2008 Woodie Awards
Baba Chuck and The African American Dance Ensemble
An experience with a legend
Alexandra Houston
Issue date: 2/14/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Ago! Amay! This Ghanaian call for attention and response of listening is a signature phrase for Baba Chuck Davis. In Swahili the term Baba (meaning father) is certainly appropriate for the founder and artistic director of the world renowned African American Dance Ensemble (AADE). Dr. Chuck Davis, one of dance's 100 Irreplaceable Treasures, graced the EUC Auditorium with his towering presence on Wednesday, February 8, 2006.
I had the opportunity to take a Master class that morning at 10 am with the company. This touring company of only 1 male, 3 female dancers, and 2 musicians, hosted the class. As I walked in, (feeling a little shy in his presence) Baba Chuck greeted me with a huge smile saying, "Good morning, sister!" Instantly I was put at ease, grateful for the opportunity to dance with him.
Dr. Chuck Davis is in the business of education through art. His company has taught countless amounts of young children about Africa and its rich culture and traditions since the late 1960s (as most of the company touring is in the school system) all over the US. His wisdom flows out of him constantly, almost involuntarily it seems. Before we began the class he made all of the participants introduce themselves. We had to say "I am" before our names proclaiming our existence with confidence. Although the class was extremely short, only scheduled for an hour, Baba Chuck led the warm-up, which lasted 45 minutes. Dionne Griffiths, 2nd year MA Choreography student commented, "It was neat being able to take class with a legend."
Although AADE is known for its traditional African repertoire, they certainly celebrate their American heritage as well, often merging today's movements with the past. That evening the EUC Auditorium was packed, the audience bubbly with anticipation for the 7pm performance to begin. Throughout the performance Baba Chuck sat on a stool in the downstage right corner, calling out the African countries where certain movements were from and the significance of those movements. UNCG Music major Atiba Rorie was also invited to perform with them that evening, as he is at a young age, a master musician of African instruments, especially with the Djembe Orchestra, a specific family of drums.
I had the opportunity to take a Master class that morning at 10 am with the company. This touring company of only 1 male, 3 female dancers, and 2 musicians, hosted the class. As I walked in, (feeling a little shy in his presence) Baba Chuck greeted me with a huge smile saying, "Good morning, sister!" Instantly I was put at ease, grateful for the opportunity to dance with him.
Dr. Chuck Davis is in the business of education through art. His company has taught countless amounts of young children about Africa and its rich culture and traditions since the late 1960s (as most of the company touring is in the school system) all over the US. His wisdom flows out of him constantly, almost involuntarily it seems. Before we began the class he made all of the participants introduce themselves. We had to say "I am" before our names proclaiming our existence with confidence. Although the class was extremely short, only scheduled for an hour, Baba Chuck led the warm-up, which lasted 45 minutes. Dionne Griffiths, 2nd year MA Choreography student commented, "It was neat being able to take class with a legend."
Although AADE is known for its traditional African repertoire, they certainly celebrate their American heritage as well, often merging today's movements with the past. That evening the EUC Auditorium was packed, the audience bubbly with anticipation for the 7pm performance to begin. Throughout the performance Baba Chuck sat on a stool in the downstage right corner, calling out the African countries where certain movements were from and the significance of those movements. UNCG Music major Atiba Rorie was also invited to perform with them that evening, as he is at a young age, a master musician of African instruments, especially with the Djembe Orchestra, a specific family of drums.
