Master Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian Dance and Music Workshop. Photo: Maira Angelica.
In 2017, Kahlil Cummings founded Extra Ancestral, an inspiring cultural movement dedicated to both educating and entertaining audiences by blending diverse cultural expressions of the African Diaspora. Extra Ancestral’s storytelling unfolds through the mesmerizing art of ancestral dance, delivering a profound exploration of temporal and geographical borders that stretch from Africa to the Americas. This cultural movement seamlessly integrates music, dance, visual arts, and community engagement into a potent force for empowerment, aimed at mitigating the transgenerational trauma experienced by communities of color. Recognizing the time-tested healing properties of music and dance, Extra Ancestral embraces this tradition in their performances to elevate and empower communities of color. Their vision materializes through a diverse range of offerings, including performance productions, dance classes, workshops, and music education programs featuring artists from across the African Diaspora.
Extra Ancestral featured in Skirball Stages, 2022.
“Bridging the African Diaspora: Celebrating Heritage and Cultural Connections”
Extra Ancestral sought funding to support their performances, master classes, and collaborations with Traditional Master Artists for the 2024-2025 season. This funding will aid in creating equitable partnerships, presenting and documenting work, training artists and community members, and securing rehearsal spaces, enriching our cultural landscape.
Extra Ancestral and the African Diaspora through Music and Dance
Funding from ACTA’s Living Cultures Grant Program will support Extra Ancestral’s performances, master classes, and events during the 2023-2024 performance season. It will also aid Extra Ancestral in creating new works and collaborating with Traditional Master Artists, documenting artistic work, training artists and community members, and funding rehearsals and creative spaces of practice.
Every gift is a commitment to a culture bearer, and the people of California.
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