Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Contact: Vicky Anyanwu Edwards or Tiffany Buddington
Nkiruka Drum and Dance Ensemble
Phone: 706.840.4157 or 504.782.8879
Email: NkirukaDance@gmail.com
Nkiruka Drum and Dance Ensemble presents "Voices of Congo Square", a dance production that tells the unique story of Congo Square, New Orleans' Dance styles and Mardi Gras Indians by tracing the history and influences from Africa to present day on Saturday, May 16, 2015.
New Orleans, LA May 4, 2015-- Nkiruka Drum and Dance Ensemble's production "Voices of Congo Square", willl take place on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Dillard University's Samuel DuBois Cook Theatre. 2601 Gentilly Blvd New Orleans, LA 70122. The production will start at 7PM. Tickets are $25.00 for Adults and $15.00 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1475742
Congo Square was the most popular place for enslaved people in New Orleans to congregate, dance, sing and drum each Sunday. Coming from Africa, Haiti and the West Indies, enslaved people spoke many different languages but were able to communicate through their common language of dance and music. This congregation became a true melting pot, or gumbo, and the joining of many different traditions, cultures, music and dance converged creating traditions we know today, including brass band and second line cultures.
The production will also depict the pivotal role Native Black Indians played in the struggle for freedom of enslaved people. Out of these relationships came the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, as an homage to the Native Black Indians. Through dance, music and theater, "Voices of Congo Square" will share the traditions that came out of Congo Square to make the city of New Orleans what it is today.
Nkiruka Drum and Dance Ensemble is a nonprofit, professional dance company located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The group studies several genres of dance which will be showcased in the production.
