Chihamba of Dancescape Ltd
Chihamba’s Story
About Us
Chihamba Dancescape Ltd was founded on September 11, 1989, with a vision to celebrate African American culture and heritage in the Charlottesville, Virginia area. Inspired by events such as the 1988 Fredericksburg Black Arts Festival and Charlottesville's 1984 and 1985 Sol Fest, our founders, led by Baba Jamal Koram, created an organization dedicated to teaching, inspiring, and uplifting the community. Chihamba’s mission builds upon the powerful traditions of West African music, dance, and storytelling to foster cultural pride and understanding.
Since its establishment, Chihamba has blossomed into a dynamic cultural force, engaging audiences of all ages. Through traditional rhythms, movements, parables, and proverbs, we share the rich stories and messages of African heritage. Our Chihamba Dance Company captivates audiences with performances that bring rhythm and movement to life, while our storytellers share uplifting African proverbs and parables. In our drum circles, participants not only learn traditional rhythms but also explore the deeper meanings of the drum call.
The cornerstone of Chihamba’s work is the annual African American Cultural Arts Festival, which began in July 1990 and continues to celebrate the contributions and heritage of people of African ancestry. This vibrant event features health screenings, cultural fashion shows, food from Ghana and Kenya, community connections, and unforgettable performances by the Chihamba Dance Company and local artists. It is a joyous celebration of culture, heritage, and community.
As part of our commitment to supporting and empowering the next generation, Chihamba also sponsors the African American Heritage Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors of African descent from Charlottesville High School and public high schools in Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson counties. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, colleges and universities, or HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Recipients are recognized during the African American Cultural Arts Festival, reflecting Chihamba’s dedication to education, cultural celebration, and youth development.
Founder, Creator, and Advisor
Donna Graham, affectionately known as ‘Sister Donna,' is the Founder, Creator, and Advisor of Chihamba of Dancescape Ltd. With a vibrant dance career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions from the classroom to the stage and within various communities. As the director of Dancescape and the founder of Chihamba Jr. & Sr. companies, Sister Donna has been a driving force behind Charlottesville, Virginia's African American Cultural Arts Festival. Her influence extends beyond Charlottesville as she continues to consult for schools and community African dance companies, including "Chihamba" and "Nguzo Saba" in Danville, VA, and dance programs in Durham, NC, where she resides.
Throughout her illustrious career, Donna Graham has conducted numerous African dance workshops, residencies, and performances and offered community classes. She operated her dance studio for over eight years, teaching Modern/Jazz, Tap, Dance Movement, and African Drumming and Dance. Her students have won awards in dance competitions held by the Dance Educators of America and Dance Inc. She has profoundly impacted countless students with over 30 years of dance experience, a degree in Education from Virginia State University, and 26 years of teaching at various levels, including secondary, elementary, university, and community college.
Donna's expertise in African dance, customs, and traditions is enriched by her pilgrimages and performances in The Gambia, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. She continues to enhance her skills through master classes, workshops, lecture demonstrations, and seminars.
Donna received the 1990 Business Week Innovative Teaching Award in Virginia for her African dance programs in Albemarle County schools. She has been involved in community outreach programs with the Piedmont Council of the Arts. She has provided educational presentations for schools, organizations, community festivals, international programs, and other special occasions across Virginia. In May 1991, the Piedmont Council of the Arts honored her with the “Outstanding Achievement in the Arts Award.” The Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council has also recognized her as a Woman of Distinction and by the Interfraternal Council for her contributions as an African American woman. Her accolades include the 1994 Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Shenandoah Valley Hit, Charlottesville's Hometown Hero in 1995 by the Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center, and the 1996 African American Community Award by the Charlottesville-Albemarle Tribune.
In 2003, Donna returned to education, continuing to perform and engage with the community. Since relocating to North Carolina in 2009, she has taught various dance forms with the Durham Public Schools. Donna remains dedicated to sharing her passion for dance with the young and the young at heart, preserving and uplifting the rich cultural heritage of people of African descent.
"A person without knowledge of their past is like a tree without roots." – African Proverb.
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