HCC African Dance & Drum Ensemble

The HCC African Dance and Drum Ensemble was founded at Central College in 2011 by Artistic Director Julie Bata and Musical Director Gabriel Bata for students who wish to deepen their study of performing art forms of Africa and the African Diaspora while sharing their talents through community outreach and performances.  The current repertoire includes dance and music from Cameroon, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Haiti, Mali and the US.  The ensemble has performed at numerous events including the American College Dance Festival, Awkaaba Festival, Houston IFEST, and Society of the Performing Arts Performance Preludes.   The ensemble is featured in the annual concert Movement Evolution at the Central College Heinen Theater.   This performance includes guest artists Ingoma Planet performing traditional dances from Burundi and choreography by Sauda Jackson.