Less Stumping, More Stomping

By communicating South Africa’s complex political history through dance, African Footprint has extended its message of immense hope and peace across continents. It began as a dance school for disadvantaged youth in 1999 and later evolved into a world-renowned traveling show with fans who included Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton. A backing drumbeat acts as the group’s collective heartbeat, while the production stomps through a hodgepodge of Kwela-jive, tap, acrobatics, gumboot, and contemporary hip-hop.

What’s interesting is this: Precisely what U.S. fans dig about the troupe’s message (community outreach and unity), is also what African Footprint finds inspirational about the U.S. How so? Well African Footprint producer Cory Ross recently told Black Star News that South Africans are obsessed with America’s political process, or more specifically, the phenomenon that is Barack Obama.

The group arrives at Broward Center’s Au Rene Theatre (201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale) tonight with an 8 p.m. show. Tickets range between $35 and $55. Call 954-462-0222, or visit www.browardcenter.org.
Wed., Feb. 20, 8 p.m., 2008