The New Rochelle Public Library’s 29th annual International Music and Dance series will conclude on Tuesday, August 7th at 7:00 pm, with a performance by the Bokandeye African Dance and Drum Troupe. Directed by Anthony Wooden, the troupe performs dances that relate the rich cultural traditions of African villages, and includes his students of all ages.
The International Music and Dance series highlights New Rochelle’s richly diverse population by showcasing the cultural arts of various peoples. Geared for families, the colorful and entertaining performances frequently include audience participation. Admission is free and limited to the capacity of the library’s Ossie Davis Theater, on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6:45 pm.
Bokandeye African-American Dance Theater was founded in 1994 by Anthony F. Wooden, Sr.
A popular main attraction for many cultural/educational events, Bokandeye has performed at the African-America Heritage Festival and the Hudson Riverfest, the Charosa Foundation Street Festival in Queens, NY, the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers, NY, the 369th Armory in Harlem, NY, the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, NY, and Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park in Jackson, NJ. The word “Bokandeye”comes from the Woloff language, spoken throughout the Senegambia region of West Africa. When roughly translated into the English language, Bokandeye means, family from the same mother; united.
