The Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble performance, a annual audience favorite, will be in residence at the Hartwell Dance Theater on the campus of The College at Brockport, State University of New York starting Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 7:30 pm, with additional performances on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, both at 7:30 pm, and on Sunday, April 26 at 2 pm. Hartwell Dance Theater is located in Hartwell Hall, Kenyon Street,in Brockport.
The stage is full of dancers and drummers, colorful lights and even more colorful costumes, Sankofa is a feast for the senses, with music and choreography rooted in the traditions of the African and Afro-Caribbean region, with a little bit of Brazilian flavor thrown in for good measure. One of those traditions is a South African “Gumboot Dance” originated by miners working deep below the earth’s surface. By attaching bottlecaps to their rubber "Wellington" boots, they were able to communicate with each other in the dark mines’ stifling heat and imposed silence. Many of the original steps and routines were parodies of the officers and guards who controlled the mines and workers’ barracks. This work is one of two pieces choreographed for the concert by guest artist Habib Iddrisu.The other guest artist in this year’s concert is the Akoma Ntoaso Dance Ensemble, founded by Brockport alumnae Michelle Whitt and Wyneshia Hicks. Akoma Ntoaso combines traditional African dance and storytelling to present a high-energy performance destined to excite audiences, as well as educate them.
Artistic director Clyde Alafiju Morgan has choreographed two new pieces for this annual Sankofa celebration. One is “Samité,” a depiction of folklore and traditions. The other is “Limón Para Siempre (Reflections)” which hearkens back to Morgan’s time, and fond memories, of performing with the José Limón Dance Company. The score for this bittersweet work will be performed by composer James J. Kaufmann. Music director Khalid Abdul N’Faly Saleem and the drummers of the ensemble will get the audience worked into an energized froth with his arrangement of “Timini,” a traditional rhythm that hails from Senegal, West Africa. Sankofa will also feature choreography by Kelly Kavanaugh, Molly Elizabeth Christie and Jason Aryeh.
Tickets for these performances are $12, $10 for Seniors and Brockport faculty and staff, and $8 for students. Tickets are available by phone at (585) 395-ARTS or at the Tower Fine Arts Center Box Office, 180 Holley Street, Brockport. Remaining tickets may be available at the Box Office in Hartwell Hall one hour prior to each performance.
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