Ammaya Dance & Drum is an ensemble of dancers and drummers who practice traditional West African and Afro-Caribbean dance and drumming in the New England area. This troupe includes master West African drummers, as well as a diverse group of professional American artists with a variety of dance and music backgrounds. Tara Murphy, longtime dancer and Ammaya founder, serves as managing director of the group. Issa Coulibaly of Mali, West Africa serves as artistic director. The ensemble performs at concerts, school assemblies, festivals, parties, weddings and more. Ammaya presents the rich traditions of African rooted music and dance, then allows the audience to participate actively in the rhythms, movement and song. Their performances are full of spirit and fun for all ages and abilities. The ensemble performs to uplift the hearts of their audiences, playing for the joy and healing inherent in African traditions.