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Ndere Troupe, Africa’s Dancing Flute Artists Perform at the 15th Annual DanceAfrica Chicago SANKOFA Festival |
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CHICAGO - Hailing from Kampala, Uganda, Ndere Troupe performs a medley of select signature pieces from a repertoire consisting of over 40 authentic Ugandan dances and songs. Ndere's distinctive use of the flute during their performances will be emphasized during this year's 15th annual celebration of DanceAfrica Chicago. Columbia College Chicago presents SANKOFA during three days of magnificent main stage performances Friday-Sunday, October 21, 22 and 23, at The Chicago Theatre, located 175 N. State Street. Ticket prices are: $54, $44, $34, and $20. The Troupe serves as a cultural development organization that was founded in 1986 by Rwangyezi Stephen. Ndere, which means flute, chose the instrument as a symbol of beauty, because it produces beautiful and irresistible music which can be manipulated to express different moods, such as love, thoughtfulness, loneliness, sorrow, romance, happiness etc. The group strongly believes that the flute is like the red blood that flows in our bodies no matter our external differences. This year's featured performers 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. In efforts to salvage and conserve African heritage, Ndere Troupe engages in various projects aimed towards preserving African generations educated about traditional entertainment. Co-Founder of Dance Africa Chicago and Artist Director, Dr. "Baba" Chuck Davis is recognized as the foremost teacher and choreographer of traditional African dance in America. Through his instruction, inspiration and performance, thousands of Americans have come to understand and appreciate the significance of African culture. Under Davis’s artistic instructions Ndere Troupe will set the stage on fire with 5 other noted ensembles: 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. 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. 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. 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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