(Chicago, IL)— After a 3 year break, it’s BACK! DanceAfrica Chicago, presented by the DuSable Museum of African American History makes its first main stage appearance with a West African Odyssey on Friday, October 31, 2008 at 8:00 PM at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.

DanceAfrica Chicago began in 1991 as a week long celebration including an African bazaar, a four-day series of lectures, demonstrations and community based performances and three nights of performances presented by the Dance Center of Columbia College. Now in a new home, this explosive celebration of culture takes on a new form.

Acting as an extension of a permanent exhibition, Africa Speaks, which explores the motherland region by region, DanceAfrica Chicago adds a live component to its historical exploration. Beginning with a special pavilion in July as part of the DuSable Museum of African American History’s annual Arts and Crafts Festival and culminating in a main stage performance in late October, DanceAfrica Chicago gives both young and old a multi-month opportunity to touch and feel customs they may have only read about.

Under the artistic direction of DanceAfrica Founder, Chuck Davis, DanceAfrica Chicago 2008 – A West African Odyssey features Tatjj Drama ‘N’ Dance Ensemble a Ghanaian dance company in their first United States performance, Atlanta based poetry and dance troupe Giwayen Mata, Chicago’s own Andrea Kelly Dance Theater in its debut performance and spoken word performers POETREE adding their unique style to the dance. Patrons will also have the opportunity to shop with winners of the 34th Annual Arts and Crafts festival held in July of this year. Tickets for this two hour performance range from $25 to $54 with an exclusive $125 VIP ticket which includes a pre theater reception. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.harristheater.org or call (312) 334-7777.

Students also have a special opportunity to see select groups from the evening performance. DuSable Museum is partnering with Urban Gateways to present a one hour matinee on Friday, October 31 at 12:30PM. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Tarah Ortiz at (312) 922-0440 ×2750.

DanceAfrica Chicago 2008 lead sponsor is Columbia College Chicago. Additional support is provided by The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, “Time Out Chicago”, North Shore Printers, Ramada Lake Shore Chicago, The Black United Fund, WVON 1690 AM, “Rolling Out” and United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum of African American History. For more information about DanceAfrica Chicago 2008 visit http://www.dusablemuseum.org or call (773) 947-0600.