African American Dance Ensemble will celebrate culture, history, Oct. 4

The internationally renowned African American Dance Ensemble will perform Oct. 4 at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. Call 254-ARTS for tickets. Courtesy of the Department of Theatre, Film and Dance

The Cornell Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts brings a one-evening-only performance of the internationally renowned touring dance troupe, the African American Dance Ensemble, to its Kiplinger Theatre Friday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. This nine-member ensemble is dedicated to preserving the traditions of African and African-American culture and community through dance and music. This performance is part of the Cornell Dance Series and is supported in part by the Cornell Council for the Arts.

Advance tickets for the event are $25 for students/seniors and $30 for the general public. For information or tickets, call or visit the box office, 430 College Ave., 12:30-5:30 p.m., weekdays; or call 254-ARTS.

The African American Dance Ensemble was founded by dancer Chuck Davis, who is considered one of the foremost and accomplished choreographers and teachers in the traditional techniques of African dance. He is also the founder of Cultural Arts Safari, which makes an annual pilgrimage to Africa. "Each year I journey to Africa in order to bask in the culture and absorb as much as I can through practical experience," says Davis. "I feel the vibrations as I stamp on the dusty earth during sacred religious ceremonies introduced thousands of years ago." With the motto "Peace, Love, Respect For Everybody," the African American Dance Ensemble celebrates traditional African culture, aesthetics and values as resources to encourage interracial cooperation and cross-cultural understanding.

The African American Dance Ensemble has performed all over the world and is known for its dramatic staging, exciting rhythms, masterful choreography and colorful costumes. This dynamic ensemble also is known for its skill in inspiring audience involvement. Each dance is discussed beforehand and accompanying rituals are offered for audience participation. The choreography in the dance concert combines dances from several African countries and cultures and celebrates the genetic diversity of African-Americans. Traditional dances include "Congolese Suite" from Zaire, "D'Zimbabwe" from Zimbabwe, "Fanga" from Liberia and "Iron Fan" from China.