African dance styles vary across tribes and nations, but all are deeply steeped in ritual and history. Dance is used for more than simple entertainment. Dance can represent prayer, emotional communication, rites of passage, and much more.

Africa International’s House’s (AIH) Evolution of African Dance is part of a preview of the 30th Annual African Festival of Arts (AFA) to be held Labor Day weekend in Washington Park. Held at Navy Pier, Evolution of African Dance explores African dance past, present, and future. The afternoon begins with performances from West African Dance company Muntu Dance, Ethiopian cultural dancer Yaasha Abramham and closes with the Chi-Town Regulators, who will perform a Caribbean J'ouvert festival dance.

Performing during the second half of Evolution of African Dance are M.A.A.D Rhythm who will perform TAP dance sequences followed by Purifyed Dance, performing old and new school hip hop, and closes with the Liberian Native CeceBandit and an electrifying Afrobeat’s performance.

This showcase is interactive with the audience learning African dance for a big finale to end the program.