BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  Join West Virginia Wesleyan College’s  Center for Cultural and International Affairs at West Virginia at A Taste of Africa sampling African goods and drinks and experiencing West African culture with the Pittsburgh-based Balafon West African Dance Ensemble.

The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 3-6 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Sample African food and drinks from 3-4 p.m. WVWC graduate student Sharon Nansikombi ‘26 will also give a presentation on Ugandian Independence. 

Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, a dynamic performance company that celebrates West Africa’s rich cultural traditions through dance, music, and community engagement, will perform at 4 p.m. Founded by the late Mama Kadiatou Conte in 1997 and established as a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit in 2010, Balafon carries forward a vibrant legacy of cultural expression and artistic excellence. Balafon offers enriching opportunities to experience the joyful spirit of traditional dance. The ensemble’s dedication to preserving and sharing West African cultural heritage, particularly celebrating the contributions of women, makes them a vital force in Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. Through classes, performances, and community programs, Balafon continues to inspire and educate while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Following the performance, Balafon will give a hands-on workshop in drum and dance from 5-6 p.m. 

Experience the vibrant energy of West African dance and music with Balafon West African Dance Ensemble! Born from a love of dance in 1997 under the leadership of Mama Kadiatou Conte, this Pittsburgh-based group brings the heart and soul of dance traditions from Guinea, Senegal and beyond to life. When you see Balafon perform, you’ll be swept away by colorful costumes, powerful drums, joyful songs, and dancers who move with both grace and power. Whether you’re catching a show, taking a class, or joining one of their community events, Balafon welcomes everyone to share in the joy and spirit of West African culture.

 ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu