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