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WGN’s Merri Dee Returns as DanceAfrica Chicago’s 2005 Ambassador |
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CHICAGO- Columbia College Chicago is proud to announce that WGN's Merri Dee is returning as the DanceAfrica Chicago's Ambassador for the second year. Merri Dee will be an active voice in spreading the word about DanceAfrica Chicago and its importance to both the city of Chicago and the international arts and culture community. This year's production of SANKOFA, will showcase three days of magnificent main-stage performances, October 21, 22, and 23, at The Chicago Theatre, located 175 N. State Street. Ticket prices are: $54, $44, $34 and $26. Merri Dee is nationally recognized as a motivational speaker, panel moderator, and fundraising strategist, as well as for her outstanding work in over three decades in broadcast television. She is equally well known for her community work, particularly in the areas of child welfare and education, and is the recipient of numerous service awards. Dee will partner with DanceAfrica Chicago's Artistic Director, Baba Chuck Davis, in launching a full-scale campaign promoting the Festivals free community events including the Humanities Conference, preview performances, master classes, as well as the highly anticipated main-stage performances. "We are excited about Merri Dee's return to the Festival," said Michael Warr, Producing Director of DanceAfrica Chicago. "Merri Dee's longtime support of DanceAfrica Chicago along with her achievement, leadership and success, is an added enhancement to the entire Festival," continues Warr. Some of the best dance companies and musicians that have appeared at DanceAfrica Chicago Festivals during its 15 year-history will appear in encore performances. This year's ensembles were chosen to bring life to the meaning of this year's theme. SANKOFA is a West African word that means looking back to move forward. Each group has demonstrated the distinct ability to creatively articulate their individual messages through sound and movement. Under Davis's artistic instructions 6 critically acclaimed dance groups will amaze audiences and set the stage on fire: AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE(Durham, NC) AADE celebrates traditional African culture, aesthetics and values through their dramatic staging, exciting rhythms, masterful choreography and colorful costumes. This ensemble creates an artistic experience difficult to forget. PROPHETS OF DA CITY(Cape Town, South Africa) Undisputedly, South Africa's foremost Hip Hop/Rap/Break-dancing act, P.O.C. blends African sounds and rhythms, funky beats and authentic South African accents. NDERE TROUPE(Kampala, Uganda) Also known as the "flute troupe," Ndere will perform a medley of select pieces from a repertoire of more than 40 authentic Ugandan dances and songs accompanied by various indigenous percussive, stringed and wind instruments. RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT(Philadelphia, PA) RHPM's work encompasses rich and diverse African-American traditions of the past while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation, while encouraging young dancers to share their enthusiasm for hip-hop dance theatre. MUNTU DANCE THEATRE(Chicago, IL) In the Bantu language, "Muntu" means "the essence of humanity." It's what the Company seeks to express in their work and to touch in their audiences. Muntu creates an atmosphere of communal participation, encouraging and inspiring audiences to join in the celebration! DEEPLY ROOTED DANCE THEATER (Chicago, IL) Deeply Rooted Dance Theater presents work that springs from an African-American tradition of dance and music to reveal inspiring and innovative expressions of contemporary life. The company's performances not only entertain but also ignite the emotions of audience of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Tickets are available by phoning Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or in person at The Chicago Theatre box office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Center. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling the DanceAfrica Chicago office at (312) 344-7070. Special rates are available to all students with current student identification. DanceAfrica Chicago is the largest festival of African and African-American arts and culture in North America. Created by Columbia College Chicago and now entering its 15th year, DanceAfrica Chicago continues to uphold its single mission: To use the language of music and dance to expand the understanding and influence of African heritage on world cultures through education and the performing arts. |
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