Photographs by Laura Turbow

African Diaspora Dance

"Berkeley High School’s African and African-Derived Dance Program teaches students the fundamentals of dance and culture evolved from the African diaspora. This program began during the Black Arts Movement (1965-1975), which focused on the empowerment of Black culture primarily through different art forms such as dance and theater. This course along with the African-American English course at Berkeley High School established its renowned African American Studies department. Passionately led by Naomi (Mama) Washington-Diouf since 1991, this program has gained a powerful reputation among other Bay Area schools, influencing them to incorporate similar programs. The course originally revolved around Afro-Haitian Dance but now includes a range of other African and African-Derived dances such as African hip hop fusion and Caribbean dance."