PHOTO | RON ROSS

SHAE Movement African Arts marks its first decade with a celebration that includes the Nanioubolo African Dance and Drum Conference Nov. 1-3 at Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School.

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SHAE Movement African Arts has been sharing the heart of African energy through movement for a decade.

Winston-Salem State University and North Carolina A&T State University alumni LeShea Stukes and Niche’ Vereen-Faulkner founded the company in 2009. Their 10-year anniversary celebration includes the third annual Nanioubolo African Dance and Drum Conference, which previously took place in Tampa, Florida. It is a collaboration between SHAE Movement, Yaye Fall Cultural Arts and Kuumba West African Drummers and Dancers celebrating mind, body and spirit through West African dance.

They will highlight artists from Senegal, Guinea and the Ivory Coast.  The celebration runs Nov. 1-3, with a signature concert on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School (tickets range from $15-20).

Other conference events will take place at Fuzion Force, which is located on 3716-A West W.T. Harris Boulevard.  

“In order to sustain the conference, we decided to alternate cities,” Vereen-Faulkner said. “Last year we decided that we would host it in Charlotte for 2019 and it was perfect because it coincided with our 10-year anniversary of SHAE Movement being in existence.”  

SHAE Movement prides itself on being more than a performance company. Rather it represents a growing village. The goal has always been to host a dance conference.  
“I can remember our very first class was at a studio off of Milton Road,” Vereen-Faulkner said. “We had two drummers and four dancers, and I was one of those four dancers at the time. In those 10 years, we’ve changed locations, and on average, we have 25-30 who come to class each week, with at least five or six drummers who attend. Our reach has grown more in the community, as far as people being able to access cultural arts. We’ve also been active in performing at public and private events in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.”  

The conference kicks off on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. with a 90-minute free West African trio class, which will be led by the founding members of the conference: Vereen-Faulkner, Kyaien Conner and Hadiyah Mason.  

“We just want to give opportunity and access to the arts,” Vereen-Faulkner said. “We can’t assume that everyone can afford the entire weekend of classes. We can’t assume that everyone can afford to come and take our class weekly.”  For more information:

www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-nanioubolo-african-dance-and-drum-conference-tickets-69748703249 

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