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DCDC’s “The Blackest Berry: Dancing the African Diaspora” brings a city’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), art galleries, civil rights museums, and prominent performing arts centers together to infuse art into the community's conversation on the Black experience. Anchored by the commissioned work of Tommie-Waheed Evans, this tour celebrates and honors key civil rights events that make the tapestry of American culture.

Performances

HOME/ An Untitled Portrait

This collaborative work investigates elements of desire, longing, and loneliness through the lens of queer embodiment within Black spiritual spaces. Using inspiration from author Ashon T. Crawly's profoundly innovative book, "Blackpentecostal Breath: The Aesthetics of Possibility," the work explores the themes of bodily surrender, openness, and Black spirituality.

HOME/An Untitled Portrait, choreographed by Tommie-Waheed Evans, is an emergence of choreographic, sonic, and visual practice. Kendrick Lamar's collection of music allows space for a dialogue to take place between the music and dance. 

With HOME/An Untitled Portrait, we ask, "How are spiritual desires constructed through the lenses and experiences of an isolated being?"

A 3/5 Proclamation: 8.5.23

A 3/5 Proclamation: 8.5.23 is a part of Anderson's current series called 3/5 Proclamations which counternarrative movement rituals about Black resistance, resilience and reimagination. 3/5 Proclamations: 8.5.23 takes its inspiration from the events that took place in Montgomery, Alabama on August 5, 2023 (called by some The Montgomery Brawl). The ritual is about imagining equity, justice and freedom by and for those historically and systemically  denied equity, justice and freedom.  

American Mo’

American Mo', choreographed by Crystal Michelle, is a celebration of triumph over adversity. Dancers express freedom, courage, and joy to Duke Ellington's "Three Black Kings," composed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Children of the Passage

Children of the Passage is a collaborative work between the late Donald McKayle and Ronald K. Brown. Set to the music of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the moments after the emancipation from slavery are relived as a party gone awry.

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In My Father’s House

Set to four contemporary gospel tunes by Kirk Franklin and the Family, In My Father’s House brings the modern-day church experience to the stage. The built-in encore, danced to the song “When I Think About Jesus,” is so highly energized that it brings the audience to their feet, and they leave the theater dancing and singing.

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Strong Like We

An energetic and vibrant look into the past, Strong Like We pays homage to the strength and courage of Mike Malone’s (1943-2006) movement legacy embedded within Kathy Smith’s artistry.

​Wawa Aba

​Wawa Aba (toughness, hardiness, perseverance), choreographed by Stafford C. Berry, Jr., explores what it takes for a culture to last. It celebrates determination and strength while pulling from African dance traditions.

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Bring THE BLACKEST BERRY to your community

Interested in booking The Blackest Berry in your city?

Contact our Touring Manager, Kevin Ward:

email: touring@dcdc.org or call 937.228.3232.