Cultural dance exhibit to open Oct. 31 at SC State’s I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium

The exhibition explores the connections between traditional African dance and contemporary African American line dance.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University’s I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium (the Stanback) invites the public to celebrate the rhythm, artistry, and heritage of dance in its new exhibition, “From African Dances to African American Line Dances: The Cultural Tradition Continues,” opening Friday, Oct. 31, at 5:30 p.m. 

“This exhibition will educate, entertain, and highlight various African instruments and artifacts from the Stanback’s archives,” said Ingrid Owens McMillan, the Stanback’s executive director and curator. “In keeping with our new tradition, alumni, students, and the community have played a major role in shaping this exhibition, which tells a powerful story of existence, resistance, and innovation through dance.” 

The exhibition explores the connections between traditional African dance and contemporary African American line dance through art, artifacts, fashion, and live performances. Featured artists include Dr. Sophia Bowman, Rogers Boykin, Alvin B. Glen, Demetrius Greene, Xavier Harris, Malik Hayward, Michael Knowles, Kim Ledee, Carlos “Bilal” Richardson, and LaToya Chanel Thompson.

The exhibition opening will coincide with SC State’s Alumni Affairs Meet & Greet and will feature performances by the Ladies of Bliss dance team from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, directed by instructor La’Nequa Ferguson, along with a musical performance by Malcolm Simmons. 

Guests will also enjoy an African Cuisine Experience curated by The Food Academy’s Mobile Foodseum, traditional African fare by Joy, and wines by Matthew Bowman (SC State Class of 1971) of Bowman Vineyards.

The exhibition is sponsored in part by Krystal, Spanky’s Gourmet, and the Friends of the Stanback Advisory Board.

For more information, contact Ingrid Owens McMillan, executive director and curator of the I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium, at 803-536-7174 or iowens2@scsu.edu.

About the I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium

The I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium embodies South Carolina State University’s commitment to “Communiversity” — connecting the university and the community through service and education. As a Museum of Conscience, Social Justice, and Education, the Stanback promotes the arts, sciences, and humanities while honoring civil and human rights. Its mission is to foster creativity, critical thinking, and social awareness through the collection, preservation, and presentation of diverse cultural ideas and artifacts.