Photo: Izo Film

The African Dream

Rwandan-born Isaac Gasangwa (aka Izo Dreamchaser) founded Afrobeats Van to connect audiences to African culture and history. The African Dream follows the life of a young man growing up in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda, and his determination to create a better world for the future. Featuring ten dynamic performers, the intricate choreography draws on African dance, hip hop, and martial arts, blending thrilling dance with text and storytelling. This inspiring work is a tribute to Black resilience and hope, and reasserts the power of art to overcome racism and oppression.

This inspiring work is a tribute to Black resilience and hope, and reasserts the power of art to overcome racism and oppression.

Photo: Izo Film

Project Created by: Isaac Gasangwa

Key Artistic Collaborators: Ariane Gaboury, Deji, Moyo Sokeremi, Tomi, Isaac Gasangwa, Lys Kayigamba, Shania Prasad, Margarita, Thereza, Anastasiia, Anzhelikha

Performance type: This work is built for the theatre, Adaptable to theatres, outdoor venues and alternative spaces, mix program work

How do you define this work: Multi-discipline

Length of performance: 65 minutes

Audience type: General Audience

General Technical Requirements: Projector for the videos. None slippery flat surface to dance on.

Does the work require tech residency: Yes, 2 days minimum

Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 11

Number of Support Staff on Tour: 3

Availabilities: Spring 2024 (Mar-June), 2024/25 season,

Isaac Gasangwa

Isaac Gasangwa is the founder and director of Afrobeats Van, a team of artists who create, teach and inspire. Afrobeats Van believes in equal opportunities for all. We are a dance company committed to providing opportunities for Vancouver to DANCE to African music, we work to INSPIRE the community to tackle ongoing social issues like racism, oppression, and more, and we EDUCATE the community on African history and culture.

Performance History & Upcoming Performances

Work to be premiered at the Scotiabank Dance Centre September 16th, at 8PM.

Work sponsored by: City of Vancouver, The Dance Centre, Dance West, Afrobeats Van, and iDance Vancouver.

Project Details

Community Engagement

Workshop and discussions

Contact information

Isaac Gasangwa, gasangwa.isaac@yahoo.ca

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/afrobeatsdancevan/home