Step Afrika!’s The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence returns June 7, 2024 – July 14, 2024 to Arena Stage in Washington, DC!

Step Afrika!’s signature work The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence is based on Lawrence’s iconic painting series that chart the story of African-American migrants moving from the South to the North in the early 1900s. Each piece uses the images, color palette, and motifs in the painting series to tell this astonishing story through pulsating rhythms and visually stunning movement.

Want to see the inspiration up close? Immerse yourself in this amazing resource provided by The Phillips Collection, featuring information about Jacob Lawrence and his The Migration Series.

The Story of Step Afrika! and the Creation of The Migration

Watch “The Story of Step Afrika!” and go behind-the-scenes to explore the founding of the company and the inspiration behind The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.

“A Living, Breathing, Stepping ‘Exhibition of Jacob Lawrence.”

New York Times

“This immigration story is an important part of American history, beautifully rendered via art and dance.”

Huffington Post

“A visceral history that covers the gamut of emotions from deep sorrow to joyous celebration.”

Broadway World

Notable Press and Praise for The Migration!

Images from Jacob Lawrence’s “The Migration Series” generously provided by The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC and the Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.