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History of Afrobeats Dance Boston

AFRO BEATS DANCE BOSTON

Afrobeats Dance Boston was founded in May 2017 by Chidinma “Chi-Chi” Osuagwu, a Boston native, born in Hyde Park, MA. With support from several Boston organizations, including Haley House, Spontaneous Celebrations, and the City School, Osuagwu was able to host a kickoff weekend in June 2017 and hold classes across Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park and other communities. Charnice Charmant, a dancer originally from New York, came on board as Creative Director as ABDB expanded to include an internal cast of dancers. 

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Under the continued leadership of Osuagwu, Charmant, and other committed and brilliant Black women: Cynthia Odiah, Dominique Thelismond, and Lakeisha St. Joy, ABDB held its first auditions in March 2018. The company brought in renowned afrobeats dancers like SayRah Chips, Ezinne Asinugo, and Queendom Empire to teach master classes, continued teaching regular classes, and became locally recognized in the Boston Globe.

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ABDB broke into entertainment through a partnership with Good Life Nightclub's and began a series of monthly Afrobeats Takeover events. In February 2020, the company became an official LLC in Massachusetts, and core leadership became part owners. 

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In 2023, two years after the devastating impacts of the pandemic, ABDB has risen back to it’s prominence through the return of live classes and consistent performances and events. The company has now shared its unique afrobeats style with the Boston Celtics twice, showcasing the strength and resilience of these powerful black female leaders in the face of adversity. Afrobeats Dance Boston continues to be a shining light illuminating Black culture, community, and empowerment in Boston.

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Mission

Our mission is four-fold, but is rooted in an everlasting love with the African diaspora and community. 

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  • Our company seeks to hold accessible and affordable classes for kids and adults in African dance and culture that was stolen from descendants of Africans and is further withheld due to the inaccessible studio availability in our communities. 

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  • Our company hosts global leaders of Afro-movement and technique to teach guest classes in the Boston community including SayRah, Kaffy, Queendom Empire, and others.

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  • Our company attracts, trains, and mentors dancers in Afro dance and street styles as they seek to develop their art form while also promoting self-respect, discipline, responsibility, and physical activity. 

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  • Our company hosts and participates in events that continue the same mission of community building in the form of performances, events, workshops and more. 

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Classes involve learning technical skills and fundamental movement. Our focus is learning, teaching, and performing Afrobeats dance styles as we connect ourselves to the spirit of Africa, and the joy that comes from it. We also develop and build core strength, stamina, rhythmic sensibility, and most importantly build community.

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