Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Evidence, A Dance Company focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. Through its work, Evidence provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African-American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms. He is an advocate for the growth of the African-American dance community and is instrumental in encouraging young dancers to choreograph and to develop careers in dance. This is part of GPAC Honors Black History Month (click for more events).
Come early 6:30-7:30pm, relax and mingle with new and old friends during this special pre-show event. Guests can enjoy happy hour, hors d'oeuvres and live music. (Free and open to the public.)
POST SHOW Q&A
GPAC will host a post performance question and answer session with Ronald K. Brown directly following the show. This discussion will allow audience members to ask questions of the company and learn more about the choreography being presented.
“If there is any company working today whose dancers pack a more sophisticated and vibrant kinetic punch than those of Ronald K.Brown/ Evidence, I can’t think of it. ”
“...Ronald K. Brown is the real deal exploring dance idioms from across the African Diaspora, mixing Cuban, Caribbean, West African and modern American dance forms with an impressively light touch. The result Percussive, high energy works that joyously splice complex rhythms with a deep but down to earth spirituality.”
About Ron
Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Evidence, A Dance Company focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. Through its work, Evidence provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African-American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms. He is an advocate for the growth of the African-American dance community and is instrumental in encouraging young dancers to choreograph and to develop careers in dance. Brown has set works on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Cleo Parker Robinson Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Philadanco, and Ballet Hispanico.
Mission of EVIDENCE
The mission of Evidence is to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word, leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation.
Program Selections
New Conversations: First Sketch (new work)
A soulful, uplifting new work marked by Brown’s iconic blend of African, Caribbean, and contemporary choreography and set to Afro-Cuban jazz music by GRAMMY-Award winning musician Arturo O’Farrill. Brown and O'Farrill met while Brown was creating a piece for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. They really connected and decided to make a work for EVIDENCE, together. Ron uses his incredible gift of movement and musicality to craft a language that speaks to humanity, politics and the interconnectedness of heritage in the Diaspora – with a gentle but present spirituality.
Grace (1999) (Music by Duke Ellington, Roy Davis Jr., Fela Kuti)
Originally choreographed for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in 1999, Grace became a part of the EVIDENCE repertory in 2003. Grace weaves the story of a Goddess’ journey to Earth to spread grace among humans, ultimately welcoming them to heaven.
Why You Follow (2013) (Music by Zap Mama, Gorheaven and Juliano, The Allenko Brotherhood)
Originally performed by MalPaso, "Why You Follow/Por Que Sigues" was commissioned by The Joyce Theater Foundation, New York in 2014.
This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
