About Us

The Sankofa Project celebrates African Roots in American Dance through intensive summer study and choreographic residencies at UMass Amherst accompanied by performances and events celebrating through dance the diversity of the world in which we live.  The word Sankofa invokes a belief that we must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward; so we understand why and how we came to be whom we are today. 

With a strong passion for expanding the diversity of arts programming and dance education, we are partnering with organizations around the region to generate exciting programs for our communities.  By focusing on the African influence on American dance forms, Sankofa offers an opportunity unique in our region.  Each year will feature a master choreographer and dance educator to influence and over see the summer curriculum.  Unique to our program, this master choreographer will return in the fall to choreograph a work for University Dancers, the UMass Amherst’s touring Dance Company.

Project activities began in 2007 with the re-staging of acclaimed modern choreographer RON K. BROWN's Exodus performed by the UMass Amherst touring Dance Company. Distinguished dance master GEORGE FAISON has been in residency during 2008, recently finishing the inaugural Sankofa summer Dance Intensive on the UMass Amherst Campus in June. He returns in September to set a new work to the music of Betty Carter on the University Dancers.  African Dance master CHUCK DAVIS will visit UMass Amherst in September to continue planning the Sankofa Summer Intensive for June 2009.