Aya Shabu is the creator and spirited conductor of Whistle Stop Tours, a walking tour company re-membering African American neighborhoods through the performing arts. Shabu has choreographed for original documentary theater including The Parchman Hour for the 50th anniversary reunion of The Freedom Riders in Jackson, MS (2011). An alumna of the African American Dance Ensemble, Shabu has performed with Ronald K. Brown and Sweet Honey in the Rock, and currently dances and drums with The Magic of African Rhythm. Shabu uses performance for personal and community healing through Black women’s stories. As the associate director of arts and culture, Shabu protects the genius of Black parents and neighborhoods through community art-making and curation.
“Congratulations on your Performance Mix #34: Remotely Yours initiative. I hope you all feel delighted with the experience. I must admit that it challenged me to do something a little bit out of my zone. But I am quite happy with the outcome. The first project featuring my son! It will be an unforgettable moment when we will look back at it in a few years.”
– Mélanie Demers
New Dance Alliance
182 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013