The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is coming to The Rialto and will be debuting “color-ography, n. the dances of Jacob Lawrence.” The dances are inspired by the paintings of famed Renaissance artist Jacob Lawrence. Lawrence’s work is known for depictions of Black life in colorful and bright narrative scenes. This month, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company will proudly bring his works to life on stage.
“Color-ography” will consist of three dances. Each will be an expressive dance that is deeply rooted in what it is to be African American and the African American experience.
According to the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, their mission is to deliver contemporary dance of the highest quality to the broadest possible audience. Founded by Jeraldyne Blunden, in 1968, DCDC is Ohio’s oldest contemporary dance company. In 40 years, DCDC has been consistently dedicated to the community through community service and creativity. DCDC has received both national and international acclaim while becoming a cultural beacon. They have also performed over a 100 dances, all original. Those dances consist of the largest collection of African American works.
This concert season, the 2009-2010, DCDC will have a commemorative celebration titled Engraving Our Legacy. During this season they will have dance performances and special activities. DCDC will only have four concerts this concert season. The plan is that each concert will show precisely why this dance company has been around for 40 years and why they are nothing less than world-class.
In partnership with the National Black Arts Festival, this program is sure to show off a style of contemporary dance that will depict the life of African Americans in living color. This performance should be as exceptionally diverse as the Georgia State University student body. It is a must see event as a way to continue the celebration of Black History Month.
The coming of DCDC to The Rialto is an opportunity for Georgia State students to bask in something different all while learning. Yes, learning outside of the classroom may not seem too appealing but it is, after all, Black History Month, a month wholly dedicated to history. As a student this should translate to now being the time for not only introspection and reverence but as a chance to learn new things. Most importantly, it is a time to engage. Georgia State may not be a Historically Black College but the large population of various ethnic groups is not to be ignored. This event should prove another reason why Georgia State is expanding and rapidly becoming one of the cultural centers here in Atlanta.
Tickets are $32-$56. The event takes place Saturday, Feb. 20, at 8 p.m. in The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, 80 Forsyth St. For more information call 404-413-9849 or visit www.rialtocenter.org
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company coming to Georgia State
Published: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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