XALAAT AFRICA DRUM & DANCE FOR LIFE

Community Project

Monetary Donation

Date Needed By: 07/01/2026

Contact Name: XALAAT AFRICA DRUM & DANCE FOR LIFE

Amount Needed: $1,000.00

Delivery Option:

Details on what is needed:Event Overview Xalaat Africa Drum and Dance for Life will hold a series of outdoor events entitled ‘Celebrate America’ to commemorate the anniversary of our country. The series aims to foster community engagement and cultural appreciation of the United States’ 250 years through interactive and performance-based activities suitable for all ages. The is scheduled for the summer of 2026 and will be held between July and August from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Community Drum Circle Each event will feature a community drum circle led by Xalaat Africa staff, welcoming participants of all ages to join. Under the guidance of Yaya Kambaye, a renowned drum master from Senegal, West Africa, attendees will have the opportunity to experience hands-on drumming, not only as it began in Africa, but as it has been practiced in this country since the first Africans came to these shores. We will talk about what the importance of this kind of drumming has been to communities throughout the USA over the past 250 years, how it has survived, how it has been strengthened by new African immigrants over time, and its role in the cultural history of this country. By learning these drumming techniques, participants will feel for themselves the power of this artform. Instruction will be provided using both hands and sticks, ensuring an inclusive and educational experience for everyone. African Dance Fitness Class The same is true for the dance class. African dance has been at the forefront of American culture since the advent of Jazz music, which prompted the advent of Jazz dance, and has evolved into hip-hop, urban dance and other contemporary dance forms. Xalaat Africa has designed an African dance fitness class which fuses the fundamentals of traditional African dance with contemporary forms to create a low-impact aerobic dance experience. The traditional African dances were introduced here in America during the transatlantic slave trade. This low-impact fitness session is suitable for both adults and children and will be conducted to live music and taught by Roxanne Fair, a dance teacher from Marquette University. Participants will enjoy engaging in movement and rhythm, promoting both physical wellness and cultural immersion. Dance and Drumming Performance The Xalaat Africa Dance Ensemble will showcase a variety of selections from their repertoire, such as Afro-beat; a dance genre that is performed to recorded music of the same genre, has evolved from traditional African dances of celebration and Jazz dance here in United States, and as such is related to the 250th anniversary. The traditional dance performance will be accompanied by live music, creating an immersive and vibrant atmosphere for all attendees. To further enrich the experience, a dedicated section will invite audience members to participate alongside the dancers. This interactive component offers the audience a unique opportunity to engage directly with the ensemble, experiencing the excitement and joy of dancing to live music in a communal setting. Event Location and Accessibility All event activities will be held at Gordon Park in Milwaukee across multiple weekends. This location was specifically selected due to its accessibility to underrepresented populations, ensuring that programming reaches individuals who may not typically have such opportunities. By making the event available in this community centered park, and an additional park to be determined, the initiative seeks to foster increased participation and promote deeper community engagement among residents who have historically lacked access to these types of cultural experiences. Project Deliverables and Logistics The project deliverables for the event include providing all necessary equipment for the classes, such as drums and sticks for the drumming sessions, chairs sourced from the park pavilion for participants’ comfort, and a sound system to facilitate speaking and announcements throughout the event. The event is scheduled to take place during the summer of 2026, in the early afternoon, maximizing accessibility and comfort for attendees. The Xalaat Africa Directors, and a team of 5 to 10 performers will be involved in leading and presenting the activities. The outreach strategy focuses on engaging people who frequent Gordon Park, individuals reached via social media, and family and friends of ensemble members. The goal is to attract and engage 30 to 40 participants in this outdoor cultural experience each Saturday. To support the smooth operation of the event, 3 to 4 volunteers will be recruited to assist with transporting and setting up equipment. Additionally, volunteers will distribute snacks to the participants following the activities, enhancing the sense of community and hospitality. Creative Expression in the Community Our event is designed to foster celebration of our community’s resilience through dynamic arts education and inclusive participation. By encouraging hands-on engagement in a welcoming, no-pressure environment, we invite individuals of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy of music and movement. The universal nature of music ensures that everyone can connect, regardless of experience or skill level. Participation in the African dance fitness and drumming classes offers benefits that go beyond physical wellness, creating moments of cultural awareness through shared dance and music activities. The live performance by the Xalaat Africa Dance Ensemble will provide a vibrant, visual representation of our collective American history, as the energy and passion of the performers radiate outward and inspire audience members. Through these interactive and engaging experiences, participants will leave with a knowledge of the accomplishments and contributions of the African and subsequent the African-American culture to the melting pot that represents America on our 250 birthday. Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Our event is purposefully located at Gordon Park, a space frequented by a diverse cross-section of the community. By hosting the activities in this accessible public park, we ensure that the event is open to all—welcoming both those who are already at the park and those who learn about the event through various outreach methods. This approach naturally cultivates an atmosphere of equity, inclusion, and accessibility. All activities, including the dance fitness class and performances, are open to anyone who wishes to participate, whether they choose to join in physically or simply observe. This flexibility ensures that every attendee, regardless of ability or preference, can engage with and benefit from the event, reinforcing our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible community experience.