BLACK COLLEGE DANCE EXCHANGE 2020 FACULTY

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ANGELA RAMOS Mrs. Angela Ramos, artist, dancer, choreographer and college instructor, was born in Nashville, TN. Currently, she is celebrating her 21st year as faculty at Middle Tennessee State University and as the Director of MTSU Performing Arts Company commonly known as MPAC. At MTSU, she is the Coordinator of dance, Pilates, somatic movement and yoga and is the advisor for the Somatic Movement minor plus leads the Pilates program. She has received 4 national honors in the Who’s Who among America’s Teachers. At MTSU, she was nominated as MTSU’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2009 and has received 15 recognitions as a teacher “who makes a difference in the lives of MTSU students”. She loves teaching and sharing her gift in dance.

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DR. PETER FIELDS While a student at Bowling Green State University, he performed with The University Performing Dancers, and started his own Liturgical Dance Company, The Bethlehem Dance Theatre. In 1982, he was appointed as chairman of the Liturgical Dance Department of the James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America. He graduated in June 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication of Theatre and Dance.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree, he was admitted as a candidate in the Master of Arts Degree Program at The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio, where he served as a graduate teaching assistant of the Fundamentals of Black Dance. He graduated in June 1985 from The Ohio State University with a Master of Arts degree in Dance Composition and Dance Education. During the academic year of 1990-1991, Dr. Fields completed his doctoral work at The Union Institute & University, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His research is in the area of “THE ECLECTIC APPROACH OF BLACK DANCE”. Dr. Fields is a people oriented educator committed to developing and empowering students in the performing and speaking arts. He offered an investment of more than twenty-four successful years at Fisk University as

Chairman and Associate Professor in Dramatics and Speech/Dance, developing the Theatre and Dance Program curricular and Artistic Director of The University’s Performing Dance Company Orchesis. He also developed the dance curricular for Lipscomb University in the Department of Theater. Dr. Fields currently is a professor at Tennessee State University in the Department of Communications’ Theatre and Dance Program Coordinator and The Performing Arts Coordinator at Salama Urban Ministries. Some of his choreographic credits includes: Where Is Mary? The Nativity Story told through Dance, The Big Bad Musical, The Three Little Wolves & The Big Bad Pig, Godspell, James and the Giant Peach, Grease, Cinderella, Something Real Before I Die a Pas de Deux in three movements, West Side Story, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Creative Artists of Tennessee and Rejoice Ministries’ Growing Up Black In America: The Dance, Dreamgirls, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Gospel at Colonus, Guys and Dolls, The Color Purple and The Dancing Story of Big Dreams. Also, his liturgical choreographic credits for The Gospel Music Workshop of America include: Wings of Faith, Because Of Calvary: We Must Praise, The Firmament of Praise, Habakkuk’s Prayer, There in the Garden, Jesus Loves Me and Broken Pieces, My Hope is Built, Stand Still, A Love Letter To Jesus , Take Another Look and Behind The Veil. His newest work created for the summer 2017 was: Moses…What Is In Your Hands performed at the 50th Annual Convention of the Gospel Music Workshop of America 2017 Convention in Atlanta, GA.

His professional involvements include being Artistic Director of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Liturgical Dance Company and Artistic Director of THE PAF PROJECT, Liturgical Dance Company. He is a member and one of the Master Teachers for the Black College Dance Exchange Conference. He is the author of three manuscripts and several papers. It is Dr. Fields cumulative observation that often students more readily master a task through the repeated use of applied methods; one learns to dance by practicing the dance. He set very high standards for his students by stimulating them intellectually and guiding them creatively. He is always trying to develop exceptional artists, educators and scholars of the performing arts. As an educator he gives his intellectual best and his students in turn should come to the table hungry for enlightenment. II Timothy 2:15 KJV

KEVIN WASHINGTON (MWATA KAIRI) Kevin Washington (Mwata Kairi) is a licensed African-Centered psychologist in Florida

and Washington, DC. He has taught/lectured at several colleges nationally and internationally. NewsOne has sought his expertise out with Roland Martin as well as Essence Magazine, Black Entertainment Television (BET) News, Vocal Point and many other national and international organizations. Currently, he is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Black Psychologists and an Associate Professor and Head of the Sociology and Psychology at Grambling State University. As a Fulbright-Hays scholar Kevin researched the impact of socializing institutions on the healing or restructuring of post-apartheid South Africa (Azania). It was in South Africa where he researched Ubuntu and how it can inform mental health service delivery to people of African ancestry and others. Not only does he work on healing the psycho-spiritual wounds that are present within people as a result of Cultural and Historical Trauma, he continues developing healing paradigms for persons of African ancestry who have been impacted by Persistent Enslavement Systemic Trauma (PEST). This work is critical to his advancing of Ubuntu Psychology/Psychotherapy. He is the founder of Ubuntu Psychotherapy. As the founder of Ubuntu Psychotherapy (Psychology) he advances a culturally sensitive modality for mental health counseling and Psychotherapy, to be utilized by psychotherapists, that is culturally inclusive and particularized concomitantly. Through his research and writing he seeks to assist people to live life with power, purpose and passion.

CHRISTIE GRIFFIN Christie Griffin, AKA “Ms. Christie” is a certified dance instructor in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and praise dance. Ms. Christie trains youth in the performing arts (dance, drama, modeling, singing, and public speaking). She received her formal training and dance certification from Jean and Lamon Goings Broadway and Stage Professional Dance School in Jackson, MS. Ms. Christie is the owner and Lead Dance Instructor of Triple “C” Performing Arts School in Jackson. Currently, Ms. Christie travels the State teaching dance workshops, choreographing dance competition routines for dance teams, scouting youth talent groups, teaching modeling & etiquette classes, and conducting motivational “STAR” Power presentations. She is a two-time graduate of Jackson State University. Ms. Christie possess a Bachelors of Science in Education Psychology and a Masters of Science in Professional Guidance and Counseling and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Professional Guidance and Counseling from Walden University. Ms. Christie has the honor of being a proud member of the Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, INC., Jackson State University Alumni Prancing J-Settes, and 10/10 Outstanding Women Association. Ms. Christie has had the pleasure of being a Dance Judge on the reality TV show “Bring It” on Lifetime Television, and a featured guest speaker in schools, churches, and throughout the community. Ms. Christie attends Hope Spring M. B. Church in Jackson. She is the proud daughter of Ms. Connie Griffin Chisholm and the proud mother of one young adult daughter Chris-Shanti La’Connia Jackson of Irving, TX and a kitty cat name Pinky Pooh.

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KAYLA JONES Kayla Jones is a 22 year old dancer and graduate of Callaway High School and Hinds Community College. Currently studying at Stillman college is transferring to Grambling State University! Kayla has been dancing with the the Dancing Dolls of Jackson Mississippi since the age of 10, after high school she became assistant coach! she has been on four bring it live tours and traveled all over the united Staes to perform. Being a part of lifetimes hit tv show "Bring It!", Kayla has done countless interviews and performances bringing intense majorette dancing to the world! Now she continues to study and perform while teaching anyone who is willing to learn the ways of majorette.

Keith Clark II Born and raised in Gary, IN and a graduate of Purdue University,Keith has been instructing, performing and choreographing for 30 years. His unique choreography has been performed in a variety of events such as; talent shows, fashion shows, dance showcases, citywide festivals, hair shows, professional sporting events and a host of other events. His blend of Old and New School Hip Hop, House, African, Jazz and Modern dance styles always leaves people guessing as to what he will do next. During his college years, Keith became a member of the Jahari Dance Troupe and shortly after graduation became the Artist in Residence. during this time, the Jahari Dance Troupe gained popularity under Keith’s direction. Keith has set choreography for The NBA’s, Indiana Pacemates and Dallas Maverick dancers. The Arena Football League’s Dallas Desperados and the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, as well as the NFL's Dallas Cowboys Rhythm &Blue Dance Team. He toured with Tuaca’s Body Art Ball for two years and the Barney “Let’s Go Live” Tour. Keith also served as co-choreographer for the Independent film, “Bollywood Beats. Being featured in The Texas Mega Millions Lottery Campaign and St. Anthony’s Hospital commercials and most recently Albertson's Anniversary Sale commercials. Keith was also the first Hip Hop Instructor for the Dallas Black Dance Academy in Dallas, TX.

Some Professional Credits:TMJ Dance ProjectDallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers –NFL Dallas Theater Center "Colossal" Albertson's Anniversary Sale Commercial Dallas Theater Center "Stagger Lee" Workshop Atlanta Dance Connection 8and1 Dance Company "Symphony for the Dance Floor”- Artist DBR Dallas Desperados Dancers- AFL Independent Film “Bollywood Beats” The Barney Live “Let’s Go” Tour Tuaca Body Art Ball Tour- 2 seasons Dallas Maverick Dancers, Indiana Pacemates-NBA Indiana Fever-WNBA Jahari Dance Troupe Texas Mega-Millions Lottery Commercial Brookhaven’s Dancers’ Theatre’ Soft Sheen Hair Products St. Anthony’s Hospital Commercial Phoenixdancetheatre La’Hunter’s In Flight Dance Theatre

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BABA ABIONA OGUNRINDE (CEDRICK WASHINGTON)

Baba Abiona Ogunrinde (Cedrick Washington) is a Master drummer who has intensely studied traditional West African drumming for over two decades. He is both a performing and teaching artist. He has studied under the tutelage of Mamady Keita, Barago Hayes, Famadou Konate, Laurent Camara, Bolokada Conde, Fodé Bangoura, and Mohamed Diaby and is also well-versed in the Yoruba drums for Ifa practiced through his Nigerian ancestry. In addition, Baba Ogunrinde has played for many of West Africa's top dance instructors and 10 different professional dance companies throughout Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. He teaches all ages through drum workshops and cultural events held in both community and institutional settings, including his current Houston Community College instructor position. Throughout his studies and teachings, he has focused his craft on developing a rich understanding of traditional West African drum rhythms and how to use this art form as a medium to promote emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing. Baba Cedrick attended Grambling State University and holds Masters degrees in both Criminal Justice and Public Administration.

FEATURED PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES

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! PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Guilliaux.

DBDT: Encore! Represents the next generation of Dallas Black Dance Theatre with dance performances of the highest level of artistic quality and relentless excellence. Founded in 2000 by Ann Williams, DBDT: Encore! is the professional training company for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, consisting of eight classically trained and highly skilled dancers from around the nation to keep up with demand and continue to serve its local community.

Celebrating its 20th season, under the direction of Artistic Director Nycole Ray, DBDT: Encore! performs contemporary modern and lyrical works including world premieres and revivals of Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s repertoire, the company has grown from one that only featured emerging artists and choreographers to include commissions, and works by national and internationally recognized choreographers. As well as having earned an esteemed international reputation for its performances at festivals in Canada, Mexico and Chile.

DBDT: Encore! supports Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s ever-expanding local, regional and national performance schedule. The Company reaches thousands annually with diverse programming that provides valuable dance education programs in schools, conducts outreach activities in community venues, collaborations with cultural institutions and presents performances for universities, corporations and festivals.

Annually, DBDT: Encore! presents its main stage performance series Rising Excellence at Moody Performance Hall.

NYCOLE RAY A Detroit native, Nycole Ray graduated from The California Institute of the Arts with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in dance. She received additional training at the California State Summer

School of the Arts, Wayne State University, and as an exchange student at the London Contemporary Dance School in England. Mrs. Ray has performed with Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Bruce Wood Dance, Walt Disney World Entertainment, Christopher and Friends directed by Christopher L. Huggins, the Lula Washington Dance Theater, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II and the Zadonu African Dance Company. She has worked with noted choreographers such as Donald McKayle, Dianne McIntyre, Christopher L. Huggins, Alonzo King, Donald Byrd, Bruce Wood®, Rennie Harris and Camille A. Brown. Nycole is the 2013 recipient of the Natalie Skelton Award for Artistic Excellence and the 2011 Artful Dancewear Teachers Scholarship from the Dance Council of North Texas. She is also a certified Dunham Technique Instructor. Mrs. Ray Nycole is a guest artist with Dallas Black Dance Theatre and is the Director of DBDT’s Summer Intensive program and has served as a past rehearsal director for the Bruce Wood ® Dance Project, Assistant Rehearsal Director for Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the Director of Bloom, Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Performing Ensemble. This marks her 10th season as the Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s DBDT: Encore! and her 22nd season with Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

ATLANTA DANCE CONNECTION

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With an ever-expanding national and global audience, Atlanta Dance Connection is a professional dance company made up of ten ethnically-diverse artists who perform for a wide range of demographics. The company currently presents two public performances in the city of Atlanta and tours nationally and internationally, presenting a mixed repertoire of dance, drama, and live instrumental and vocal music

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LE’VON CAMPBELLA native of Chicago, Le'Von began his professional dance training when he received a scholarship to join the Dance Theatre of Harlem as a trainee with the company. After much hard work, Mr. Campbell became a member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's second performing company. Always striving to expand within the art of dance, Mr. Campbell later joined George Faison's Universal Dance Experience.Mr. Campbell's extensive dance credits include performing with The Katherine Dunham Company, Morris Donaldson Dance Company, Rhondo Dance Theatre, Disney on Parade, Gene Marriancio Dance Company, Bryant Ballet, and Sesame Street Live. Mr. Campbell's Broadway and national touring credits include The Wiz with Stephanie Mills, Raisin with Virginia Capers, Timbuktu with the late Ertha Kitt, Pal Joey 78" with the late Lena Horne, and Donald McKayle's Evolution of the Blues. Le'Von was also featured in the Opera Enscolto and Amistad.Over the past decade, Mr. Campbell has shared his gift of dance with several local dance companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, as well as the Dallas Independent School District, Ardmore, Oklahoma School District, and the Atlanta Public School System. Le'Von also served as ballet master for Happy Nia Dance Theatre, Membership Coordinator for the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, and Associate Artistic Director/Company Touring Manager for the renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Currently, Le'Von serves as Atlanta Dance Connection's company manager and massage therapist.

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ALLYNE D. GartrellA native of Atlanta, GA, Gartrell brings thirty years of experience to the art of dance. A graduate of the Dekalb Center for the Performing Arts in Atlanta. Allyne also attended Florida A&M University and Florida State University where he excelled in Instrumental Music and Dance. As a dancer, Allyne has worked with Joel Hall Dance Theater, Ballet Wisconsin, City Ballet Theatre and for seven years he was one of the Lead Male Dancers for the Internationally known Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, where he served as Company Instructor and Rehearsal Director for DCDC II.While at DCDC, Allyne performed ballets of Alvin Ailey, Donald McKayle, Talley Beatty, Ulysses Dove, and Donald Byrd to name a few. His Broadway credits include; the Wiz, A Chorus Line, Sophisticated Ladies, and his most notable performance as Crown in the National Touring Production of Porgy & Bess. Allyne also served as Assistant to the Tony Award Winning Choreographer Hope Clark for the production of Porgy & Bess which premiered at the Kennedy Center for the Arts.Over the past two decades, Allyne has worked as Principal Male Dancer, Rehearsal Director and Resident Choreographer for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. In 2006, Allyne became Director of DBDT II, Dallas Black Dance Theatre's2nd Touring Company. Under his direction, DBDT II elevated its artistic value and was able to establish a National Touring Season. Collaborations with the Allen Civic Orchestra in Peter & the

wolf and the Dallas Symphony in Carnival of the Animals became staples of the Season! Allyne is a highly recognized Master Dance Instructor in the country-known for his high energy, & physically demanding ALLYNISM and Contemporary Ballet Classes. His pulsating choreography has been featured on several dance companies and Universities including, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, DBDT II, Milwaukee Dance Connection, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Morgan State University, Spelman College, City College of San Francisco, and Grambling State University. In 2006 Allyne choreographed Primary Movements; a Contemporary ballet in collaboration with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, with original scoring by classical composer Jonathan Bailey Holland. Primary Movements became the official kick-off for Dallas Black Dance Theatre's 30th Anniversary Celebration.In 2010, The ATLANTA DANCE CONNECTION, Atlanta's Ambassadors of Dance Company, under the direction of Mr. Gartrell made its debut in Georgia. Addressing the need for an artistic outlet for young artist, the CONNECTION'S mission is to present quality art, entertainment and education in the field of Concert Dance. In 2004, Allyne was recognized for his contribution at-risk youth in the mid-west by Senator Russ Fiengold, and was awarded the 2004 AKA Trail Blazer Award for Outstanding Community Service. Currently, Allyne is a member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance, Atlanta African American Dance Community, and for the past fifteen years he has serves as Scholarship Chairman for the Black College Dance Exchange, a coalition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Allyne is the recipient of the 2009 Presidential Edition of Who's Who in the Arts, awarded the Dallas Black Dance Theatre 2009 Artist Award, and in December of 2009, Allyne was featured in Dallas Modern Luxury Magazine as one of The New Iconoclasts for 2010. Under Allyne's leadership the ATLANTA DANCE CONNECTION has taken its place as one of the leading professional dance companies in the SOUTH! In 2011 the company received the Outstanding Community Partner Award for Dance Education and the 2011 Phoenix Award presented by Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta. In celebration of 5 Years of Artistic Excellence, May 22, 2015 was Proclaimed ATLANTA DANCE CONNECTION DAY by the Atlanta City Council. Currently Celebrating 9 Season of Artistic Excellence, The ATLANTA DANCE CONNECTION, has been selected with 25 Black run organizations around the country to receive the Influencers Grant from the International Association of Blacks in Dance & the Mellon Foundation.