Baye & Asa is a company creating movement art projects directed by Amadi “Baye” Washington & Sam “Asa” Pratt. Hip Hop and African dance languages are the foundation of our technique. The rhythms of these techniques inform the way we energetically confront contemporary dance and theater. We were born and raised in New York City. We’ve known each other since first grade and our bodies are shaped by a shared education.
Through the personal dynamics of our relationship, we address the larger political landscape of our upbringing, struggling to show a reality of violence while communicating a necessity for empathy. Individually we have performed with Akram Khan Company, Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, Abraham in Motion, David Dorfman Dance, Gallim, Kate Weare Company, and The Francesca Harper Project. We’ve presented our stage and film work internationally and we are one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” for 2022. We are currently artists in residence at the 92nd Street Y, working on commissions for BODYTRAFFIC and The Martha Graham Dance Company. www.bayeandasa.com
Classes: Mixed Makers
Photo by Umi Akiyoshi