The Ndere Troupe is called Africa's Dancing Encyclopedia. (A U.S. troupe would do some Cotton-eyed Joe-polka-salsa-zydeco-hip-hop numbers that MC Hammer couldn't touch. And we sure as hell won't.) These young artists from Uganda have been trained by native Stephen Rwangyezi since 1986 to celebrate the dance, music and song from the heart of Africa. They've performed and recorded in Europe and America, raising money for non-profits and awareness of the bonds we all have in common. Their name comes from the Ugandan word for flute, "endere," an instrument common to tribes all over the world. Their program mixes dances, instruments and musical styles from several regions together in a cultural fusion that's evolving and reinvigorating Ugandan arts at home as well. Dallas Black Dance Theatre features Ndere in their Dance Africa Festival at the Majestic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Fri., Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., 2007