Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective Premieres From Gorée to Galveston: Diaspora Cycling

Contact: Stacey Allen 
Email: staceyallencde@gmail.com 
Phone: 832-244-9326 
Website: www.niasdaughters.com 

Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective Premieres From Gorée to Galveston: Diaspora Cycling at the Official Juneteenth Return in Galveston 

Galveston, TX – Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective will premiere From Gorée to Galveston: Diaspora Cycling, a new work by Houston choreographer, educator, and scholar Shani Diouf, as part of the Official Juneteenth Return celebration in Galveston, Texas. 

From Gorée to Galveston: Diaspora Cycling was inspired by a series of experiences throughout and connected to the African Diaspora. In particular, it draws from visits to the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) on Gorée Island, Senegal; Galveston Island, Texas; and several places in between. 

Through movement, the dance explores the influences of traditional praise dance, African and contemporary dance. The work honors the strength, resilience, and storytelling traditions of the African Diaspora, embodied by dancers who are bold, powerful, and expressive. – Shani Diouf 

The premiere carries special significance as Galveston serves as the historic birthplace of Juneteenth. Through movement and storytelling, the work reflects on the enduring cultural connections linking West Africa, the Gulf Coast, and communities throughout the African Diaspora. 

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Shani Diouf who is an amazing dancemaker, scholar, and educator,” said Stacey Allen, Artistic Director of Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective. “Shani’s artistic and scholarly work and commitment to African Diaspora Dance has given dancers for decades the opportunity to learn more about dance, culture, and religion. While we are excited about this work, we are more honored to have been able to learn from her expertise and cultural stewardship.” 

Shani Diouf has been a professor of dance at Houston Community College for nineteen years and founder of the Akwaaba Dance and Drum Festival, Diouf is currently pursuing a PhD at Texas Woman’s University, where she is researching what happens to dances of the diaspora as they migrate between West Africa and the United States, a phenomenon she calls “Rehoming Dance.”

About Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective 

Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective is a professional dance company that creates and supports multigeneration cultural arts and educational initiatives. 

Support for Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective is provided by Dance Source Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, the International Association of Blacks in Dance, Alternate ROOTS, and community supporters. 

For more information, interview requests, or performance inquiries, contact Stacey Allen at staceyallencde@gmail.com. 

About Official Juneteenth Return 
Friday, June 19th, 2025 2pm-6pm 
The Absolute Equality Mural 
2217 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550 
Register Here: The Official Juneteenth Return