Dance Africa is the unofficial Memorial Day event commencing Brooklyn, New York’s summer festivities. For the last 34 years, The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has successfully organized this dynamic festival celebrating the African Diaspora. We had the pleasure of attending the dress rehearsal to this year’s dance performance, “Expressions and Encounters: African, Cuban and American Rhythms.” Lively dancers and musicians in colorful costumes danced, leaped, sang, and pounded drums in a fluid choreography of grace and strength. The other large attraction to Dance Africa are the various vendors selling furniture, vintage music, clothing, West African musical instruments, jewelry, and food. Continue reading Appetizing Thoughts: Dance Africa 2011