Muntu Dance Theatre

Muntu Dance Theatre is celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, making Muntu one of the oldest continuously operating African Dance companies in the US, and the oldest in Chicago. We have paved the way for the continued recognition and celebration of African Dance in Chicago and established the deep roots of opportunity for Black artists that have developed generations of professional dancers  over half a century. Our biggest challenge is ensuring we continue this legacy.

Muntu Dance Theatre preserves and perpetuates the African aesthetic and its influence on world cultures through the education and professional presentation of dance, music and folklore. "Muntu" means "the essence of humanity": we believe there is merit in all cultures and seek to appreciate differences in order to amplify similarities.

Our core programs include professional performances both at home and abroad, comprehensive community arts programs, classes for the public, and professional training for emerging young artists. 

Today, Muntu remains on the forefront of innovation and excellence in dance performance and education, but we also embrace our role as forebears and facilitators. Our greatest immediate need is to build further capacity that will support us for years to come in these two important roles: innovative producer of African Dance and legacy community anchor.  

Our 2022 programming highlights these two roles: In addition to our ongoing annual programming, we are thrilled to present the return of DanceAfrica Chicago. DanceAfrica Chicago features curated artistic presentations, and community events celebrating African and African American Diasporic ancestry, artistry, and culture.   

This huge increase in programming and community outreach inevitably requires a necessary increase in our organizational capacity. In order for Muntu to take advantage of this rare opportunity to lay the groundwork for another 50 years of mission-driven work, we need your support.

This year Muntu's professional company is traveling to Dakar and Casamance Senegal this December 2022 through January 2023 for education, development in dance and drum. As well as two performance opportunities with Bakalama Dance Company of Dakar, Senegal, who also turns 50 this year.  We are honored to be invited to have this experience and would love your support. 

Join us by giving a gift on 8/28, and investing in Muntu Dance Theatre and DanceAfrica Chicago!