WAIS Presents Afrique Aya Dance Company Nov. 19

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Afrique Aya Dance Company, an African dance and drum group, will perform in the University of the Ozarks' Seay Theatre.

The event, a part of the University's 2024-25 Walton Arts & Ideas Series, begins at 7 p.m. in the Walton Fine Arts Center's Seay Theatre. There is no cost for admission and the public is invited.

The Arkansas-based troupe will perform traditional West African dances, drawing on a rich tradition of story-telling and earth-based, lyric movement and music that convey a vibrant, universal narrative. Some audience participation may be invited.

The company has performed and taught residencies and workshops on the music and culture of West Africa in colleges and schools throughout the country

Angelo Yao, master drummer and dancer, was born in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), West Africa. He was invited to Yale University in 1997 by choreographer Ralph Lemon to create "Geography," a fusion of post-modern movement and traditional African dance. That production went on tour to several states in the United States. Angelo moved to Burlington, Vermont in 1998, where he formed Afrique Aya. He moved to Arkansas in 2000, first to Eureka Springs and then to Fayetteville, where he lives now.

Afrique Aya is a group of dancers and drummers dedicated to enjoying and sharing the music and culture of West Africa. Inspired by rhythms and rituals from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Afrique Aya celebrates the synergy of nature, spirit, movement, and percussion.