Retour en Avant / Past Forward Biennale de la Danse Lyon - France

Ronald K. BrownBrooklyn-born Ronald K. Brown, praised as“one of most profound choreographers of hismodern-dance generation” by The New York Times,founded Evidence Dance Company in 1985at the age of 19. Evidence strives to analysethe state of society today. To address this vastsubject it deploys a generous physicality and anathletic dance style that blends genres (hip-hop,jazz, and contemporary, African and classicaldance). Its shows challenge the audience,exploring societal issues such as racism, sexismand immigration-related problems. Evidence’smain objective is to engage in dialogue with thecommunities most affected by these problems.Brown’s fusion of traditional African dance,contemporary choreography and the spokenword yields a unique vision of the humanstruggle, with its tragedies and triumphs. Fewdance companies explore in depth the historyof America’s blacks. Ronald K. Brown uses themovement of traditional dance as a way tostrengthen the importance of community incontemporary culture. He conquers audienceswith the beauty of traditional movement andrhythms, thus offering a new way of communicatingthrough dance.In parallel to his work as artistic director of Evidence,Brown is a regular guest choreographerand performer for leading companies such asAfrican American Dance Ensemble, Philadanco,Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater and Ailey II.Walking Outthe Dark I / 2001creationWalking Out the Dark l (excerptof Walking Out the Dark) isconstructed as a danced conversationbetween mother, brother, sister,lover, friend. The piece aims to examinewhat impedes our ability to assist oneanother in a time of need.How can the past shape the future ?The past is one of the most profound resources forthe future. We can look to history to see what hasremained the same and also how culture and sensibilityhas evolved. Recent and ancient past provide thefoundation for all that is now.Ronald K. BrownExtra info:French PremiereThe company performed at the1994 Biennalewww.evidencedance.comOne Shot (extracts) / 2007creationOne Shot is a new work inspired by the beauty,sense of community and legacy captured in thephotographs of noted African American photojournalist and Pittsburgh native Charles “Teenie”Harris.Order My Steps / 2005 creationInspired by the 119th Psalm, Order My Steps isa meditation on the path of one’s life and thedifficulties of a world at war.25