By John Owoo
(In Accra – Ghana)
US based Ghanaian dancer / choreographer Alhassan Yawuza has over the years been creating waves in festivals and other artistic events around New York City and beyond.
Early this year, Yawuza and his group of dancers known as Wuza Wuza delighted audiences and arts professionals alike with expressive, energetic and infectious dance pieces in various parts of New York and its environs.
During the 2020 edition of Ghana Fest New York Festival, the group presented a new Africa through educative, cultural and harmonious performances and workshops at the Crotona Park that surprised dance connoisseurs and critics alike.
Ghana Fest New York Festival 2020, which was the 11th annual public installation and celebration of Ghanaian culture and heritage was live-streamed across the globe with performances from artists in the US and Ghana.
Known for his innovative movement research and unique choreographic approach, Yawuza’s works centre on diverse issues that relate to tradition, culture womanhood and diversity. His pieces are characterized by contorted arches, sudden breakdowns and abrupt holds that are complimented by refreshing solos.
A dynamic choreographer and dancer, he was trained at the Noyam African Dance Institute, which is located on the foothills of the Akuapem Mountains in Dodowa, near the Ghanaian capital Accra. He has previously worked with several dance groups in the Northern regional capital of Tamale and Accra.
With a number of choreographed dance pieces to his credit, he has organized several workshops and performances at the Wuza Wuza Centre in Accra and several venues in Ghana, Holland and the United States.
The festival was organized by The Bronx Council on the Arts, a pioneering advocate for cultural equity that nurtures the development of a diverse array of artists and arts organizations and builds strong cultural connections in and beyond The Bronx.
New York City Cultural Affairs, National Endowment Fund for the Arts, New York Council on the Arts and Art Works sponsored Ghana Fest New York Festival 2020.
Cool Vibes going on.
Great writer bro John, Great piece and we are proud of you.
Go higher bro
I will like to have conversation with you very important please thanks very muxh