By Walter Rutledge
The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) will present their annual Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival June 23, 24, and 25; 7:30pm at the Actors Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn. This year the performances will showcase the works of ten choreographers in a unique program of dance solos. The series is aptly entitled Dancing the Single Life.
The programs will offer five choreographers each night. June 23 will feature choreographers Germaul Barnes, Amy Grant Hall, Jason Herbert, Gierre Godley and Christopher Rudd. June 24 the works of Jamel Gaines, Ranardo-Domeico Grays, William Isaac, Nijawwon Matthews and Leslie Parker will be seen. On Wednesday June 25 a special program, Improv Gone Wild will present dancers from both programs in three improvisations (duets, small group, ensemble) with audience participation.
Larry Phillips founded the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center in 1977 during the beginnings of the New York City dance boom. His goal was to offer a professional performance opportunity to artists of color, whose work was largely ignored by mainstream presenters. Over it’s 38-year history the organization has built a reputation on presenting both the established and emerging, and continues to stay on the cutting edge of dance.
“Performing artists are finding new ways of expressing movement, drama and passion and in so doing, discover fresh ways of communicating that to audiences. THPAC is evolving along with dance as it continues to showcase those who innovate and inspire.” says Alex Smith, Jr., Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center’s Executive Chairman
Advance tickets can be purchased on line at www.thelmahill.com. Tickets are $20/$15 (students and seniors) and can also be purchased at the door on the day of the performance. Box office opens at 6:45 pm.
