Manga African Dance

- 1083 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Introduction / Overview

Manga African Dance is a cultural beacon in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to preserving, presenting, and teaching indigenous African cultural arts through dance, drums, fashion, and more. As both a performing arts group and a dance company, Manga offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for the Georgia community to "learn TRUTH, facts, WORLD HISTORY, TRUE AFRICAN HISTORY, origins and significance" of diverse African cultures. Founded in 1990, the organization has a long-standing mission to educate and entertain—a concept they refer to as "edu-taining." This philosophy ensures that every class, workshop, and performance is a high-energy, immersive experience that goes beyond mere entertainment. For over 30 years, Manga African Dance has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta arts scene, providing audiences and participants of all ages with a deep appreciation for the rich traditions of Western, Central, and Southern Africa. It's a place where families can come together to not only learn how to dance but also to connect with a powerful and vibrant cultural heritage. The company’s repertoire of over 50 African ethnic dances from West Africa and the Caribbean, combined with their commitment to educational programming, makes Manga African Dance a vital institution for anyone in the Atlanta area looking for a meaningful and exhilarating cultural experience.

Location and Accessibility

Manga African Dance's main office and a typical class location is at 1083 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA. However, as noted in a customer review, their class and performance locations can vary, with other common venues including the Horizon Theater in Little Five Points or 524 Plaster Ave. This flexibility allows the company to reach different parts of the community. It is always recommended to "Call or Email to check the location for the day" before attending. Despite the potential for location changes, Manga African Dance is committed to accessibility at its on-site services. A key feature is the presence of a wheelchair-accessible car park, which makes it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to attend classes and events. This consideration, combined with their dedication to being "Good for kids," makes Manga African Dance a welcoming and accommodating destination for the entire family. Its presence in the vibrant Little Five Points area also ensures that it is part of a dynamic cultural hub, adding to its appeal for local residents.

Services Offered

• African Dance and Drum Classes: Manga African Dance offers weekly community classes for both adults and kids. These high-energy sessions are a fantastic way to learn traditional African dance steps and polyrhythmic drumming techniques. Classes are designed to be a fun workout while also serving as an educational platform on the origins and meanings of the dances.
• Public and Private Performances: As a premier performing arts group, Manga is available for a wide range of public and private events. They have a history of hosting state-of-the-art shows and have a repertoire of over 50 dances. They can be hired for occasions such as birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, baby showers, school events, festivals, and more.
• School Performances and Workshops: The company provides a variety of educational programs for K-12 students. These include interactive shows like "Rhythm in Motion," which connects African music and dance to American styles like the Charleston and hip-hop, and "Yanayi - The 4 Seasons," which uses performance art to teach about seasons. These programs bring a unique, multicultural experience directly to students.
• Annual Festivals and Conferences: Manga African Dance organizes and hosts large-scale events, including the Atlanta Annual African Cultural Festival/Osun and the Atlanta Dance & Drum Conference. These events feature renowned African guest instructors, master classes, and performances that attract a wide audience and provide an immersive cultural experience.
• Educational Programs: Beyond just dance and drumming, Manga African Dance is committed to providing a holistic educational experience. Their programs often include elements of fashion, drama, and songs, and their workshops are designed to teach students about the history and significance of the traditions they are learning.
• After-School Programs and Residencies: The company partners with schools to offer after-school programs and residencies, providing a creative and educational outlet for students outside of the regular classroom setting. These programs help students learn valuable life lessons through games and activities inspired by African culture.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic and Educational Experience: The most significant highlight of Manga African Dance is its dedication to authenticity and education. As one reviewer noted, the organization teaches "TRUE AFRICAN HISTORY" and the "origins and significance" of African culture, making it a powerful and enriching experience for the whole family.
• High-Energy Performances: The company's repertoire is described as "high energy," and their performances are known to "dazzle and inspire audiences." This dynamic approach ensures that both classes and shows are not just educational but also incredibly engaging and fun.
• Community-Focused Mission: Since its founding in 1990, Manga African Dance has operated with a mission to serve the community. Their history of working with schools, non-profits, and producing accessible cultural events underscores their commitment to making African arts a core part of Atlanta's cultural landscape.
• Inclusive and Family-Friendly: The programs are noted as being "Good for kids," and the content is appropriate for all ages. The company's goal is to bring the entire family together to learn and celebrate, fostering a sense of pride and connection. The "edu-taining" approach makes learning enjoyable for everyone.
• Convenient Payment Options: For the ease of its clients and students, Manga African Dance accepts both credit cards and debit cards for class fees, event tickets, and services.
• Professional and Experienced Staff: The company was founded by Dr. Ramatu Afegbua-Sabbatt, and for decades, they have brought in prominent African drummers and dancers to teach and perform. This level of expertise ensures a high-quality, professional experience for all who participate.

Contact Information

To check class schedules, book a performance, or get more information, you can contact Manga African Dance using the following details:

Address: 1083 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA

Phone: (404) 462-5723

Mobile Phone: +1 404-462-5723

What is worth choosing

Manga African Dance is an unparalleled choice for individuals and families in the Georgia area seeking a deep and authentic cultural experience. What truly sets this organization apart is its profound dedication to education and heritage. It's not simply a place to learn dance steps; it’s a place to learn the stories, history, and significance behind every rhythm and movement. The review that passionately urges families to come and "learn TRUTH, facts, WORLD HISTORY, TRUE AFRICAN HISTORY" speaks to the unique value of Manga's programs. It provides a platform for people to connect with African pride and culture in a way that is both educational and deeply emotional. For parents looking for a meaningful activity for their children, Manga's "Good for kids" designation and its history of successful school programs demonstrate its effectiveness in engaging young minds. The high-energy and fun nature of the classes ensures that learning is never a chore. Furthermore, the company's long-standing history and its role in producing major annual festivals and conferences show its established place as a leading authority on African dance and drumming in the region. Whether you want to attend a class, book a dazzling performance for a private event, or participate in one of their large-scale cultural festivals, Manga African Dance offers a professional, impactful, and deeply enriching experience. For those who want to be a part of something that is not only a form of art but a celebration of culture and history, Manga African Dance is an absolutely worthy and essential choice.

Manga African Dance

1083 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA