Dancers from the Iibada African Dance compnay perform. PHOTO COURTESY OF IIBADADANCE.COM
DePauw University’s Intercultural Life Speaker Series, which dedicates itself to bringing in a variety of guest speakers, performers and artists in order to promote campus diversity, has invited the Iibada African Dance group to campus.
The Iibada African Dance group is based in Indianapolis, and their mission is to provide cultural enrichment, discipline, and positive self-esteem in all children through the art of African dance. Iibada was founded in 1989 as a dance company that helps expand upon whatever dancing skills the dancers already possess.
When Sabra Logan created the academy, she wanted to inspire young dancers to become positive men and women in the future. Iibada translates to “worship” in Swahili. Iibada Dance Company has stood as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a safe place for young dancers to come express and develop themselves. Sabra Logan promotes education, self-esteem, discipline and education at the forefront of her dance-enrichment program.
In order to become a member of Iibada, one must go through the audition process similar to other dance companies and conservatories. Once a dancer becomes a part of the performing company, they receive a schedule of the annual performance venues, which include Indiana Black Expo, Circle City Classic, Madame Walker Theatre, the Pike Performing Arts Center, Connor Prairie, The Children’s Museum, the Arts Garden and the Indiana Pacers.
However, dancers are also welcome to simply take lessons for small fees. According to Iibada’s official website, the purpose of Iibada Dance Company is “to educate youth in the beauty, strength and discipline of dance.”
Iibada’s current staff is comprised of ten instructors and choreographers who work together to make their classes, annual touring and mission possible for the youth of Indianapolis. Their founder and director Sabra Logan is still with the company today.
As a dancer, Sabra has 25 years of dancing experience from formal training at Maryland Dance Community Center and Butler University to her workshops. Iibada teaches a variety of styles to their students, not just African-style. Some types of dance include ballet, hip-hop, modern, character, jazz and several levels of African dance.
DePauw University now holds the honor of hosting this famous African dance company. The performance will be held in Green Center for the Performing arts at 6:30 p.m. on September 9th.
The event is free and open to the public, so anyone is welcome. Following the hour-long dance performance, there will be a dinner and light appetizers.
For more information about the group, please go to iibadadance.org.