Dance Diaspora alumni return this weekend to join the Essence student ensemble in a presentation of the company’s 2003 spring concert in Warner Mainspace.
Performing with them will be the seven-member College drumming group Ilu Aiye and its founder, Matthew Hill, OC ’00.
The program, titled “Alumni and Friends,” consists of original dance pieces choreographed by Oberlin students and alumni to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the African American Studies Department at Oberlin.
The program includes “Karibu,” a medley of dances from Kilamanjaro, Tanzania, accompanied by jimbe drumming, and “Breath of Life,” a mix of Filipino and Afro-forms choreographed by “Almiron.” Also performing are two Bumbray-choreographed dances: “Ring Shout” and “Star Eyes,” a tap piece to be danced to the song of the same title by Charlie Parker. “Seduced,” choreographed by first-year Diaspora member Sherece Donalds, is a love story told in modern dance form, to the music of Zap Mama, “Damn Your Eyes.”
Dance Diaspora director Adenike Sharpley is the artistic director for “Alumni & Friends.” Theater and Dance Technical Coordinator Astrid Jobe is technical and lighting director.
“If He Could Change My Name,” a solo performance by junior Karla Dionne, choreographed by Sharpley to the music of Nina Simone, is a story of racism and discrimination told through Afro-modern dance form. “Kasa,” performed by Dance Diaspora, is a dance of exhibition from Gambia, West Africa.
The concert, a joint venture between African American Studies and Theater and Dance, also celebrates the 10th anniversary of Dance Diaspora, the College’s widely-acclaimed national student-touring group that evolved from Essence.
Alumni returning for the performance include Johanna Almiron, OC ’00, Camille Fair, OC ’00, Dominique Atchison, OC ’02, Rashida Bumbray, OC ’00, Phoenix Singleton, OC ’00 and Raven Taylor, OC ’00.
Warner Mainspace. Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. $4 in advance, $5 at the door. Tickets available through CTS and at the show.