May 1, 2018 | Theatre,

Welcome to Boston, Step Afrika!

As we anticipate opening night for The Migration: Reflection on Jacob Lawrence on Thursday, we had the immense pleasure of welcoming Step Afrika! To Boston alongside incredible local organizations and performances last night with our Welcome to Boston Cast Party at Roxbury Community College. It was a night filled with the talents of Boston’s finest, as well as sneak peek into Step Afrika!’s upcoming performance.

Hosted by Shaumba Yandje Dibinga and Barry Gaither, the nearly full auditorium was a celebration of history, art and culture surrounding The Great Migration, yet still full of laughter and light. The night began with an amazing step performance from the Boston Latin School Step Squad with an energetic and engaging performance, a perfect opener for such an inspiration night.

The Boston Latin School was followed by a dance performance from OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center set to the poetry of Langston Hughes, performed exquisitely by Adobuere Ebiama (who is will be reprising her role in Mr. Joy: The Neighborhood Tour this month). We moved through the evening with astounding dance performances from Boston Tap Company and Jean Apppolon Expressions, both an amalgamation of traditional dance styles melded with contemporary technique. The night also featured artwork by Roxbury’s own Ekua Holmes, projected between acts.

We closed the evening with a rousing performance by Step Afrika! As a special treat before their show this upcoming weekend. The energy they brought into the room was explosive, with the utmost precision and excellent form. While their step is technically brilliant, perhaps the best part of Step Afrika!’s performance was the obvious joy and fun each dancer had performing.

After several standing ovations throughout the show, the reception featured a performance from Steppin’ in the Bean, a Chicago-style step troupe, as audience members were able to enjoy some refreshments, learn more about Step Afrika!, and purchase tickets to the upcoming show. It was a night full of wonderful performances, company and an truly a grand welcome!

Be sure to catch The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence at the Emerson Cutler Majestic May 3 – 6.

 

Learn More about these talented performers

BOSTON TAP COMPANY

ORIGINATION CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

ADOBUERE EBIAMA

JEAN APPOLON EXPRESSIONS

STEPPIN IN THE BEAN

THE ARTWORK OF EKUA HOLMES

BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL STEP SQUAD

 

All photos by Prudente Photography.