“C. Brian Williams talks about the art of stepping—defining and historicizing the art form and discussing its deep connection to Black fraternities and sororities. (He learned to step when he was accepted into a fraternity at Howard University.) He talks about the creation of Step Afrika!, which began in 1994 as a dance festival in South Africa and grew into an education and performing arts organization that is now one of the top 10 U.S. Black dance companies. Williams also discusses the company’s commitment to education (all dancers are expected to be teaching artists) and its dedication to cultural exchange, as well as the company’s commitment to bringing the art form to as many people as possible, noting the significance of traditional arts globally and its ability to open a window into the soul of a nation.
Join us online on November 17 when we premier the documentary called “Roots of American Culture” a celebration of the artistry of all the 2022 National Heritage Fellows. Check out our website arts.gov for more details.”
– NEA Art Works Podcast
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