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By admin | May 19, 2010
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Walter’s World: Latest Article
By admin | April 23, 2010
April 15, 2010…1:46 pm
Walter’s World: Abdel Salaam- A Force of Nature (correction)
Written By Walter Rutledge
The great dancer and groundbreaking choreographer Martha Graham said, “It takes ten years to make a mature dancer”. Nikita Talin of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo added “And twenty to make a choreographer.” At first glance this statement may seem extreme, considering our present environment of immediate gratification. To become a true master craftsmen (or craftswomen) it takes diligence and years of commitment and exploration. When you have the opportunity to see the work of an artist who has achieved such a lofty goal it is extremely rewarding and almost spiritual.
Saturday, April 10th we experienced such an event at Aaron Davis Hall when Forces of Nature presented “Stories…” of Darkness and Lightness of Being. Choreographer Abdel, Salaam the force behind Forces of Nature, presented an ambitious evening of five works. The evening is best described as atmospheric, with a strong use of theatre. Lighting, live music, and minimal sets were support elements that enhanced the sensory experience without overpowering.
Speaking in a strong choreographic voice Mr. Salaam utilized a rich and diverse movement palette. The works were social commentary on the environment, the human spirit, and the elements. More importantly the concert itself created it’s own environment, it was literally the world according to Abdel.
The program opened with AXIS: Temple of Ice. It was homage to the “elemental powers of snow and ice in their roles as protectors of the planet”. The work was designed around a series of ramps and platforms positioned at different angels. Dancers moved, slid, rested and posed on the set. The juxipostion of large group movement and plastique was very visually satisfying and artistically effective.
B FLOW’IN B SMOOVE was a lesson in the fact that dance springs eternal. It demonstrated the correlation between West African dance, vernacular dance of the twenties and thirties (Earl “Snake Hips” Tucker) and the present dances performed by today’s youth. In pure movement without overt, commercial or stereotypical depictions we could see generations past and present encapsulated in the same movement. Abdel’s opening solo brought to mind many images from the mythical Damballah, to Earl Tucker, even Michael Jackson was channeled; it was danced with great aplomb and was clearly an audience favorite.
Tock Sick… The Healing Winds is a solo performed by featured guest artist Nathan Trice. A statement on pollution the work was art as both a construct and destruct. Mr. Truce emerges from a large vat covered in brown paint and literally hurls himself repeatedly against a blank white surface leaving several impressions of his form. Eventually Mr. Truce destroys the Jackson Pollock-que image before exiting the stage. Described by Mr. Salaam as one of his artistic muses Mr. Trice attacked this role with focus and considerable stage presence.
A Question in Modesty and APC were both works intended to make social statements with religious overtones. A Question of Modesty transports use to a small West African village in the era of the middle passage, here Christian and Islamic beliefs permeate the community. In the end the lines blur and there are more similarities than differences. The work featured live music performed by Mr. Salaam, Raymond Graham, Kojo Johnson Frank Malloy, Frank Malloy Jr., and Michael Wimberly.
APC, a work in progress, addressed social taboos, religious hypocrisy and prejudice. The work was dedicated to victims of oppression and violence do to their sexual orientation. A striking image was a religious figure portrayed by Watkins Smith standing upstage with three couples standing downstage stage left, right and center in a “t” shape light pattern symbolic of the transept, crossing and apse of a cathedral.
In all of the group works Mr. Salaam displayed great prowess. He showed us unison goes not have to mean everyone doing the same movement at the same time. The stage was always well balanced, without being equally divided as two halves left and right of center and when it was linear it was never flat. There was an Alexander Calder like symmetry that resisted convention. These are all the attributes of an experienced craftsman who has cultivated a rich and expansive vocabulary.
My only regret was the night I attended The Life and Legend of Marie Laveau was not performed. Dyanne Harvey, the wife and another muse of Mr. Salaam, has always been one of favorite performers. The company will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in 2011, a major accomplishment for any arts organization. We commend Mr. Salaam for his continued commitment to his craft. We know he will remain a force to be reckoned with.
In Photos: 1) Dyanne Harvey 2)Nathan Trice in Tock Sick* 3) Ensemble in APC*
* photo by Erin Baiano
Topics: News | 1 Comment »
2010 Spring Concert - Press Release
By admin | March 9, 2010
For Immediate Release
(New York) - The Friends of the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre presents “Stories… of Darkness and the Lightness of Being “. The work promotes planetary and societal healing as well as the exploration of the yearnings of the human soul for higher consciousness. The two evenings comprise a Haiti Fundraiser and Gala Concerts featuring the works of Choreographer and Artistic Director, Abdel R. Salaam.
Friday, April 9th and Saturday April 10th, 2010 at Harlem Stage/Aaron Davis Hall, City College,135th Street and Convent Avenue, Harlem, NY-Friday night fundraiser for Haiti Relief efforts will begin the choreo-narratives of our journey to understand and master the forces of light and darkness which form the commentary of our lives. Friday will feature “Axis: Temples of ice”, a statement on global warming and the melting of the earth’s glaciers ; “Smoove” , the voice of calm and peace in a world gone dark but not without hope; “The Life and legend of Marie LaVeau” celebrating the life of the famed Voodoun priestess of 19th century New Orleans featuring the enchanting and legendary soloist, Dyane Harvey; The world premier of “Tock Sick…The Healing Winds” , a commentary on the consequences of a carbon fuel based society; and ” A Question of Modesty” which speaks to us of the imposed values that modern religion have placed on African culture . Saturday, April 10th will premiere a new work in progress entitled “A.P.C.” This new work in progress explores how our inherited value systems impact some of the personal choices we make that influence the way we live our lives.
The Forces of Nature was founded in 1981 by Choreographer and Artistic Director, Abdel R. Salaam and Executive Managing Director, Dele Husbands. The company continues to tour nationally and internationally and is currently in residence at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church at 230 Lenox Avenue , Harlem N.Y.
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre has been critically acclaimed as visceral, thought provoking and creatively brilliant. Abdel R. Salaam utilizes a unique blend of performing arts, which includes contemporary modern dance, traditional West African dance, ballet, house and hip-hop forms as well as live and recorded music.
The company has designed a professional training program funded By the Harlem’s Children Zone for teenagers from 12-17 conducted at their studio on Lenox Avenue. Instruction is free with a placement audition for classes in Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop and West African. Additional classes for adults and students are conducted in Pilates and Fitness. Information on Forces of Nature Dance Theater can be found at http://www.forcesofnature.org/. or by calling 212-722-3320.
Tickets for “Stories…” are $25 general seating; $12.00 students., $15 Balcony/Mezzanine, group rates are available for10 or more. VIP tickets ($100 Fri / $75 Sat) include special seating; gift bag; listing in program and reception. Tickets are available at the Aaron Davis Hall Box Office at 212-650-7100. Tickets may be purchased Monday - Friday from 1-6 pm. Aaron Davis Hall is located on the campus of the City College of New York at 135th Street and Convent Avenue.
Contact:
‘Dele Husbands, Executive Managing Director
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
212-722-3320
Topics: News | 1 Comment »
Encore Magazine Feature
By admin | February 23, 2010
Feature
Dance and Awareness
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre’s vision
Photo Courtesy of Erin Baiano
Outside St. Martin’s church in Harlem, dirty snow and slippery pavements are the rule. However, inside it’s a completely different world. The second floor, the studio and office space of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, is covered with worldly memorabilia: African masks, rugs, drums, and color everywhere.
“I really have things I want to say,” says soon to be sixty-year-old choreographer Abdel R. Salaam. Fully engaged in his role as artistic director of the company, his work seeks to go beyond the aesthetics of dance. In an afternoon conversation with the man himself, he expressed being wholeheartedly dedicated to “using dance as an artistic language” to communicate his opinions about social, ecological, political, religious or even scientific topics.
Fighting ignorance, and more so, persistent ignorance is the main motivation for the choreographer. He begins by drawing inspiration from history, religion, nature and mythology. With a mixture of research and movement exploration he creates pieces that are not only aesthetically breathtaking but also stimulate controversy and thought. As he said himself, “you don’t have to beat people over the head for your message to get across”.
Keeping with this tendency, the company is in the works of presenting on April 9 and 10 for a Haiti Relief Activity in Aaron Davis Hall. The works that will be presented feature Mr. Salaam’s new solo work, “Toc Sick” featuring Nathan Trice, a piece that explores the ills of a carbon-based society. There will also be an excerpt from their most recently acclaimed work Eclipse: Visions of the Crescent and the Cross called “A Question of Modesty”, which challenges the notion of modesty in Christianity and Islam, followed by “A Personal Choice”, a piece that deals with perceptions of sexuality amongst other issues.
Whether it is dancing to converse about nature’s destructive or creational powers, or engaging the youth of the community through a Wellness Academy, it seems Forces of Nature won’t be “just dancing” for a while.
The company will be performing at Hostos Community College Theater (149 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY) in celebration of Black History Month on March 3, 2010. For more information about Forces of Nature and about this or any other performance, please visit www.forcesofnature.org.
Topics: News | 3 Comments »
FONDT in “Walter’s World : Dance for the Holidays” online periodical
By admin | January 7, 2010
The production will take place on December 26th at 7pm. This marks the fourth year the performance has appeared at the Apollo Theater, but the Harlem based dance company Forces of Nature Dance Theater has presented the project for the past twenty-eight years. The production was conceived by Abdel R. Salaam, who is the Executive Artistic Director/ Choreographer of Forces of Nature and Artistic Director of The Kwanza Celebration- Regeneration Night. In 1981 his then fledging dance company presented the original production. “It was part of the mission of the company and the mission of my life” professes Mr. Salaam.
“My first work was created for a Kwanzaa Celebration. It was based on the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of daily living. The idea was to use dance, music and theater to entertain and empower our community”, Abdel explains. “At that performance we wanted to symbolically build a new society. HUD did not have a model of the community so I designed one myself. During the performance we brought elders (adults who were also Harlem residents) on stage to share with the audience their contributions to the community. Then a young person would join each elder on stage, the elder would present the young person with a building from the model and the young person would place it in an open space. Together the elders and the young people symbolically rebuilt the community”.
Over the years many notables have contributed their time and expertise to the celebration these include Essence Magazine editor Susan Taylor, television journalist Dean Memminger, basketball legend Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, dancer/choreographer Chuck Davis and Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields. In addition to Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, the evening will feature performances by The Restoration Dance Theatre Company, Songhai Djeli/Flute Visions with Atiba Kwabena-Wilson, Jimi Cruz and Arch Thompson, Percussionist David Pleasant and special guest Camille Yarbrough. Radio personality Imhotep Gary Byrd will be the host of the event.
Tickets are $15, there is a group rate of $12 for groups of ten or more. Tickets for both events are available at the Apollo Theater Box Office or by calling Ticketmaster 212-307-7171. For group sales for Kwanza Celebration- Regeneration Night call 212-531-5306
Topics: Kwanzaa | 3 Comments »
FONDT in Britannica Online Encyclopedia
By admin | January 7, 2010
http://www.britannica.com/bps/additionalcontent/18/37331739/Kwanzaa-celebration-at-the-Apollo
New York Amsterdam News, December 25, 2008 by Demetria Irwin
Summary:
The article offers information on “Regeneration Night,” a one-time-only-performance to be held on December 27, 2008 at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in New York City.
Excerpt from Article:
In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga established the seven principles of Kwanzaa–an African American and Pan African holiday–and on December 27, the Apollo Theater will host its third annual Kwanzaa celebration for the whole family to engage in Dr. Karenga’s vision.
“Regeneration Night” will feature the renowned Forces of Nature Dance Theatre as well as performances from the Songs of Solomon Inspirational Ensemble and also DK Dyson, a vocalist who sings a soulful mixture of jazz, R&B, rock and everything in between. Forces of Nature Dance Theatre also presents a hybrid performance of sorts, according to co-founder and artistic director Abdel Salaam. “I built a name for myself by creating hybrids of different types of dance. People thought it was quirky because it wasn’t one thing or another,” said Salaam of his work with the 27-year-old dance company. Today, Forces of Nature keeps to that tradition by presenting passionate pieces that combine traditional West African dance, ballet, contemporary modern dance, house and hip-hop.
Salaam has been a devotee of Kwanzaa since the late 1960s, when he was a teenager, and today he hopes to continue sharing the wisdom of Kwanzaa with all those who attend. “We’re going to work to empower our own communities and continue to do that for the world at large. It’s a lot of work, but it should continue. My life is dedicated to these principles,” said Salaam, who noted that the dance company has a three-pronged mission outside of producing visually stunning work: to empower through images of the African diaspora, to encourage and engage in environmentally responsible behavior and to live in harmony within different societies and communities.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (Unity), Kuji-chagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Those principles will be illuminated in a three-part performance by Forces of Nature. First, there is “Terrestrial Wombs,” which Salaam describes as a ballet about the regeneration of the oceans, rivers, lakes and seas. Then there is “Kulture Seeds,” which focuses on a dialogue between an African and an African American about a multitude of issues including political awareness, racism, hair and code of dress. The final piece is an interactive one. It’s called the “Rite of Building a Nation.” During that piece, elders and young people (who will be selected from the community by organizers beforehand) will literally build together using models to construct a city. Past participants have included a wide range of people from local small business owners, high school students, author and former Essence editor Susan Taylor, the late Adolph Caesar and others.…
Topics: Kwanzaa | 1 Comment »
FONDT in Caribbean Life News
By admin | January 7, 2010
Article Link: http://caribbeanlifenews.com/articles/2010/01/06/news/doc4b3fadcb5a59e307508615.txt
Apollo hosts Kwanzaa celebration
Forces of Nature headlines performances
By Verona Forde
There was no better way to celebrate Kwanzaa than to see a performance by Forces of Nature at the world famous Apollo Theater on Dec. 6.
Imhotep Gary Bryd, radio personality on WBAI, WLIB and WBLS, hosted the Kwanzaa Celebration.
With the pouring of water. Nana Camille Yarborough conducted the libation that pays homage to our ancestors, as the audience named a lot of famous people who had paved the way. She concluded the libation by having the audience say, “Love our people more than we love our individual selves.”
About 20 years ago, Abdel R. Salaam started Regeneration Night. Since to regenerate is to restore, it is appropriate to have as a part of the celebration the Restoration Dance Theatre Junior Company to perform “Afro House,” an energetic African dance piece combined with club movements.
In honor of Mr. Salaam’s mother who works in the healthcare industry, a solo dancer performed a piece called “ER.” One dancer, one table and the kind of movements that were done in the piece should have had a disclaimer, “Professional Dancer. Do not try this at home.” The movements depicted in the dance described many different medical conditions from giving birth to having a heart attack. The soloist even showed doing a breast examination. It wasn’t provocative just obvious.
Songhai Djeli and Flute Visions performed musical libation to honor the ancestors. This Kwanzaa is based on harvest. We stand on the shoulders of the first builders and what we accomplish here, we are supposed to accomplish. Their next piece was music from Charlie Parker Suite. Songhai Djeli and Flute Visions is about consciousness in their music.
Fred Goode, who provides medicine to low-income HIV patients and Dr. Icilma Fergus, chief director of cardiology at Harlem Hospital, received a special African mask for their achievement in the African-American community.
Before the second act, there was a Building Block ceremony. Each of four children said what their career is going to be and a mentor for each gave them a principle to guide them along their journey.
After seeing Forces of Nature’s other piece “Smoove”, the audience couldn’t help being laid back. David Pleasant had to get the people up. He gave body sounds and rhythms from the Gullah people. He taught the audience the different vibration of sounds through call and response.
Forces of Nature ended the evening with a piece called ”Cult of the Wolves.” Cult is not a bad word; it’s just short for culture. The dancers demonstrated the culture of the wolves. In the dance, the “apprentice” prepared the wolves and a “doctor” released a spell and executed the ritual. All rituals are not necessarily evil and as a matter of fact, the only person who can cast a spell on a person is that person.
Each individual is their own master and apprentice, to cast the spell and execute the plan.
Imhotep Gary Bryd was right when he said that Forces of Nature carries messages in everything they do.
Topics: Kwanzaa | 1 Comment »
EARTHRITES
By admin | December 21, 2009
“Movement To Heal our Planet”
Living in harmony with the ecosystems and environments of the planet, has been an integral part of the mission of FORCES OF NATURE DANCE THEATRE since its inception in 1981!
EARTHRITES highlights the “Green Ballets” of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, under Artistic Direction of Abdel Salaam, whose commitments to environmental health, spirituality, and the survival of life on Earth have been seminal themes of his choreography. Dating as far back to 1989, F.O.N.D.T. presented its first Environmental Arts Gala entitled “Eternal Earth”. Whether known as GEB, GALA, or GREEN, the movement to respect our planet and see it as a “Living Being” has inspired the work of spiritualists, artists, and scientists alike. F.O.N.D.T. continues to embrace the global movement of the 21st Century by offering “EARTHRITES”, a series of concerts, lecture demonstrations, and creative programs that unite people to engage in “Movement To Heal Our Planet.”
Click here to Inquire about this program / request for more information
Topics: EarthRites | 1 Comment »