VCU news

By Leila Ugincius

The Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Dance and Choreography kicks off its 2014-2015 season Sept. 3 with a panel discussion on African-American stereotypes in performance featuring leaders from the VCU and Richmond communities.

The season’s first performance will feature internationally renowned choreographer Camille A. Brown & Dancers presenting “Mr. TOL E. RAncE,” Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6.

The presenting program of VCU Dance is committed to building and engaging dance audiences in the university and Richmond communities while providing opportunities for artists to present and create work. The remainder of the season features guest artists, artists in residence, concerts and film screenings.

The 2014-2015 performances are:

“Removing the Mask: African-American Stereotypes in Performance”
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m., Grace Street Theater, FREE

A public panel moderated by Gaynell Sherrod, Ed.D., chair of the Department of Dance and Choreography, featuring James Frazier, Ed.D., associate dean, VCU School of the Arts; Chioke I’Anson, instructor, VCU Department of African American Studies; Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D., professor in TheatreVCU; and Christy Coleman, co-CEO of The American Civil War Museum/Historic Tredegar. This discussion provides a prelude to the weekend performance of Camille A. Brown & Dancers’ “Mr. TOL E. RAncE."

Camille A. Brown & Dancers: “Mr. TOL E. RAncE”
Friday, Sept. 5, and Saturday, Sept. 6, 8 p.m., Grace Street Theater, $20/$15 students

Known for high theatricality, gutsy moves and virtuosic musicality, Camille A. Brown & Dancers soar through history like a whirlwind. Embodying a strong sense of storytelling, the company uses theatricality and the aesthetics of modern, hip-hop, African, ballet and tap to tell stories that connect history with contemporary culture on a journey for meaning, understanding and relevancy. Inspired by Mel Watkins’ book, “On The Real Side: From Slavery to Chris Rock,” Spike Lee’s controversial movie, “Bamboozled,” and Dave Chappelle’s dancing vs. shuffling analogy, Mr. TOL E. RAncE celebrates African-American humor, examines “the mask” of survival and the “double consciousness” (W.E.B. DuBois) of the black performer throughout history and the stereotypical roles dominating current popular black culture.

Film Screening: “Dance on Camera”
Thursday, Sept. 25, 8 p.m. Grace Street Theater, $8/$5 students

An intriguing evening of dance-based films that range from the abstract contemporary works of today to the political and social statements of the past, combining communication arts, film, choreography and a number of other art forms.

Salon
Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., The Depot, 814 W. Broad St., FREE

An informal showing of new student works in a range of disciplines, with post-performance discussion facilitated by the VCU Dance faculty.

Fall Senior Project
Thursday, Nov. 20–Saturday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Grace Street Theater, $15/$10 students

The Senior Project concert serves as a capstone experience in both performance and choreography for graduating dance majors.

Student Concert
Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m., Grace Street Theater, $15/$10 students

This professionally produced concert features new work choreographed and performed by talented dance majors from freshmen to seniors.

VCU Dance NOW
Thursday, Feb. 19–Saturday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee, Grace Street Theater, $20/$15 students

For 2015, this concert features new works by guest artists Doug Varone and Dawn Marie Bazemore as well as VCU Dance faculty members, all performed by VCU Dance majors.

Spring Senior Project
Thursday, April 16–Saturday, April 18, 8 p.m. Grace Street Theater, $15/$10 students

The Senior Project concert serves as a capstone experience in both performance and choreography for graduating dance majors.

TICKETS
Season tickets may be purchased for $80 per person. For ticket and theater rental information, contact the Grace Street Theater:
934 W. Grace St.
Richmond, Virginia
Phone: 804-828-2020
Fax: 804-827-0154

Reserve tickets online at Showclix.com

Feature photo credit of Sarah Ferguson.