The New Orleans Dance Festival brings together internationally renowned guest artists to share with NODF participants the significance of their rituals, the symbolism of their dance movements, the message of their songs. Now in its 15th year, the New Orleans Dance Festival offers participants classes that trace the migration of movement/rhythm from the Congo to Haiti and Cuba then to New Orleans where the uniquely New Orleans heritage traditions, such as Jazz, Brass Band and second-line dancing, Mardi Gras Indians chants and moves, and the Calenda and Bamboula dance/rhythms were nurtured at the historic site of Congo Square.
For Teachers
Created for educators interested in integrating cultural arts in their classroom teaching are Special weekend classes June 25 an 26. These special education sessions feature cultural specific information that integrate history, drumming, dancing, and singing into a interactive learning experience.
For Children
Joining the NODF this year is Kid’s Play NOLA directed by Dana Reed -- June 20-July 2, 2011. For more information go to Kid’s Play NOLA website.
For Dancers
NODF participants learn choreography performed at the culminating event of the festival “The New Orleans Dance Festival in Concert”, Saturday, July 2, 2011. Dance classes begin on Saturday, June 25th.
Performances For Dance Audiences Saturday, July 2nd
The 11th Annual MAAFA event takes place starting at 6 am at Congo Square. MAAFA - a Swahili term - is a community-wide commemoration which honors the memory of the millions of African people and their descendants who suffered or perished during the period of African capture and enslavement in America.
Congo Square - Louis Armstrong Park
- Special tribute to Congo Square by Congolese master dancer/drummer Titos Sompa.
ASHE Cultural Center -Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
Kids Play NOLA performance approximately 11:30 am
Oyu Oro Special Afro Cuban Dance Ensemble directed by Danys Perez "La Mora" (2:00 approximately)
New Orleans Heritage Performance Groups
New Orleans Heritage Performance Groups
Kumbuka African Dance and Drum Collective
Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indians
Untouchable Social Aid and Pleasure Club Second-Line Dancers
Will be featured during the “The New Orleans Dance Festival in Concert” in a special tribute to the “Spirit of Congo Square” Saturday, July 2, 2011.
Why celebrate Congo Square? If there is one place in the United States that can be credited with being the spiritual birthplace of jazz, it must the “Place des Negres” or Old Congo Square, in what is now Louis Armstrong Park. here, enslaved Africans were allowed to meet and dance, speaking in their native African tongues and laying their traditional instruments. The square bustled with these activities from the 1800 until 1857.
Information about the Festival
Full Festival Fees $750 June 25-July 9, 2011
Festival Fee is $550 from June 25-July 2, 2011
Information about Housing:
Housing for NODF participants is located on Tulane University’s campus at the Aron Residence - 6401 Willow Street. Aron Residence features apartments with a common kitchen - living room - private bedrooms and semi-private baths. Participants must provide their lines.
Basic Kitchen utensils, dishes, etc. are provided when requested.
The rooms are $28 per night - 9 nights housing is $252. The price does not include meals.
HOUSING RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BEFORE JUNE 15TH.
ROOM RESERVATIONS REQUIRE HALF OF THE ROOM FEE WITH THE REMAINING FEES PAID IN FULL BEFORE THE FESTIVAL BEGINS.
ROOM RESERVATION INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE NODF APPLICATION FORM.
Guest Teachers
Titos Sompa - Congolese Dance and Drumming
Danys Perez “La Mora” - Afro-Cuban & Afro-Cuban/Haitian Dance
Michelle Martin - Haitian Dance
Rosangela Silvestre - Brazilian
