Image courtesy of TéMaTé Institute
The TéMaTé Institute invites dance enthusiasts, professionals, and cultural advocates to its highly anticipated fourth annual ‘Convening for Dance and Culture’, a two-day celebration of movement, creativity, and cultural exchange. Held at the Say Detroit Play Center on Oct. 19-20, the conference promises an inspiring lineup of workshops, performances, and discussions to bridge the worlds of dance and culture in the heart of Detroit.
TéMaTé Institute, founded and directed by Ajara Alghali, is a pioneering organization promoting dance justice. By harnessing the power of dance as a transformative tool, the institute aims to nurture dancers and establish interconnected communities that honor diverse cultures, places, and histories, thus promoting equity in the realm of culture.
Alghali expressed that the conference will be an exciting dance, music, culture, and fellowship weekend.
“This is a wonderful time for people to come together, meet new people, and enjoy the beauty of dance in the community and beyond,” Alghali said.
Ajara Alghali (Image courtesy of TéMaTé Institute)
The conference was a huge success last year, with all tickets sold out. In previous years, we had over 200 enthusiastic attendees, making the conference one of the largest events in the Midwest focused on celebrating and showcasing the rich and diverse dances of the African Diaspora.
Participants will engage in a variety of drum classes, dance workshops, and performances led by acclaimed instructors from New York, Japan, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, and beyond, all while celebrating the diverse rhythms that connect us. Dancers of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.
“Participants can look forward to a diverse array of dance and movement from the African Diaspora. My intention is clear: I want to showcase the rich tapestry of music, culture, songs, and dance as an interconnected whole,” Alghali said.
“The cultural aspect of our dance community resembles the branches of a deeply rooted tree, demonstrating through time and generations that we share profound commonalities.”
Alghali’s dance journey began as a young adult, leading her to become a non-profit director, professor, and a key voice in the Midwest dance community.
Her passion for West African dance was ignited during a class at Oakland University, which encouraged her to explore the cultural and historical forms of dance worldwide and eventually focus on the African Diaspora.
In 2018, Alghali founded a dance company in Detroit to address a gap in the local dance scene. This company later evolved into the TéMaTé Institute for Black Dance and Culture in 2020.
Alghali’s innovative spirit is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her mother, a Detroit seamstress, and her father, a Sierra Leonean nightclub owner and Ford Plant worker instilled in her a love for music, creativity, and community. These influences shaped her understanding of innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Detroiters.
Alghali’s goal through the conference is to spread dance’s happiness and therapeutic benefits, demonstrating its ability to convey narratives, create a sense of belonging, and encourage individual creativity. In conjunction with music, dance plays a crucial role in enhancing physical and mental well-being.
“Dance and music possess a remarkable ability to evoke emotions and bring us together. When we dance within a community, we share energy and create a supportive environment that can uplift us in challenging times,” Alghali expressed.
“This tradition harnesses the healing power of movement, allowing us to connect deeply with one another. Beyond its emotional benefits, dance serves as an excellent cardio workout and stress reliever. With the right music, dance can truly elevate our mood and foster a sense of belonging.”
The weekend ends with a festive concert titled Rooted in Rhythm, showcasing the internationally acclaimed group Afrikylolo on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Ford Theater for the Performing Arts at Detroit School of Arts High School (123 Selden St, Detroit).
Convening for Dance and Culture
Say Detroit Play Center
19320 Van Dyke Ave,
Detroit, MI 48234
Saturday, Oct. 19: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $15, Day Pass: $75, Full Conference + Concert: $175
Registration: https://www.tematedance.com/tickets-and-registration
About Post Author
