"Peace... love... respect... for everybody," a phrase chanted over and over in the classes of Baba Chuck Davis, who founded the African American Dance Ensemble in 1968. Today, May 14, 2017, Baba Chuck passed on, leaving a huge legacy in the dance world as well as in the hearts of those he reached. Thanks to Davis, who studied african dance extensively in Africa, the culture and movement of west african dance was able to spread to america. Age and chronic illness slowed him, though up until his death at eighty years of age he continued guiding his company.
While this event will not make national headlines, I think it is important to acknowledge the wonderful that man Baba Chuck was. I was lucky enough to study under him for a few weeks last summer at the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC and in that short time he taught me an incredible amount about african culture, rhythms, and musicality. Davis contributed to the cultural mushpot in america and american art and also fought to make "Black Dance" relevant and important. He, in his eighty years of life, lived to see african american civil rights and culture push forward in america. "I am. Because you are." May he rest in paradise <3
http://www.heraldsun.com/news/local/community/durham-news/article150488137.html
Great minds think alike. I wrote about the same event. I share your sentiments, Rachel. 💔
ReplyDeleteI have taken class from him as well, and have so much respect for all he did. He had so much wisdom and love to spread through the world. Rest in peace, Baba Chuck.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is important to bring awareness to people like Baba Chuck, and its sad that only a handful of people will hear and know of him.
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