About the Show
Drumfolk is a rhythmic storytelling of the development of African-American percussive dance and movement traditions. Inspired by the Stono Rebellion of 1739, the production explores this little-known event in history that would forever transform African-American life and culture.
Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping—a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 50 countries across the globe. Step Afrika! is one of the top 10 African American dance companies in the world. Step Afrika! promotes stepping as a contemporary dance genre through critically acclaimed performances and arts education programs. Creatively engaging audiences in this nascent art form, the Company creates full-length productions that expand on stepping’s unique American history.
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern 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.
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The Company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theatres 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 (2005); Innovation in the Arts (2008); and Excellence in an Artistic Discipline (2012); and performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and the First Lady.
Critically Acclaimed works, such as The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence and Drumfolk, tour to major U.S. cities. Step Afrika! is prominently featured at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with an interactive exhibit on the art form of stepping.
To learn more, visit www.stepafrika.org.
Student & Teacher Tickets
The Charleston Gaillard Center’s Education & 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.
Tickets available in advance: Tickets are $15 (plus applicable fees) for Orange seats on seatmap. Ticket purchasers must pick up their tickets at Will Call the night of the performance.
Day of Rush: Tickets are $20 (plus applicable fees). Available two hours prior to show time, best available.
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“But most importantly in our story, they restricted the use of the drum…when that was taken away, the body became the drum.”
– Director Jakari Sherman
Program* Below:
DRUMFOLK 2.0
Choreography by Jakari Sherman, Dr. David Pleasant, Jeeda Barrington and Mfonsio Akpan
IN THE WILDERNESS
Choreography by Dustin Praylow and Ronnique Murray
STONO
Choreography by Jakari Sherman, Jordan Spry, Mfoniso Akpan and Júlio Leitão
Intermission
UN/AFRAID
Choreography by Jakari Sherman with contributions from Jeeda Barrington, Conrad R. Kelly II and Dustin Praylow
FREE
Choreography by Jakari Sherman
*Subject to change.
Support for this program is made possible by generous donors who have committed time and resources to the Charleston Gaillard Center’s Dance Initiative.
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.