Black Arts Company: Dance to perform fall show, Nov. 17-18

Snap Musik

Freshman Ghanasyam Bey (foreground) and junior Nikki Bowen perform "Snap Muzik," a piece choreographed by Bowen for the Black Arts Company: Dance fall show, "Dancers Do It Better." The dance troupe will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in the Frist Campus Center theater.

At left: "Planet Rock," set to music by rapper Talib Kwali and choreographed by junior Karen Bailey, is one of several routines to be performed by the Black Arts Company: Dance. The show will feature hip-hop, traditional African dancehall and even a piece inspired by belly dancing.


Photos by John Jameson 

A vibrant mix of student-choreographed performances will be featured as the Black Arts Company: Dance presents its fall show, "Dancers Do It Better," Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18, in the Frist Campus Center theater. Show times are 9 p.m. Friday, and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday.

The performance, directed by junior Amber Wedges, will feature selections from various genres, including hip-hop, traditional African, dancehall and even a piece inspired by belly dancing.

Choreographers for the show include seniors Erica McGibbon, Tarik Jones, Bijani Mizell and Krista Nottage, who collectively have created some 20 hip-hop pieces in their four years with the dance troupe. In addition, junior Karen Bailey has choreographed a piece that will feature the entire company, set to the song "We Got the Beat" by rapper Talib Kwali; junior Ery Shin has produced a piece for music by pop star Justin Timberlake; and sophomore Monique McDermoth has choreographed a dancehall piece. The show also will feature works by junior Nikki Bowen, sophomore Amira Karriem and 2006 alumna Dominique Reese.

Planet Rock

The Black Arts Company was founded in 1990 and now consists of separate dance and drama troupes. The dance company has expanded from just six members in 2002 to some 30 members today.

Tickets for "Dancers Do It Better" are free for Tiger Tickets holders, $6 for students, $8 for faculty and staff, and $10 for the general community. They can be purchased online through University Ticketing or at the Frist ticket office.