Professionals, amateurs celebrate African culture

Published 7:44 pm Thursday, March 10, 2016

By Vail Stewart Rumley

VAIL STEWART RUMLEY | DAILY NEWS TEACHING MOMENT: Tongia Holley reacts as choreographer Chuck Davis gives his volunteer performers a lesson in the art of singing African music.

VAIL STEWART RUMLEY | DAILY NEWS
TEACHING MOMENT: Tongia Holley reacts as choreographer Chuck Davis gives his volunteer performers a lesson in the art of singing African music.

A weeklong preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime event started Sunday at Arts of the Pamlico’s Turnage Theatre. Drawn from a diverse community, choreographer Chuck Davis has instructed volunteers — actors, musicians, crafters and performance-lovers — in the art of African song and dance in nightly rehearsals throughout the week.

Alongside members of the Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble, the community group is preparing for a Saturday night performance at the downtown Washington theatre. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

IN SONG: Volunteers join Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble members in rehearsing an African chant during Wednesday’s rehearsal.

IN SONG: Volunteers join Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble members in rehearsing an African chant during Wednesday’s rehearsal.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Washington resident Helen Guthrie works backstage at the Turnage Theatre, sewing costumes for Saturday night’s performance.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Washington resident Helen Guthrie works backstage at the Turnage Theatre, sewing costumes for Saturday night’s performance.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Volunteers rehearse with Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble members at Wednesday’s rehearsal at the Turnage Theatre.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Volunteers rehearse with Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble members at Wednesday’s rehearsal at the Turnage Theatre.

 

 

More News

Belhaven Boys and Girls Club reopens under new management

Greenville teen dies in early morning wreck on U.S. Highway 264

Here are the restaurants and businesses closing for Christmas and when they’ll reopen

Expect to pay more at the pump as holiday travel increases

Print Article

SportsPlus

  • Polls

    What do you enjoy most about Christmas?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...