on a whole other plane.”

Ayodele Drum and Dance will transform the Dance Center through an exhibition of masks, art works, and a vendor marketplace to immerse the audience into an African diasporic world rooted in joy. The opening procession, united drum call, remembering the ancestors, and Beauty’s journey is performed by Ayodele’s intergenerational ensemble of matriarchs, apprentices, first and second company dancers, and company and guest drummers.

WHAT WE OFFER

Community Classes

Mondays: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

All Levels West African Dance

Cost: $10

Class Cards: 5 classes - $45 | 10 classes - $85

We accept cash, credit cards, class cards, Zelle, PayPal, and CashApp

Performances

Let us bring a culturally enriching West African dance and live drum experience to your school, party, conference, wedding, or other type of event. Available for shows of 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes; as well as concerts up to 2 hours.

Workshops

Enjoy an energizing workshop with live drumming designed to intrigue your mind, tone your body, and feed your soul. Available for youth or adults for as little as 30 minutes or as much as 2 hours.

Arts Education Residency

Enhance your lesson plans with our culturally diverse West African drum and dance curriculum. Available for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. Residencies may vary from a full day to 12 weeks.