With “Drumfolk,” Step Afrika! will give Minnesota audiences a wealthy, rhythmic. reverberating Black history lessons through a performance combining dance, drums, and movement.

The Step Afrika! troupe will take the stage at Northrop Auditorium on the Twin Cities University of Minnesota campus for 3 upcoming experiences, with student/educator morning matinees on Oct. 12-13 and a night performance on Oct. 13.

The high-energy performances will recreate the little-known story of how enslaved Africans in South Carolina used drums to begin a revolt in 1739. When the Africans lost the correct to make use of their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people, the Drumfolk. That led to the historic development of distinct performance traditions like ring shout, tap, and stepping.

“The stories they tell are about our history as Americans and the way that shows up in dance, music, and culture. They tell the story in a crucial, respectful, joyful, and exuberant way,” said Kristen Brogdon, director of artistic and community programs at Northrop Auditorium.

Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! became the primary skilled company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The performances thrill with a mix of percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities combined with traditional African and contemporary dance.

“The history reflected on this show is being rewritten out of the curriculum within the region where the history took place. A variety of us didn’t study these events in class,” Brogdon said. “Learning through experiences within the theater opens people up in latest ways and deepens the understanding in your heart and your body.”

Based in Washington, D.C., Step Afrika! has spread the gospel of step culture worldwide, touring greater than 60 countries. The group performed for President Barack Obama’s Black History Month Reception in 2016. Earlier this yr, Step Afrika! was among the many celebrated Black performers to affix the President and First Lady for the Juneteenth Celebration on the White House.

Step Afrika! dancers are committed to community engagement. While within the Twin Cities, they’ll visit North High School in Minneapolis and Prodeo Academy in Columbia Heights. They are going to offer a free stepping workshop for people of all abilities and skills within the auditorium of Prodeo Academy on October 9.

The performances promise an exhilarating and eye-popping night out for those in attendance.

“People within the audience will emerge slightly different than after they got here in and take their seats,” promised Brogdon. “They are going to feel the vibrations of their bodies. Minnesota audiences are likely to be beautifully polite and attentive. With Step Afrika!, there will probably be a lot of back-and-forth between the stage and the audience. Your entire theater full of energy.”

Step Afrika! will offer a performance of “Drumfolk” on Oct 13 at 7:30 p.m., and student matinees on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Northrop Auditorium/U of M Twin Cities campus, situated at 84 Church St. S.E. in Minneapolis.

Step By Step: An Intro to Stepping Introductory Workshop takes place on Monday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m., at Prodeo Academy, 141 University Ave. N.E. in Columbia Heights. All are welcome; registration is required. For tickets and data, visit www.stepafrika.org/events/drumfolk-at-northrops-carlson-family-stage-minneapolis-mn or www.northrop.umn.edu/events/step-afrika-2023.