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.
“I am honored to have performed at the Performance Mix 37…PMF plays a very inspiring, influential, and unique role in redefining the role of theater and performance art in society. I hope we continue to think about how this festival means so much not only for dance fans/ students, but for art lovers and the general public.”
– Maho Ogawa
New Dance Alliance
182 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013