By: Tatum Clements
It’s not often that the Outer Banks community gets to experience art and culture from Ghana, but local nonprofits the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series and Dare Arts worked together to host a lively 10-day residency with Saakumu Dance Troupe in May.
From Duck to Buxton, traditional and contemporary Ghanaian drumming, dancing, and singing were seen and heard by a broad demographic of people all over the Outer Banks during Saakumu’s residency, which was supported by two different Community Enrichment Grants from the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
The Saakumu Dance Troupe performing at the 36th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
“When nonprofits come together with a shared vision, the impact can be extraordinary,” said Jason Waughtel, Board Chair of the Outer Banks Community Foundation. “By combining their talents and grant support, Dare Arts and the Bryan Cultural Series created something far greater than they could have done alone—bringing world-class cultural experiences to every corner of our community.”
The Bryan Cultural Series and Dare Arts collaborated to organize free, public performances by Saakumu Dance Troupe at Dare Arts’ Courtyard during May First Friday in downtown Manteo, Duck Amphitheater in Duck, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County’s KidsFest at Roanoke Island Festival Park, and at the 36th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival at Dowdy Park in Nags Head.
The Saakumu Dance Troupe performing at Kitty Hawk Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Kitty Hawk Elementary School.
The Saakumu Dance Troupe also visited all five Dare County elementary schools during the residency, and did interactive performances for the students.
“I loved their visit to my school,” said Nags Head Elementary School student Rowan Dubbs. “I like that students were called up to dance and that we learned some words in their language. They taught us some of their dances, and they used gourds to make some of their instruments. My favorite part was seeing them dance and hearing the music that they played and sang!”
Through three different workshops with the Outer Banks Dementia Friendly Coalition and Monarch Beach Club, Dare Arts’ Power of Art program participants were able to experience the Saakumu Dance Troupe as well.
“In partnership with the Bryan Cultural Series, Dare Arts had the opportunity to share the magic of Saakumu Dance Troupe with our Power of Art program participants,” said Dare Arts Program Director Robert Rogers. “The experience was pure joy and exemplified the universal language of art, transcending boundaries, cultures, and beliefs, weaving a tapestry of human experiences and emotions. It was a true celebration of the power of art, bringing people together, fostering human connection, and reminding us of the shared humanity that unites us all.”
Saakumu Dance Troupe performing at First Friday in downtown Manteo.Photo courtesy of Jannie Kenyon.
With a deep dedication to introducing new audiences to Ghanaian dance and music, the Saakumu Dance Troupe shared their innovative dances and world music with people of various ages and abilities while visiting the Outer Banks. They have been touring the United States and Africa in collaboration with Griffin Brady and the Slyboots School of Music, Art, & Dance for almost 20 years.
“From school workshops and performances to the vibrant celebrations at Kidsfest, the Duck Amphitheater and Artrageous, our time on the Outer Banks was nothing short of magical,” said ethnomusicologist, educator, and performer Griffin Brady. “The Saakumu Dance Troupe was honored to share the rich traditions of Ghana with such open-hearted audiences. I love the way students lit up when learning to move and drum together—it reminds us how powerful rhythm and culture can be in building community.”
The Outer Banks Community Foundation’s second Community Enrichment Grant application deadline of 2025 is Friday, July 25.
Nonprofits are encouraged to visit the Community Foundation’s website for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the application portal. Early submissions are encouraged to allow time for review and feedback.
For more information or assistance with the grant application process, visit OBCF.org/grants or contact the staff at 252-423-3003.
About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks Community Foundation Newsletter- May 30, 2025- Pair Of Grants Enable Local Nonprofits To Host Ghanaian Dance Troupe Residency
