African Dance Comes to N.C. Communities

If you have a chance to see Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble, take it! Better yet, if you are in Beaufort, Robeson, Lenoir or Halifax counties, go and be a part of a unique community experience. This year, the African American Dance Ensemble will conduct four one-week residencies as part of the North Carolina Arts Council’s second American Masterpieces tour.

Bringing the magic of African dance to life through authentic attire, drumming and audience participation, Davis and nine principal dancers will make day visits to schools and lead workshops in dance for local participants as part of the one-week residencies.

Local organizers will issue an open call for community participants for the workshops and activities offered by Davis and his team. This is where you come in. If AADE is in your area, go and sign yourself up for the free dance and drumming workshops. You’ll be learning from some of the most talented people in the world of dance, and they don’t care if you have experience or not. You’ll also get to participate in a special performance for the community, choreographed by African American Dance Ensemble specifically for your area.

The African American Dance Ensemble’s primary partners for the tour stops are the local arts councils, community colleges, schools and performing arts venues that offer additional cultural and artistic programming on a local level.

The central focus of American Masterpieces is to acquaint citizens with the best of their artistic and cultural legacy. The National Endowment for the Arts sponsors performances, exhibitions, tours and educational programs across different art forms that reach large and small communities in all 50 states.

The following presenters are collaborating with the North Carolina Arts Council and the African American Dance Ensemble to host the four American Masterpieces residencies:

Turnage Theater
Organized by the Beaufort County Arts Council
Washington, Beaufort County
Residency: March 2-7
Community performance: March 8
www.turnagetheater.com, (252) 975-1191

William Gay Auditorium at Lumberton Senior High School
Organized by the Carolina Civic Center Foundation
Lumberton, Robeson County
Residency: April 13–18
Community performance: April 19
ccc@nc.rr.com, (910) 738-4339

Festival on the Neuse
Organized by the Community Council for the Arts
Kinston, Lenoir County
Residency: April 20-25
Community performance: April 26
www.kinstoncca.com, (252) 527-2517

Weldon, Halifax County
Organized by Halifax Community College
Residency dates and location to be announced
www.hcccentre.com, (252) 538-4336

For more information, contact me at jessica.a.orr@ncmail.net.