Dance

Sleek and sensual moves colliding with primitive ritualistic gyrations define ASE. Adia Whitaker’s ASE (pronounced Ah-shay) Dance Collective, takes a “neo-folkloric” approach to the African diaspora. Since 2000, ASE, based in Brooklyn, has presented works that link modern dance with original movement, music, and text, creating a deeply moving dancescape. ASE’s multi-media experience has been introduced to numerous schools and performance spaces including New York’s Aaron Davis Hall and was recently awarded the Creative Entry Point Fellowship from Florida State University’s Dance Department.

PURELEMENTS: An Evolution in Dance is a dynamic arts organization with a unique language of movement that is contemporary and commanding. The Village Voice said,"…(Purelements') powerful performers attempt to do what few have successfully accomplished...mix…ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, and West African dance, and emerge without it seeming contrived." Since launching in 2006, PURELEMENTS premiered its professional company at the Kumble Theater, was presented by The Riverside Theatre NuDance Festival and has been commissioned by Thelma Hill Performance Art Center to complete two new works. Co-Artistic Directors Kevin Joseph’s and Lakai Worrell’s credits include the 30 Years of Magic: Celebration for Michael Jackson, The Essence Awards and Jacob's Pillow.

OPEN DANCE CLASSES are offered at the beginning of each day's event, welcoming audiences of all ages and skill levels to learn and enjoy the experience of various dance genres. The dance masterclass will be taught by a member of Purelements in the style of Modern-Funk: Traditional modern with a touch of funk.