MISSION

Ayodele Drum & Dance exists to foster community from a feminine perspective through the study and performance of diasporic African drum and dance.

WHO WE ARE

Whether we’re teaching children, healing the community with classes, producing sold out concerts, studying with female Samba Masters in Brazil, Master Djembe and Dununfolas of West Africa or spreading our healing energy through performances; Ayodele Drum & Dance remains an unending circle firmly rooted in joy.

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and Ayodele Drum and Dance presents

Beauty and the Beat: Masked
Friday, October 31st | 7:30pm
Vendor Market | 6:00pm
Saturday, November 1st | 12:00pm
Vendor Market | 11:00am

Dance Center of Columbia College
1306 S. Michigan Ave | Chicago
Tickets: $30 | Students: $10
Free to Columbia College Students

Ayodele Drum and Dance’s first standalone concerts at the Dance Center feature the company’s repertoire of masquerade works in honor of Halloween and a new drum piece created by Founding Executive/Artistic Director and Dance Center faculty T. Ayo Alston.

"Thematically we are collecting our repertoire of masquerade pieces from different ethnic groups and countries in Africa,” says T. Ayo Alston. “I think seeing that variety and that kaleidoscope of perspectives is a way for us to continue to build community, continue to share with community, and continue to bridge gaps in understanding of African dance.”

WHAT WE OFFER

Community Classes

Mondays: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

All Levels West African Dance

Cost: $10

Class Cards: 5 classes - $45 | 10 classes - $85

We accept cash, credit cards, class cards, Zelle, PayPal, and CashApp

Performances

Let us bring a culturally enriching West African dance and live drum experience to your school, party, conference, wedding, or other type of event. Available for shows of 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes; as well as concerts up to 2 hours.

Workshops

Enjoy an energizing workshop with live drumming designed to intrigue your mind, tone your body, and feed your soul. Available for youth or adults for as little as 30 minutes or as much as 2 hours.

Arts Education Residency

Enhance your lesson plans with our culturally diverse West African drum and dance curriculum. Available for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. Residencies may vary from a full day to 12 weeks.