Freshman Ghanasyam Bey (foreground) and junior Nikki Bowen perform "Snap Muzik," a piece choreographed by Bowen for the Black Arts Company: Dance fall show, "Dancers Do It Better." The dance troupe will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in the Frist Campus Center theater.
At left: "Planet Rock," set to music by rapper Talib Kwali and choreographed by junior Karen Bailey, is one of several routines to be performed by the Black Arts Company: Dance. The show will feature hip-hop, traditional African dancehall and even a piece inspired by belly dancing.
Photos by John Jameson
A vibrant mix of student-choreographed performances will be featured as the Black Arts Company: Dance
presents its fall show, "Dancers Do It Better," Friday and Saturday,
Nov. 17-18, in the Frist Campus Center theater. Show times are 9 p.m.
Friday, and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday.
The performance,
directed by junior Amber Wedges, will feature selections from various
genres, including hip-hop, traditional African, dancehall and even a
piece inspired by belly dancing.
Choreographers for the show
include seniors Erica McGibbon, Tarik Jones, Bijani Mizell and Krista
Nottage, who collectively have created some 20 hip-hop pieces in their
four years with the dance troupe. In addition, junior Karen Bailey has
choreographed a piece that will feature the entire company, set to the
song "We Got the Beat" by rapper Talib Kwali; junior Ery Shin has
produced a piece for music by pop star Justin Timberlake; and sophomore
Monique McDermoth has choreographed a dancehall piece. The show also
will feature works by junior Nikki Bowen, sophomore Amira Karriem and
2006 alumna Dominique Reese.
The Black Arts Company was founded
in 1990 and now consists of separate dance and drama troupes. The dance
company has expanded from just six members in 2002 to some 30 members
today.
Tickets for "Dancers Do It Better" are free for Tiger
Tickets holders, $6 for students, $8 for faculty and staff, and $10 for
the general community. They can be purchased online through University Ticketing or at the Frist ticket office.
