This Saturday, February 24, the Bi-Okoto Drum and Dance Theatre will perform at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at RWC as part of the ARTrageous Saturdays annual series. The performance is open to the public and tickets are $5.In this combination of dance and music, the artists share some of the traditions of Africa in an energetic, intriguing way. The dances range from the slow and sensual to intensely vigorous, mostly acrobatic movements.
Bi-Okoto’s mission is to preserve traditional African drum and dance heritage to promote cultural understanding by educating audiences of all ages about African countries through language, music, and movement for a better appreciation of diversity.
According to the RWC College Relations Office, Bi-Okoto is committed to sharing knowledge that helps mentor, strengthen and foster family unity and building long lasting cooperative relationships with community patrons and leaders.
Bi-Okoto Drums and Dance Theatre has toured internationally representing Nigeria in South Korea’s Youth Festival, and receiving Presidential welcomes in Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, and France.
In January 2003, 2004, and 2005, Bi-Okoto was selected as the United States Armed Forces Entertainment for a five-week military tour in the United Kingdom, Norway, The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. Seven artists performed for the troops on American and United Nation bases in honor of Black History Month.