2026 Ayodele African Drum and Dance Conference
An exhilarating weekend of dance featuring teachers from Guinea, Senegal, Brazil, Ivory Coast and more. See you on the floor!
Thursday, May 7th - Sunday, May 10th
Sherman Park
1301 W. 52nd Street | Chicago, IL
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 7th
6:00pm - 7:30pm Barakissa Coulibaly (Ivory Coast Dance)
Friday, May 8th
6:00pm - 7:30pm Souleymane Solo Sana (Mali Dance)
7:45pm - 9:15pm Mouminatou Camara (Guinea Dance)
Saturday, May 9th
10:00am - 11:30am Dandha Da Hora (Afro Brazil Dance)
11:45am - 1:15pm Ibrahima Diouf (Liberian Dance)
1:30pm - 3:00pm Youssouf Koumbassa (Guinea Dance)
3:15pm - 4:45pm Babacar M'Baye (Sabar Dance)
3:30pm - 5:00pm Fode Bangoura (Djembe Drum)
Sunday, May 10th
10:00am - 11:30am Babacar M'Baye (Sabar Dance)
11:45am - 1:15pm Dandha Da Hora (Afro Brazil Dance)
1:30pm - 3:00pm Youssouf Koumbassa (Guinea Dance)
3:15pm - 4:45pm Pause Eddie (Chicago Footwork Dance)
5:00pm - 6:30pm Ibrahima Diouf (Liberian Dance)
6:45pm - 8:15pm Mouminatou Camara (Guinea Dance)
***ALL classes and teachers are subject to change.***
CLASS PRICES AND PACKAGES
$18 - Dance/Drum Class
$15 - Conference T-shirt
$125 - 5 Classes + Conference T-shirt + Concert Ticket
$155 - 7 Classes + Conference T-shirt + Concert Ticket
$200 - 10 Classes + Conference T-shirt + Concert Ticket
$260 - Entire Weekend + Conference T-shirt + Concert Ticket
GROUP RATES
Groups are 10 or more people (no packages).
Please send us the group name, names of the individuals in your group, and the number of classes per person to ayodeledrumdance@gmail.com. Once you receive a confirmation of the total amount, pay at PayPal.Me/ayodeledrum.
AT THE DOOR
$20 Classes
$20 Conference T-shirts
VENDOR FEES
(Vendor Market is on Saturday and Sunday at the conference)
$60 - Per Day
HOTEL
DoubleTree by Hilton - Midway Airport
6624 S. Cicero Avenue
Bedford Park, IL 60638
Schedule subject to change. No refunds or exchanges. For questions or concerns, please email ayodeledrumdance@gmail.com
CONCERT
Ayodele Presents Beauty and the Beat: A Warrior Reborn
Immerse yourself in the wonders of African drum and dance as Bayo Beauty continues her journey of connection, empowerment, and self-discovery. Guided by the Zaouli Princess, Papa Legba, the Water Goddesses, Our Ancestors, The Beat, and YOU, she ascends…A Warrior Reborn.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Doors: 7:00pm | Concert: 8:00pm
Benito Juarez Community Academy
1450 W. Cermak Road | Chicago, IL 60608
Tickets: $35 in advance | $40 at the door
$30 in advance | $35 at the door for Seniors, Students (with ID), Children (under 12)
Groups (10+) email ayodeldedrumdance@gmail.com
Lap-held children under 4 free
Early arrival is strongly recommended.