No upcoming perfomances found for this event.
About the Show
Following their extraordinary presentation of Drumfolk in 2023, Step Afrika! returns with their signature work The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence which charts the story of African Americans moving from the rural South to the industrial North to escape Jim Crow, racial oppression, and lynchings in the early 1900s. Inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s iconic 60-panel “The Migration Series” (1940-41), this iconic work from the award-winning dance company uses the images, color palette, and motifs in the painting series to tell this story through pulsating rhythms and visually stunning movement. As part of its ongoing commitment to presenting Southern stories that have shaped the nation’s history and identity, the Gaillard has curated this work in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Living, Breathing, Stepping ‘Exhibition’ of Jacob Lawrence
New York Times
Photo Credit (Left to Right): Jati Lindsay, Jati Lindsay, Teresa Castracane.
Runtime: 92 minutes (includes 15-minute intermission)
Please note all times are approximate and subject to change without notice.
This program is sponsored in part by the donors to the Charleston Gaillard Center’s Dance Initiative, Bank of America, and Merrill, A Bank of America Company.
About Step Afrika!
Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US.
Read More
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. The Company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theaters and performs globally as Washington, DC’s one and only Cultural Ambassador.
Step Afrika! has earned Mayor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education, Innovation in the Arts, Excellence in an Artistic Discipline, and was inducted into the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Hall of Fame, the first Dance Company to earn this honor. Step Afrika! headlined President Barack Obama’s Black History Month Reception and performed at the first ever Juneteenth Celebration at the White House. The Company is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive exhibit.
About the International African American Museum
The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey. Learn more about IAAM at www.iaamuseum.org.
About MOJA Arts Festival
MOJA Arts Festival is an annual celebration of Black arts and culture and the related artistic contributions to the world, especially through African American and Caribbean legacies.
The multi-disciplinary festival is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, an all-volunteer community arts and cultural group.
Additional assistance and guidance is provided by the less formal networks of the MOJA Advisory Board, a group of civic leaders who assist with fundraising and advocacy, and the Friends of MOJA patron circle, representing individual and corporate donors. Learn more about MOJA at mojafestival.com/.
Student & Teacher Tickets
The Charleston Gaillard Center’s Education and Community Program is pleased to announce student and teacher tickets are available for this performance. Limited availability. Limited to two tickets per person with valid student/teacher ID.
Student and Teacher Tickets available in advance: Tickets are $20 for Green seats on seating map. Price will update after Student/Teacher ticket is added to the cart. Ticket purchasers must pick up their tickets at Will Call the night of the performance.
Student and Teacher Day of Rush: Tickets are $20. Available two hours prior to show time, best available.
Click here to sign up for education emails, including those regarding our student and teacher ticket program.
Buy More and Save
Buy three or more Gaillard Center presented performances in the 2025–2026 season and receive 10% off your purchase.
Discount automatically applied at checkout when three or more performances are added to the cart.
Offer excludes Box Tier Seats, VIP programs, and the following shows: An Evening with Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben, Gaillard Gala, Elvis Costello and The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Cat Kid, The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes, Charlie Berens, and Hannah Berner. Does not include Charleston Symphony presented performances. Other exclusions may apply. Shows included in the discount will include a disclaimer on their individual event page.
No retroactive discounts.
Please note that for this performance online purchases have a limit of eight (8) tickets per customer. To purchase additional tickets or to inquire about group sales, please contact the ticket office directly at (843) 242-3099.