Presented by the
HCC
Visual & Performing Arts Center of Excellence
A Central Dance production of
AFRICAN DANCE & DRUM ENSEMBLE
Movement Evolution 2015
Dances of Africa and the Diaspora
Julie Bata, Artistic Director
& Gabriel Bata, Musical Director
Guest Musician: Victor Sanchez
In the historic Heinen Theatre
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE AFRICAN DANCE AND DRUM ENSEMBLE
Dancers: Bizana Beasley, Joanna Bowen, Melissa Buie, Cherika Chatman, LA De La Cruz, Candie Edwards, Manzel Bernard Jones, La Bilvia ‘Belle’ Lawrence, Shanequa Peoples, Zhané Tomlinson
Movement Evolution 2015
Friday, November 20
I Can Breathe! An Ibo in A Cappella Blues
Choreography: Novuyo
Masakhane
Origin: United
States, Haiti
Music: Bernice
Johnson Reagon, arranged by La Bilvia Lawrence
Traditional
Haitian, arranged by Gabriel Bata
This dance expresses
the pride of the Ibo/ Igbo nation who preferred death to enslavement. The movements of the dance represent breaking
the chains of slavery.
Assiko
Choreography:
Gabriel Bata
Origin: Cameroon
Music: Traditional,
arranged by Gabriel Bata
The Assiko is a
popular dance from the Bassa people of southern Cameroon. This dance takes its name from two Bassa
words: ISI, changed into ASSI, which means earth or ground; and KOO meaning
foot. Assiko demonstrates a sense of
balance, contortions and physical strength calling to the exhilaration of dance
or trance.
Kakilambé
Choreography: Julie
Bata
Origin: Guinea
Music: Traditional,
arranged by Gabriel Bata
Traditionally,
Kakilambé is a masquerade dance that occurs only once a year among the Baga
people. The spirit of the Kakilambé is revered as the protector against evil
entities who makes important declarations about the present and the future.
Sorsornet
Choreography: Julie
Bata
Origin: Guinea
Music: Traditional,
arranged by Gabriel Bata
Another traditional
masquerade dance of the Baga people, the spirit of Sorsornet ensures fertility,
protection of children, and successful harvests. The dance is performed by daughters to show
their gratitude for their mothers.
Boloye
Choreography: Atito
Gohi
Origin: Côte
d’Ivoire
Music: Traditional,
arranged by Atito Gohi
This dance from the
Senufo people of Côte d’Ivoire is a symbolic representation of the “Poro” or initiation
rites that last for seven years. During
this time, wise elders transmit knowledge to the young men, preparing them to
be full adult members of society.
Traditionally, it is a masquerade dance representing the Panther.
Katana
Choreography: Atito
Gohi
Origin: Côte
d’Ivoire
Music: Traditional,
arranged by Atito Gohi
Celebration dance of
the Senufo people in the Korhogo region of Côte d’Ivoire.
Kuku
Choreography: Atito
Gohi
Origin: Côte
d’Ivoire, Guinea
Music: Traditional,
arranged by Gabriel Bata
Traditionally, women
dance Kuku to celebrate their return from fishing. It is very popular
throughout West Africa and is today played at many celebrations, parties and
the full moon.
HOUSTON COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
AFRICAN DANCE AND
DRUM ENSEMBLE
Artistic Director:
Julie Bata
Musical Director:
Gabriel Bata
Guest Musician:
Victor Sanchez
Dancers: Bizana Beasley, Joanna Bowen, Melissa Buie,
Cherika Chatman, LA De La Cruz, Candie Edwards, Manzel Bernard Jones, La Bilvia
‘Belle’ Lawrence, Shanequa Peoples, Zhané Tomlinson
2015 © ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED
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