ART OF BLACK DANCE AND MUSIC - 38 Years of Worldwide Entertainment and Education

Our History

|

ABDM has built a strong history of important performances, such as:
The Prime Minister of Jamaica's Gala Event (1976)
Summerthing in Boston (1977)
World Peace Conference with Bob Marley, Eddie Palmieri, Olatunji, Patti La Belle (1979)
Opened the International Festival of the Arts in Nairobi, Kenya (1985)
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival (1987)
Alvin Ailey Opening Night Committee (1989)
Greater Boston Visitor and Convention Bureau's "An Evening of Entertainment" (1990)
Nelson Mandela Visit to Boston (1990)
African Tapestry Concert (1991)
Museum of Fine Arts Gala (1992)
Brooklyn Academy of Music DanceAfrica Festival ( 19881 - 83)
Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival of Performing Arts (1994)
Boston Symphony Orchestra-Youth Concert (1995)
Mayor's Proclamation - Art of Black Dance and Music Day (1987)
Black Legislative Caucus Arts and Humanities Award (1987)
Mass. Council of Arts and Humanities (1987) Enrichment to Cultural Life of the Commonwealth
Harriet Wigfall Community Service Award (1990)
Elliot Norton Award (1992)
League of Afro-American Women Award, Boston for Achievement in the Arts
The Boston Parents Paper - Commonwealth of Massachusetts Role Model Award, Boston (1995)
The Commonwealth Award Massachusetts Cultural Council (1995)

"Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances."

Maya Angelou

ABDM's 38th Year of African Rooted Dance & Music Performance & Education

Preserving the legacy of African rooted dance, music and folklore, as it reflects the lifestyles of African descendants in the Diaspora. A fundraising reunion of past ABDM educators and performers is planned for October 5, 2013. At our Festival of Arts & Culture, we will recognize some of the pioneers and masters of the dance and music in this region.
10th Annual African Festival at Lynnfield Middle School

Dance Educator De Ama Battle, accompanied by Mamadou Diop of Senegal presents its 10th annual Festival Africa residency at the Lynnfield Middle School in November of 2013. This program involves the 7th grade classes at LMS, its teachers and some 250 students. This gives special attention to the 10 year long collaboration between Art of Black Dance & Music, the Lynnfield Metco Program, Lynnfield Middle School administration and the parents' council.
40th Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

ABDM will celebrate its 40th Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration (formerly held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. School). December 7, 2013, the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second Street, Cambridge, MA from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. All are invited to share in the festivities. Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26th - January 1st in many communities.