Roster of Artists
For fees and/or to schedule performances with artists from this list, please contact Art-Reach at 215-568-2115
or complete and submit an In-Facility Request Form.
To arrange for a performance, please contact Art-Reach one month in advance. Please be prepared to provide at least 3 possible dates for the performance and the approximate number of audience participants.
*click on the names below for full program descriptions
Polynesian and Hula- Honora Kelley
*Artist names appearing in pink contain more information about the performer.
Angela "Sadio" Watson
Artist Bio
Angela “Sadio” Watson is the founder & director for Camara Arts: Keepers of Tradition, and is committed to preserving and thus passing on the ancient healing African arts. Angela’s style is energetic and educational, while interacting with students in a way that is patient. She has received many accolades including: an apprenticeship award to study African Traditional Song with Mama Kadiatou Conte, from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, receiving the Leeway Woo Award Recipient for apprenticeship study and the Fullbright Award Recipient in Guinea, West Africa. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in African Studies from Howard University and a master's degree in Dance/Movement Therapy at MCP Hahnemann University, both of which she draws upon to incorporate African principles of healing with Western therapeutic aspects of dance in her work.
Currently Angela Sadio, performs with Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble of Philadelphia, Green Meadow cultural and educational shows for kids across the country, Tyehimba, and Ujima. She frequently travels to West Africa researching dance history and training with Sekouba Camara, former director of “Djoliba” and in various villages in Guinea, West Africa.
Structure of Angela "Sadio" Watson's Programs:
The African principles of art tie dance, song and music together as one. People of all ages and levels are welcome to the circle of dance. Angela Watson is a village-style folk dance artist with a commitment to preserving these ancient healing arts. African dance folklore teaches and enriches: history, language, geography, science, math and reading skills through interwoven concepts in storytelling, masquerade making, tuning of instruments, counting numbers, and researching of related concepts. Programs can be customized to fit the needs of the age group, with consideration for the level of development and specific needs of the participants. Storytelling & dance are combined using African dance forms to reflect the ideas and energy of the participants involved.
Program Options
Program One: Healing African Dance Symposium
In this engaging presentation, choreographer and former Fulbright Scholar Angela Watson explores one of the most essential elements of African dance — its ability to heal. Through lecture, video and demonstration, audiences learn about three different categories of African dance (social, folklore and ritual) that are performed in various contexts in African life — from births, to naming ceremonies, to weddings, to death. Elements of call-and-response, the talking drum, improvisation and rhythm also are discussed. Audience members can participate by learning the movements of a dance.
Please note: This performance requires the requesting agency to supply a DVD player and TV/VCR. If possible, CD player is also requested.
Program Two: African Dance
African dance underscores the meaning and purpose of African Arts. This interactive program teaches essential core values, such as community building and being inclusive rather than exclusive. Whether a novice dancer or having never danced previously, all are welcome to the circle of dance. Most importantly, participants will learn that dance is for healing, used to uplift our well being and redirect the negative competition towards a positive base of support rooted in the community. Historical significance of African culture is given with its application to today’s context in America.
Performed by the exciting and multi-talented duo of Bob Butryn and Eva Brothers"Crazy Rhythm, Fancy Feet", is a fun-filled, versatile, dance and music show consisting of dances such as the Charleston, swing, tap, cha-cha, waltz, cakewalk, and a fox trot done in the style of Fred and Ginger. The show also contains musical performances of "Honeysuckle Rose"and "In The Mood" played on the clarinet and saxophone, plus audience participation segments such as a sing-along medley and the game "name that singer".
Are you ready to kick up your heels? The Fiddlekicks are perfect for you! They are an Appalachian clogging group based in Philadelphia. This uniquely American dance form evolved in the southern Appalachian Mountains, emerging from a melting pot of influences — Celtic, African and Cherokee — to create a new genre of folk music and percussive dance closely tied to the driving rhythms of the fiddle and the banjo. Fiddlekicks brings it to you, clogging up a storm to live old-time music! Performances include live dancing and live music. Appropriate for all audiences. .
A stimulating rhythmic performance of traditional African drumming and dancing, Caribbean folk dances, and steel drums. Audience participation includes light dance, singing, and playing small percussive instruments. Founder, instructor and business manager of Kuumba Performers, she is motivated by her love for children. She is dedicated to preserving and introducing African history through rhythm and dance, to a new generation.
Mafalda feels."many people in America are not aware of the influences that Africa has on many cultures. It is my dream to bridge the cultural gap in educational and multicultural settings." She studied drum and dance in Senegal and Mali, West Africa with the National Ballet of Mali, and also danced in concert with world music artists Baba Maal and Massamba Diop.
Get ready for something spectacular! NNDT is Philadelphia's only indigenous dance company presenting authentic Native American themes to audiences of all ages. They thrive on audience interaction and enjoy teaching audiences traditional songs and the Round or Snake Dance. Themes used in each performance are based on Native American Indian legends and oral traditions. Depending on audience needs, NNDT performers can perform in the classroom, theater, auditorium, indoors, or outdoors. Performers present all shows dressed in traditional regalia or garb. NNDT partners with Art-Reach offering many perfromance choices to meet each member's needs and budget. Native Nations Dance Theater presents the following program choices:
| Musical Dance Program | You will expereice the Hoop Dance, Flute songs, Rattle songs, Hand Drum songs, and singing. |
| Trio Show | Includes the Musical Dance Program as well as other traditional dances in various dance categories |
| Mini Powwow | This is a thrilling performance by 4-5 performers and also includes the Native Nations Drum Group. |
Polynesian and Hula Dance with Honora Kelley
A trip through Polynesia from the fast drums and hips of Tahiti, to the soft swaying of the hula, to the fierce looks and complex moves of the Maori in New Zealand. The audience dances, laughs, sings and keeps the beat throughout the show. Appropriate for all audiences.
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