Lannaya Drum & Dance

Description

Culturally enriching, vibrantly costumed high energy performances of innovative and traditional West African dance with a live djembe orchestra (live drumming) energizes school assemblies and special events! Formed in 2000 and based in Austin, Texas, Lannaya is a Black-led nonprofit dedicated to exposing and educating audiences to authentic and progressive interpretations of drum and dance of the African diaspora. Lannaya’s current 15 multi-percussionists, drummers and dancers enliven audiences through dance and music! They perform celebratory West African drum and dance, an ancient, rhythmic whole-body dance form traditionally performed to polyrhythmic live drumming. They’re committed to fostering connection, cultural awareness, and preserving vibrant cultural traditions through performances and education. Available touring programs are suitable for small and large audiences and diverse facilities, including: the school show The Rhythm & Movement of West Africa!, an interactive arts education program that complements STAAR and TEKS requirements by including math, history, geography, culture, a brief history of traditional musical instruments, dance, live drumming/music, call-and-response songs, electronic Student Activity Packet and Teacher Guide; workshops (one-offs and long-term) focused on dance, drum, or both; drum and dance performances of traditional and innovative West African rhythms. All programs can be customized for specific events or audiences. Photo by Faustinus Dereat.