Roald K. Brown/Evidence: A Dance Company – LDIF 19 (Let’s Dance International Frontiers)

Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Evidence: A Dance Company, focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography. Evidence provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. The choreography uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African American culture and embrace the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms. Ronald K. Brown’s choreography is in high demand; he has set works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Ensemble, PHILADANCO and others. The company will present a mixed bill featuring the popular Four Corners, which Ronald K. Brown originally choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2014. Drawing from West African and modern dance influences, the grounded, earthy movements portray figures who are burdened by grief but ultimately find peace, solace and freedom with the aid of “the angels in their corners”. The performance will also feature a tribute to Brown’s friend Beth Young, Torch is a fervent celebration of perseverance and self-determination to honour her legacy. A call to all those living in fear and those fighting for their lives to live in piece, Come Ye is set to music from Nina Simone, and embodies the themes of the legendary singer-songwriter’s recordings, including activism, determination and liberation.