A taste of Africa recently came to Midtown Manhattan as the Cameroon National Ballet takes the stage at The Liberty Theater.

The private reception, which featured drinks and authentic food by Cameroonian chef, Emile Engoulou , showcased the dynamic and energetic moves of dancers from the company. There was also a performance by singer Richard King

Ama Tutu Muna, Minister of Arts and Culture for Cameroon, served as host for the evening educating the the audience on the rich artistic scene not only in Cameroon but all of Africa.

“Our goal is to develop a performance entitled ‘Africa in Miniature,’ using compositions from famous musicians such as Manu Dibango,” said Muna. “Our desire is that this piece will capture key elements of African arts and culture while showcasing the beauty and artistry of DTH and TCNB”.

The goal is to foster cultural exchanges between the U.S. and Africa to develop stronger ties between the African American community and the African community, starting with Cameroon. The Cameroon National Ballet recently partnered with the Harlem Dance Theater for an exchange program.

“We recognize that a number of African Americans have traced their DNA back to Africa with 60 percent of Cameroonian origin through the Washington D.C. based company, African ancestry. We hope that this collaboration will showcase this heritage” said Muna.

The Cameroon National Ballet is composed of over 20 performers who travel around the world introducing Cameroonian culture through dance and music. The Cameroon National Ballet has performed at the UNGA in New York City, a 20-city tour in Japan, and at he Shanghai Expo in China.