BAM Affiliation With numerous BAM appearances, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre is an African and contemporary modern dance company. It was co-founded in 1981 by Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam and Executive Artistic Director Olabamidele Husbands. Informed by African and American traditions, the company delivers a visceral, thought-provoking blend of contemporary dance, traditional West African dance, ballet, house, hip-hop, and live music, oriented around ideas of environmental health, spirituality, and survival of life on Earth. The company has received numerous grants and accolades from the NEA, NYSCA, National Dance Project/NEFA, and many more. In addition to BAM, it has performed at the Apollo Theater, the Joyce, ADF, NJPAC, and at many prestigious festivals. FON has been featured on PBS’ Great Performances feature, Free to Dance. In addition to performing and touring widely throughout the US and abroad, it has gained recognition for its work with youth in workshops and seminars.