BWW Reviews: Ronald K. Brown/Evidence Dance Company Enthralls Audience at Harkness Dance Festival

The Harkness Dance Festival at the 92^ndStreet Y continued on Sunday with Ronald K. Brown's Dance Company, Evidence, performing three brilliantly conceived and executed pieces, Gatekeepers, Come Ye, and Ife: My Heart, in the Y's Buttweiser Hall.

The company was founded by Brown in 1985, and is based in Brooklyn. Evidence promotes understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling. Their works share ideas of spirituality, community, responsibility and liberation. Sunday's audience was fascinated by the dancers whose abundant talents are so well invested.

Mr. Brown welcomed the audience and introduced his troupe of eight: five female and three male dancers. Six members of Evidence performed a "stripped down" version of material from Gatekeepers to the moving music of Wunmi. Originally commissioned by Philadanco in 1999, the dance reflects on the connections between ancestors and children, moving from earth to heaven. The inspiration and influence for Gatekeepers include Native American myths and African traditions. The sensitive and often tender piece revealed how deeply Brown's choreography realizes the theme: Human beings have responsibility to serve each other as caregivers.

At the conclusion of Gatekeepers, Brown charmed the audience as he took their questions. He discussed the intergenerational programs he is championing, with senior citizens taking dance classes alongside children and youth. He also spoke about his own eclectic dance training which included travels to West Africa to learn traditional dance; a change from the journalism career he envisioned in high school. When an audience member challenged Brown to a "pop quiz," he performed a brief solo, previewing his dance, 4 Corners, which he is choreographing for the Alvin Ailey Company. In the audience discussion, Brown's enthusiasm for his art was clear.

The program continued with Come Ye, performed by the 8 member troupe. The dancers' perfect sense of timing and rhythm was revealed in the solos they performed. With flawless precision, Come Ye reveals a fragile, yet deep understanding of faith through dance. The audience was mesmerized. Evidence dancers are as skilled individually as they are as an ensemble, a perfect collective.

As a final piece, Evidence performed Ife: My Heart, which Brown originally choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2005. As Brown danced with his troupe, his influence over the uniquely blended style of African and American contemporary dance was apparent. Dressed in a collection of flowing white costumes designed by Omotayo Olaiya, Ife: My Heart looks at the parallel journey of three traditions towards love. Alternatively graceful and passionate, it is a gentle, yet lively piece that partners members of the company in moments of sensual beauty. The dance's last musical selection, "Release" was a soulful and gracious close to the afternoon with Evidence at The Harkness Dance Festival.

The success of Ronald K. Brown's Dance Company, Evidence, lies in the passion that the dancers display in their art. They embrace the power to inspire, question, and to provoke an understanding of dance as a powerful movement for social commentary, cultural awareness, and change.

92Y Harkness Dance Festival is a five-week performance festival featuring the finest in innovative dance. It concludes with Kate Weare Company performing from March 22^nd to March 24^th. All performances take place in 92Y's intimate performance space, Buttenwieser Hall. 92nd Street Y is a world-class nonprofit community and cultural center that connects people at every stage of life to the worlds of education and culture. It is the home to the Harkness Dance Center, a place that gives people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn and delight in dance. For more information on Harkness Dance Festival, Harkness Dance Center, or The 92^nd Street Y, visit 92Y.org.

Photo Credit: Julie Lemberger

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