Dance Africa Pittsburgh: Heart to Heart

With a theme of “Heart to Heart”, this year’s event brings together 11 incredible and inspired Pittsburgh-based choreographers to share the creativity of their hearts’ desire. Held at the New Hazlett Theater on July 27 and 28, the event features a festival-style format with two shows on two days (3pm and 7pm each day), reflecting the vibrance and richness of dance and culture throughout the diaspora by way of Pittsburgh.

This year excitedly marks the 20th Anniversary of the Legacy Arts Project, a community arts organization located in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh that centers health and well-being through the exploration of Africana arts. Intergenerational drumming and dancing as the foundation of the organization has expanded over the years to encompass dedicated youth programming (school year/summer and youth employment), an international artist residency, and annual events (Africana Wellness Conference, Dance Africa, and the Keepers of the Flame Awards). With a focus of strengthening self-identity, engaging creative skills development, and fostering a healthy and inclusive environment, the LAP serves more than 250 youth/150 adults, participates in more than 15 performances, and has an audience of more than 1000 people attending LAP events annually. As a “Pittsburgh Cultural Treasure”, the LAP strives to continually engage self-reflection and growth, serving as an example of the power of the arts to transform lives and communities.