Performing Arts
Up UAD Bio UAD CLASSES UAD Production Staff Stiltwalkers Why the Arts? DRUMS HEAL UAD in AFRICA UAD in Caribbean UAD VIDEO(s) World Accomplishment

 

 

 

 

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble (USA)
UAD= Universal African Dance
 & Drum Ensemble (United States of America)

  

Many say
"This is the most spectacular performance of its kind ever seen in America"
Sensational, Electrifying, Exciting, Amazing, Powerful and EDUCATIONAL
Truly a representation of "The Beauty of African Culture" and most of all
FAMILY
From the Babies to the Elders

LOVE & the Development of SELF-DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY  

Guaranteed to make you STOP, LOOK and LISTEN

Music that is therapeutic, healing and penetrates the soul


CLICK LINK BELOW FOR THIS 6 minute Promotional VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/q3ddccczk3I


************************
We present more than just entertainment
We represent and present
LOVE, DISCIPLINE, FAMILY and CULTURE
which is THE SOLUTION TO UP-LIFTING HUMANITY
and especially the social problems of the
AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITIES in AMERICA


"AFRICAN DANCE and DRUM is where
ALL MUSIC, DANCE & DRUM COMES FROM"

We are honored and blessed to be considered by world renowned scholars and historians as the
innovators and trendsetters of having babies to elders skillfully performing African Dance and Drum on stages.


"Everyone has a culture, don’t be afraid or ashamed to
live, honor and celebrate your heritage and culture in love and peace."

by Wanda Dickerson

"Black People or African-Americans and those of African Descent your ORIGIN and ROOTS is the geographic area we call AFRICA"

"SAY IT LOUD, I LOVE MY ROOTS and I AM PROUD OF IT"
by Wanda Dickerson in the spirit of Musical Legend JAMES BROWN


One of Wanda's favorite quotes by Maya Angelou
"People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel"

CONTACT US- CLICK HERE


National & International AMBASSADORS OF THE CULTURE
KEEPERS OF THE CULTURE

Featuring: African Dance, Traditional Songs, Stilt Walking / Dancing, Masquerading, Martial Arts Acrobatics, Drama & Intensified African Drumming
Specializing in African Dance and Drum School Assemblies


Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Kimmel Center 2004 VIDEO Below

https://youtu.be/lxpr1o743PE
Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble in New York City 5/28/2006 Below
Please enjoy one of the greatest rites of passage VIDEO presentations in AMERICA
  

NEW YORK CITY PART 1  /  https://youtu.be/s6m5bgRJBK0

NEW YORK CITY PART 2  / https://youtu.be/77qmoR8MuFw  

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR FULL VIEWING

      

 

KEYS TO BECOMING LONG STANDING and a GREAT GROUP with TOGETHERNESS
LOVE, PEACE, HARMONY & RESPECT with TALENT


Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
CLICK LINK BELOW:

https://youtu.be/q3ddccczk3I

https://youtu.be/yTut5gZ4iwc  -   26 Minute video of JOY and APPRECIATION, thanks to NJ Gov. PHIL MURPHY on 02/11/2020 and
Proclamation for Founders & Directors- Robert & Wanda Dickerson with a special performance by
UNIVERSAL AFRICAN DANCE and DRUM ENSEMBLE

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble performing at the Honoring of
Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff & Patti Labelle for the MARION ANDERSON AWARD at the KIMMEL CENTER

https://youtu.be/Mw4-p6RKbv0

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble performing at the 6abc Thanksgiving Parade
Representing JUNETEETH
https://youtu.be/GdZwKAEo9SE


THE SOLUTION

LOVE and DISCIPLINE DEVELOPMENT with many forms or types of EDUCATION

by Robert Dickerson


"THE ORGANIZATION THAT GIVES THE YOUNG PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THEIR OWN GREATEST"


"We must teach, protect and guide our young people and children from making bad decisions"


REMEMBER- "QUITTERS never WIN and WINNERS never QUIT"


Our grandson asked a question:  POP POP why do you make us come to all of these shows.  I answered by saying, the people,
our supporters and our fans call us almost everyday.  They love you, they love us and they want to see us.  HE SAID OK

At times I show him this photo and he smiles


WE ARE ED-U-TAIN-MENT;
Educating with inspirational and positive entertainment

The MANIFESTATION and IMPLEMENTATION of the SOLUTIONS and the MODEL of what scholars, leaders, historians and educators
TALK, PREACH and WRITE about concerning the SOCIAL ills and the problems of our youth and communities AT-RISK

MANY SAY we are one of the greatest REPRESENTATION and PRESENTATIONS in AMERICA

One of the best PREVENTIVE, SOCIAL, HOLISTIC-DEVELOPMENTAL and EDUCATIONAL programs in AMERICA

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men" by Frederick Douglass
True, because you cannot give a child back their childhood.  Psychologically it is very difficult to undo trauma once it is experienced.
Our programs are designed to ease the harm or pain and make better.

LOVE & the Development of SELF-DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY  

 

 

 

 





Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble

Blessed and Sanctioned to be one of the BEST Professional,
Authentic & Traditional African Dance and Drum Ensembles in the U.S.A.
and Performing Arts Organization located in Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(MINISTRY OF CULTURE & FAMILY)

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots"  (Honorable Marcus Garvey)
"Consciousness precedes UNITY"  (Dr. Molefi Kete Asante)
"We must display and be the beauty, righteousness and love of our original culture"  
(Robert Dickerson)

(AVAILABLE TO PERFORM ANY WHERE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ABROAD)

CONTACT US- CLICK HERE


Our Mission:   To educate people about African Culture and history through music, art and the performing arts, especially African Dance and Drum.   In addition, we seek to instill pride, dignity and enhance the understanding of the African American experience in relationship to our African Heritage.

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble's Biography
CLICK HERE


We Work Hard To Make Your Event

MEMORABLE, EDUCATIONAL, INSPIRING, EXCITING and INVITING


 

FOR PERFORMANCE BOOKINGS: CONTACT US- CLICK HERE

      Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble (USA)
"One of the greatest presentations of African Dance, Drum and Culture in the United States of America"

365 Days of LOVE, DISCIPLINE with an
EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL PRESENTATION DESIGNED and

SPECIALIZING in
Educational Programs, Performances, Workshops and Theatrical Productions
for SCHOOLS, COLLEGES,
FESTIVALS, CORPORATE, RELIGIOUS and COMMUNITY Events

  SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES for Public, Charter, Private and etc.
●  Historical Educational Presentations
●  Educational (Geography) School Assemblies on African Culture and Performing Arts
●  Anti-Bully Presentations
●  After-School Programs
●  Multi-Cultural Representation
/ Cultural Sensitivity- Teaching Moments

●  African and Caribbean Festivals
●  Summer Festivals and Events
● 
KWANZAA EVENTS      ●  JUNETEETH EVENTS 
●  Black History Month Programs / African American Heritage Programs

●  African and African American Celebrations
  Weddings and Wedding Receptions
  FAMILY REUNIONS & FAMILY EVENTS
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER EXPLANATIONS / pdf file

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER EXPLANATIONS  /  jpg file
PAGE 1
    /    PAGE 2     /     PAGE 3

 Robert and Wanda Dickerson Founders and Creators of Unity Community Center (since 1983) and it's programs of 
Performing Arts presentations, African and African American History of Study, Knowledge and Experiences since 1968


MESSAGE TO OUR AFRICAN BROTHERS and SISTERS from AFRICA:  Help us or say kind words for one of our main purposes of educating and teaching our Black or African-American family their ROOTS, HERITAGE and Original Culture through the performing arts of African Art, Dance, Drum and Music.  This the true essence of LOVE and CHARACTER when knowing your ancestors and yourself as beautiful KINGS and QUEENS.  by Robert Dickerson


            

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble - Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 Contact us to receive Promotional Package     Contact us to receive STUDY GUIDE

 


    or
If you enjoyed and appreciated or representation and/or presentations
FEEL FREE TO DONATE

We need your help to help more youth at-risk, to learn and experience the benefits of the arts and to become righteous young people making better communities


AFRICAN DANCE IN AMERICA
Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble

"Blessed to be the TRENDSETTERS of FAMILY (Babies to Elders) performing professionally on stage; African Dance and Drum in the United States of America"

Performing/Teaching at many prestigious venues, such as: United Nations-NY, AFRICA, CARIBBEAN, Political Inaugurations, NAACP National Convention 07/14/2014 in Philadelphia PA & 07/16/2022 in Atlantic City NJ, National Association of Black Journalist Convention, Waldorf Astoria-NY, Grand Hyatt-NY, NJPAC-NJ, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)-NY, Schomburg Center NY,  Sunshine Awards / Gilman Figaro-NY, War Memorial (Trenton, NJ), Sony Blockbuster Entertainment Ctr., Tweeter Ctr.-NJ, New Jersey State Aquarium, Kimmel Ctr.-PHILA., Forum-Harrisburg, PA, Taj Mahal Casino-NJ, Trump Casino-NJ.Sands Casino-NJ, Show Boat Casino-NJ, Academy of Music-PHILA., International African Arts Festival-NY, Mann Center-PHILA., Robin Hood Dell-Phila., WDAS Unity Day-PHILA,, Odunde-PHILA., West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival-PHILA, Penns Landing-PHILA., The famous UniverSoul Circus, Six Flags GREAT ADVENTURE, Expos, Performing Art Centers, Museums, Convention Centers, Festivals, Colleges, Universities, Schools, Fraternity & Sorority National Conventions, Government & State Agencies, United States Arm Force Facilities, City Halls, Fortune 500 or High Profile Corporate Events, Juvenile Justice/Youth Detention Centers, Penitentiaries and many community events all over this country.

Seen by millions on Local, National, International and Cable Television, such as:  Charles Perez Show- 1995, National News Networks, Positive Impact (JOE PISCOPO) Show, NBC-Today's Show - Matt Lauer & Katie Couric with Joe Piscopo-2003, SPIKE TV- 2005, C-SPAN (International)- Millions More Movement 2005, CNN- (JOE PISCOPO-2007), TLC CABLE- 2009, WPVI 6, WCAU 10, KYW 3, WTXF 29, WPHL 17, WYBE 35, CN8 and many local TV shows around the U.S.A. since 1984.

Most of the male Black Belt members who became Karate Champions are also members of the World Champion UPK Pasha Generals, who have performed at many prestigious World Martial Arts Halls of Fame in Jacksonville, Florida / Cleveland, Ohio / Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City, New Jersey Both male and female Karate champions are also the drummers, dancers, musicians and acrobats of the Sensational and Electrifying UNIVERSAL AFRICAN DANCE & DRUM ENSEMBLE.

Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble's drummers and stiltwalkers who are also World KARATE CHAMPIONS from our Universal Pasha Karate School (UPK) were in the movie called WARRIOR by LIONSGATE with famous actors Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte and Jennifer Morrison.  In movie theaters across America which started Friday, September 9, 2011. NOW on DVD at AMAZON and etc..

CLICK LINK BELOW for further information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrior_%282011_film%29

https://youtu.be/MydrN5M0keE

 


CONGRATULATIONS
A Historical and World Renowned Accomplishment

    A distinguished committee of world renowned artists and scholars chose our very own Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble to represent the U.S.A. at the historicalWorld Festival of Black Arts and Cultures, a.k.a. as FESMAN in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa.  This world festival was held in December 2010.   Over 80 nations sent their best scholars, historians, artists and performers to this WORLD ARTS FESTIVAL.  We were proud and honored to be selected among the best performing arts groups in the world. Below you will find You-Tube Videos of us performing at this historical event.

(1)   December 15, 2010 (Saint-Louis, Senegal Africa on INTERNATIONAL STAGE) Click here for You-Tube Video
(2)   December 17 and 18, 2010 (On Goree Island and Senegalese wedding in Dakar, Senegal Africa) Click here for You-Tube Video(3)   Further HISTORICAL information please Click here:

In addition, the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, a 72 member troupe is sanctioned one of the best African Dance and Drum Troupes in America by renowned scholars, historians and artists in America and Africa.

 


    A Sizzling new African Drum & Music CD 
  CLICK HERE TO ORDER DIMEDI FAABE African Drum & Music CD 

"African Drum Beats and Music is the true root of all music (The 1st NOTE)"
"The Pulse of the Drum - Is the Spirit of the HEART"

"AFRICAN DANCE and DRUM is where
ALL MUSIC, DANCE & DRUM COMES FROM"

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble in America
CD (DIMEDI FAABE)  &  PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

Music that is therapeutic, healing and penetrates the soul


"Their performance was so thorough, we are going to play the CD all day at the Imani Celebration fest in California; You (Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble) are the best that I have ever seen."  DR. MAULANA KARENGA- Professor, Author, Historian / Creator & Founder of KWANZAA


"I've traveled all over the world, they are the best I've ever seen in this country."   DR. MOLEFI KETE ASANTE- Professor, Author & Historian  / The father and author of Afrocentricity


"They (Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble) are great, their show needs to be in Las Vegas NOW with the best.  I want their programs in all of my schools. Legendary KENNY GAMBLE / Philadelphia International Records


"They (Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble) are THE EVIDENCE THAT OUR ORIGINAL CULTURE and FAMILY IS NOT LOST in AMERICA."
Also, the proof Unity Community Center (UCC) being the most accomplished performing arts and youth preventive developmental organization in America is coming to their
Annual Banquet.  The Banquet highlights their miracle and greatness.  This Banquet is absolutely
THEIR BEST PROPOSAL, because "SEEING IS BELIEVING"    Rev. Roy L. Jones, B.A. / M.A. / M.S.


" They (Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble) is the best that I have seen in America.  They are so good, like my home in Africa; that is why I have my children performing with them. They are Family" Yalani Bangoura- Acrobat, Dance Teacher & Djeli from Guinea, West Africa.


"This group is producing miracles." JOE PISCOPO - Famous Actor / Comedian & Philanthropist / Positive Impact Foundation & One of the original Saturday Night Live Superstars


"So very proud of their performances at the Mann Center. Robert and Wanda Dickerson' true commitment and dedication to our young people should forever be applauded. I've worked with their organization for 20+ years joyfully as cultural partners with the Mann Center's educational programs." Peace and Blessings Family!  Rhoda Blount, VP Education & Community Engagement


"This group is wonderful, you must see them, it is hard to explain how good they really are."  Legendary DR. BABA CHUCK DAVIS- Over 50 years of African Dance & Artistic Director for 38+ years for DANCE AFRICA / BAM


"I've traveled the world touring and performing and never found a group uplifting family and African Culture in America until meeting this FAMILY."  MOUSSA DIABATE- Djeli,Griot, Historian & African Dance & Drum Teacher / Les Ballet Africain- Guinea, WEST AFRICA


" I heard a lot about them, (Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble) when I seen them, (Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble) (October 20, 2007) they are number one M' BEMBA BANGOURA-Djeli,Griot, Historian & African Dance & Drum Teacher / The Ballet of Conakry & Ballet Djoliba - Guinea, WEST AFRICA


"They are the BEST, like the BALLET."  MITO CAMARA- African Dance & Drum Teacher / Lead Drummer for Les Ballet Africain for many years- Guinea, WEST AFRICA


"I am 96 years old and I have traveled the world many times and seen many dance performances. That was the best dance performance that I have ever seen in my life"- (January 31, 2010) a wonderful elder Jewish Lady at a Jewish Elderly Center in Pennsylvania


"The impact that you (Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble) put on people; if more people would do that, it would impact the world" (October 5, 2011)  Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Director of Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African Art


 Contact us to receive Promotional Package

CONTACT US- CLICK HERE