Contemporary Works
Exploring Identity, Culture and Connection Through Afro-Contemporary Dance
Over the past two decades, Appiah Annan has developed a distinctive choreographic practice that bridges the rich movement traditions of West Africa with contemporary dance, physical theatre, live music and storytelling.
Drawing on his training in traditional African dance, freestyle, hip hop, contemporary dance and acrobatics, Appiah has created a body of original work that explores themes of identity, migration, belonging, spirituality and cultural memory.
At the heart of his practice is a desire to honour ancestral knowledge while creating new artistic languages that speak to contemporary audiences.
Inspired by internationally acclaimed artists including Pina Bausch, Alvin Ailey, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Akram Khan and Qudus Onikeku, Appiah has spent years researching and developing a unique Afro-contemporary movement vocabulary that blends traditional African movement pathways with contemporary choreographic approaches.
His works invite audiences into deeply personal and culturally resonant stories that explore what it means to carry heritage across borders, generations and changing identities.
Featured Works
Sankofa (2012)
A powerful exploration of memory, identity and cultural reconnection inspired by the Ghanaian concept of “Sankofa” — to return and retrieve what has been forgotten.
Mumo (2014)
An immersive Afro-contemporary work exploring spirit, ritual and humanity’s connection to the earth through movement, rhythm and storytelling.
Broken Pieces (2018–2023)
A deeply personal solo work reflecting on Appiah’s journey from the streets of Ghana to life in contemporary Melbourne.
BESA: The Beat of Belonging (2025)
A new work-in-development exploring identity, migration and intergenerational connection through a unique father–daughter collaboration.
Through these works, Appiah continues to contribute to the development of Afro-contemporary dance in Australia while creating opportunities for culturally diverse artists and audiences to engage with contemporary performance through an African lens.
