DANCE LIKE A RIVER captures an intimate portrait of Odadaa! – a vivacious drumming and dance ensemble from Ghana, West Africa, during their early years in Washington D.C. Founded in the early 1980s by master drummer, cultural ambassador and NEA Heritage Award recipient Yacub Addy, Odadaa! brought together a talented troupe of musicians and dancers to showcase traditional music and dance of the Ga people. At the same time, Addy subtly pushes against associations of “primitivism” with “tradition.” Over the years, Odadaa! flourished in size, influence and professionalism while remaining true to its roots. Including excerpts from several native dances such as Bamaya, Adiko and Gome, the audience comes to understand how Addy’s artistic and philosophical vision shaped Odadaa! into a powerful tribute to West African heritage with a lasting global impact.

(Photo by Tom Rankin)