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    The Arthropologist

    African dance takes hold deep in the heart of Texas

    Nancy Wozny
    Feb 11, 2011 | 6:00 am
    • Mickie Koster teaching African dance at Sam Houston State University
      Photo by Julian Grandberry
    • Sulley of The Saakumu Dance Troupe performing "Bamaya"
      Photo by Amy C. Miller
    • Julie Bata leads a class in the coucou, a dance of West Africa.
      Photo by Sigi Cabello
    • Urban Souls Dance Company membersDonnie Johnson, from left, Quincy Toliver andLeoanard Price in "Whispers from the Colored Section"
      Photo by George Guillen
    • Artists Candace Rattliff, Lauren Perrone Bay, Roberta Cortes and Kelly Schaeferof the Sandro Organ Dance Company in "Luck of the Draw" in 13th Annual BlackHistory Month program featuring works based on the music of Scott Joplin, gamesof chance and African American visual artists
      Photo by Andis Applewhite
    • Shani Herderson dancing with The Saakumu Dance Troupe
    • From "Fume Fume," Sulley of The Saakumu Dance Troupe, performing at HoustonCommunity College Spring Branch.
      Photo by Amy C. Miller

    Dance is one way of making history a living, breathing and sometimes undulating phenomenon. Watching a room full of students practice the Kakilambe from the Baga ethnic group in Guinea, I was struck by two things: How lucky the students of Sam Houston State University (SHSU) are to have Mickie Mwanzia Koster, an accomplished African dance teacher and a professor of African History at Lone Star College, teaching them West African dance forms, and wonder at what else was going on in African dance in the Houston area.

    With Black History Month upon us, now seems like a great time for that investigation. Houston has a significant history of African dance studies, from the former African Dance Society headed up by Madeleine Wright at Houston Community College to Kuumba House Dance Theatre, founded by my old friend Lindi Yeni, now under the leadership of Sarah Namulondo.

     Intuitive African dance and drum culture offers classes in dance and drumming as well. SHSU Professor of Dance Cindy Gratz has placed world dance forms front and center in the curriculum, with classes with experts like Koster. Gratz, who can trace the lineage of any dance, was recently honored with a 2010 Dance Teacher Award from Dance Teacher Magazine.

    Koster is part of a new wave of experts that includes Shani Henderson at Houston Community College Northwest-Spring Branch and Julie Bata and Maggie Lasher at Houston Community College (HCC), all of whom continue the legacy of the late Deborah Quanaim, who founded the World Dance Institute at HCC. These are not only dance teachers, but scholars who infuse their teaching with their vast research and experience.

    Koster is not just teaching a dance, but re-enacting a sacred ritual.

    "We evoke the energy and the spirit of the dance," she says. "Sometimes, it's hard for people to understand that African dance is an evolving form, it's dynamic and alive."

    Recently, she set the Wolosodon: The Spirit of Freedom, a traditional dance from Mali influenced by the Wolloso people of West Africa, on the SHSU students. Koster has studied in Senegal and Ivory Coast, West Africa as well as Kenya, East Africa and performed with Dance Africa Dance Company and Diamano Coura West African Dance Company in Oakland, studying under the Senegalese Master artistic, Dr. Zak Diouf.

    Having watched her students that day, I get it. We tend to think of world dance as something belonging in a museum, not an art form that is still happening. Koster peppers her dance classes with African history when appropriate, and on occasion, bursts out dancing when teaching African history.

    "The students love it," she says. "African dance sparked my interest to learn more about African history.”

    Later this month Koster heads to the Congolese Dance and Drum Camp in Hawaii where she will conduct research. "It's time for people to know and understand a more intimate Congolese story," she says.

    Henderson completed a Fulbright in Ghana West Africa, where she performed with the National Dance Company of Ghana as well as with the Saakumu Dance Troupe, who will be performing this week at HCC Spring Branch. She teaches a class in African-American dance, which covers an interesting mix of genres, including Stepping, Katherine Dunham Technique, Praise Dance and West African dance.

    Henderson is on a mission to connect the dots from the shout dance of abandon and improvisation that you might find in the Black Church, to the Haitian influences of Dunham, who she actually spent time with at The School at Jacob's Pillow.

    "I try to connect the Africanist aesthetic present in all these forms," she says.

    Henderson's synthesis of forms covers a depth and breadth of study, allowing students to experience dance as a living art form.

    I had no trouble locating Bata's class: I could hear the thundering drums from the HCC parking lot. When I finally got there, I knew why, there were five expert drummers lining the front wall.

    Bata, Houston's newest African dance educator, has a jazz and ballet background. She became exposed to West African forms at the same time as modern dance. "My first teacher was Garth Fagan, who is Jamaican, so there is overlap," says Bata, who teaches djembe style from the Mande people.

    Bata has developed a distinct warm-up that orients the student rhythmically as well as physically. "Dance and rhythm are married," says Bata, who can easily jump on the drums during class if needed.

    Visiting with these outstanding dance educators reminds me of the complexities and depth of even using a term such as "African dance."

    "Even the term 'West African' dance seems too broad," Bata says. "Although I am not a historian, I try to give my students an idea of the geography and history of the region."

    Sometimes Bata's students are shocked to learn that a blonde Caucasian is teaching them African dance. She likes to face their questions right away. But once the drums begin and Bata begins to move, concerns of her authenticity tend to melt away. Bata's clarity in both her own body and her detailed instructions to the students, speaks to the amount of rigour required to truly master this form.

    "I feel so honored and blessed to study this work and be able to share it."

     Dance highlights of Black History Month:

    HCC presents the Akwaaba Dance and Drum workshop along with a performance by Bernard Woma and The Saakumu Dance Troupe on Friday, 8 p.m. at Houston Community College's Spring Branch Campus.

     Urban Souls Dance Company presents Whispers from the Colored Section on Saturday at the Cullen Performance Hall on the University of Houston campus. Directed by Harrison Guy with music composed by Dr. Malcolm Rector of the University of St. Thomas, A Mile in Their Shoes takes the audience on a historical journey of the founding of the Gregory School and Houston’s Fourth Ward community.

     Earthen Vessels - The Sandra Organ Dance Company presents Luck of the Draw, their 13th Annual Black History Month Performance, which includes works inspired by Scott Joplin, card games and dominoes, Saturday- Feb. 27 at Barnvelder.

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    weekend event planner

    These are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jul 16, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Goo Goo Dolls
    Photo courtesy of Goo Goo Dolls
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    This weekend, it’s all about music, comedy, celebration, and getting free chicken.

    The Goo Goo Dolls and Kam Franklin will have live concerts. Mo Amer and Kym Whitley will be doing back-to-back stand-up shows. Little Jewford will pay tribute to Kinly Friedman with a live show. Karbach Brewing is bringing back Frida Fest. And Nando PERi-PERi will salute Nelson Mandela Day by giving free chicken and fries to whoever donates some canned goods.

    So, let’s ease on down the road and see what’s popping this weekend.

    Thursday, July 17

    Little Jewford's Sentimental Journey: Remembering Kinky Friedman
    Little Jewford's Sentimental Journey will highlight songs from Kinky Friedman's catalog and the Great American Songbook. Little Jewford will also share a few of his favorite memories of Kinky and stories from their travels. Little Jewford was eight years old when he met Kinky Friedman at Echo Hill Ranch in 1958. They began a friendship and musical pairing that would last more than 60 years. Little Jewford is also an accomplished pianist with a unique, entertaining style all his own. 7 pm.

    River Oaks Theatre presents Film Strip: Barbarella
    Grimm and Ghoulia, headmistresses of The Sisterhood of Lili St. Cyr, present another monthly screening of a cult movie, preceded by a rotating cast of burlesque beauties. This time around, we have Jane Fonda starring in this erotic, space-age, comic-book adaptation from 1968, where she’s a space traveler tasked with finding and stopping the evil Durand-Durand. BTW, quoting and singing along with the film is encouraged. Surprise gags and performances may take place during the film. 8 pm.

    Goo Goo Dolls in concert
    You can go back to the 2000s this weekend, as rock band Goo Goo Dolls will be performing in Sugar Land's Smart Financial Centre. Currently on the road for their Summer Anthem Tour, the Grammy-nominated, diamond-certified rockers (best known for “Iris,” one of many millennial pop ditties guitar-playing frat guys played for sorority girls at parties back in the day) are also at work on their 15th studio album. Dashboard Confessional, another rock outfit who rose to prominence during the Bush II era, will be the opening act. 8 pm.

    Friday, July 18

    Nelson Mandela Day at Nando’s Peri-Peri
    In honor of Nelson Mandela Day on Friday, Nando’s Peri-Peri is turning compassion into action with a nationwide food drive, rewarding guests with free flame-grilled chicken and Peri Chips in exchange for non-perishable food donations. At the Houston locations in Post Oak and Katy, donations will go to Second Servings, the city’s only perishable food rescue organization. Second Servings is also collecting donations to support those affected by the devastating floods that recently impacted Central Texas. 3 pm.

    Mo Amer: El Oso Palestino Tour
    Palestinian-American stand-up comedian (and hometown boy made good) Mo Amer may have wrapped up the second and final season of his acclaimed Netflix show Mo this year. But that doesn’t mean the man hasn’t stopped bringing the funny. Before he heads off to do two back-to-back shows at the Dubai Comedy Festival, he’ll do an early show right here in H-Town, as part of his El Oso Palestino Tour. As of press time, only a limited number of standing room only tickets remain. 7 pm.

    Punch Line Houston presents Kym Whitley
    Kym Whitley knew she was blessed with the gift to make people laugh after Redd Foxx told her she had “the comedic goods.” The comedienne and former host of BET talk show Oh Drama! has appeared in such movies as The Nutty Professor and Next Friday. She’s also done guest shots on My Wife and Kids, Two Broke Girls, That’s So Raven, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, on an episode that saved a man from going to death row. She even appeared in a Netflix documentary about it. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 and 9:15 pm Saturday).

    A.D. Players presents The Wizard of Oz
    Since we’re all still in a Wicked frame of mind, A.D. Players presents a stage version of the L. Frank Baum classic. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination, crossing over the rainbow to the beautiful land of Oz. To find her way home, Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to find the Wizard. But the Wicked Witch of the West threatens to destroy these newfound friends as they make their journey. Through Sunday, August 10. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, July 19

    Houston Pets Alive! And Trust Guss Injury Lawyers present Puppy Palooza
    Houston Pets Alive! and Trust Guss Injury Lawyers team up for Puppy Palooza this weekend, at the Houston Pets Alive! headquarters. Houstonians are invited to a family-friendly adoption event where attendees can meet up to 50 adorable puppies of all sizes, breeds, and personalities, looking for their forever homes. The event not only offers a chance to welcome a new furry friend into your life, but also supports Houston’s local shelters by helping reduce overcrowding and giving at-risk pets a second chance.

    Moody Center for the Arts presents Summer Jam
    Moody's annual Summer Jam will feature art activities, galleries to explore, an indoor farmer’s market, local food vendors, and more. The event includes access to Figurative Histories and Collective Memories as well as programming with Black art/culture reference library The Reading Room. In addition to a scavenger hunt, face painting, and bubble play, Red Bird Press will lead a printmaking activity for the duration of the event. Noon.

    Karbach Brewing Co. presents Frida Fest
    Karbach Brewing Co. is bringing back its annual Frida Fest, a two-day celebration honoring art icon Frida Kahlo through art, fashion, and community. In partnership with nonprofit MuXerhtx, Karbach’s biergarten will transform into a vibrant cultural hub. Saturday’s festivities will include an art show, a fashion show, and a lookalike contest, while Sunday will have a mariachi performance, a flower-making workshop, and a DJ playing beats. Saturday attendees will get first access to exclusive Frida Fest glassware. 1 pm (11 am Sunday).

    The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston presents Iolanthe
    The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston, Houston’s longest-running opera company, will present Iolanthe, a hallmark of Gilbert and Sullivan’s signature satire that cheerily blends fantasy and pointed social commentary. It skewers the British legal system, the House of Lords, and Victorian sensibilities with clever wit and a charming score. Iolanthe (pronounced "eye-oh-LAN-thee") is a comic opera sung in English and is enjoyable for all ages. Through Sunday, July 27. 7 pm (7 pm Friday, 2:30 pm Sunday).

    Sunday, July 20

    National Ice Cream Day
    National Ice Cream Day is this Sunday, and these are just some of the several places around town marking the occasion with deals and specials. The Sunrise House in Montrose has both an ice cream-topped waffle and an affogato. Both locations of The Pit Room will take $2 off any creation made with Blue Bell ice cream. Asian American diner Agnes and Sherman will be serving root beer floats and banana splits. Houston-area locations of Lick Honest Ice Creams will donate 10 percent of sales to Buffalo Bayou Partnership. All four Houston-area locations of Jeni’s will add its new sundae fudge sauce for free to any scoop. (Times and locations vary.)

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
    Marlee Matlin became the first deaf actor to win an Oscar for her performance in Children of a Lesser God. In this new documentary, she discusses her personal and professional struggles — including her meteoric rise to fame in a predominantly hearing industry, a tumultuous high-profile relationship, getting sober, and years of being overlooked by Hollywood. Through split-screen interviews with both deaf and hearing contributors, the film weaves a poignant narrative of Matlin’s career, highlighting her tireless fight for inclusion. 5 pm.

    Dan Electro’s presents Kam Franklin & Friends
    Kam Franklin and a bunch of her musical pals will be performing this weekend at Dan Electro’s. Best known for belting powerful vocals as the lead singer of Gulf Coast soul band The Suffers, this dynamic interdisciplinary artist is also a passionate activist for justice and equity — amplifying Black, queer, femme, and non-binary voices across the arts. She’ll be joined by Sergio Trevino, Louis Morales, Sara Van Buskirk, Uncle Tino, and Blacknintendo. 7:30 pm.

    Goo Goo Dolls
      
    Photo courtesy of Goo Goo Dolls

    Goo Goo Dolls will play in Sugar Land July 17, 2025.

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