African Dance & Drum Ensemble 2015

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      

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