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Frequently Asked Questions 1. What Is AADE? Founded in 1984 in Durham, NC, the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble (AADE) presents and preserves the finest traditions of African and African American dance and music through performance, education, research, and entertainment. Our motto, "Peace, Love, Respect For Everybody," celebrates traditional African culture, aesthetics, and values. AADE spawned from the community outreach program of the American Dance Festival, which recruited Davis in 1980. A 501C-3, professional, performance dance company, AADE’s 10-member touring ensemble, includes 5 full-time dancers, 3 full time musicians, and 2 contracted musicians. 2. Who is Dr. Charles “Chuck” Davis? Dr. Chuck Davis is the Founder and Artistic Director of AADE for 24 years. He also is the Founder and Artistic Director of DanceAfrica, an annual international festival of traditional African dance held here in the USA. Dr. Davis is very active in all aspects of the organization and he travel extensively as choreographer, director, consultant and educator. Chuck is a cultural ambassador known throughout the world. He is a national icon who has performed on four continents, in 40 states and numerous countries. 3. What Does AADE Do? Key areas of activity for the past 24 years: Arts-in-Education; Touring and Performance; Special Events. AADE programs have common objectives: To reach out to underserved or neglected communities and build cultural competencies emphasizing the African tradition. Arts-in-Education programs consist of several products and services and are targeted to students K - College:
[As presented to the attendees at the Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps conference of the NC State Board of Education] A 90 –minute workshop based on DXC training and program implementation. March, 2007. . Touring and Performance programming applies primarily to any dance concert, performance or appearance where the public is invited, ticketed or free to the public. Chuck Davis –AADE’s annual self-presentation is now called the AADE Annual “TriangleHOME” Season in recognition of the regional dynamic of the Durham area. Venues vary from year to year throughout the region. In April 2007, Chuck Davis presents an exciting new ballet - a colossal collaborative called BlueGrass / Brown Earth. It is inspired by the original African banjo, the Akonting, and is created in collaboration with two NC banjo bands, the Carolina Chocolate Drops (traditional banjo) and the Shady Grove Band (bluegrass), the Cane Creek Cloggers, spoken word poets as Griots, and Danny “SlapJazz” Barber, body percussionist. The ballet is the ceremonial transition of the Akonting in Africa to the banjo in the NC Blue Ridge. The theme builds appreciation for multiculturalism and invites a cross cultural audience. As BlueGrass / Brown Earth tours, Funds to develop the AIE materials are also currently sought through foundation and corporate gifts. The board recognizes that the Company must generate more concert funds to achieve financial stability and growth. The production of BGBE is the achievement of a strategic goal that calls for artistic excellence. Chuck Davis, Artistic Director will also create a new ballet in the fall, as is his tradition. The theme has not been finalized at this time. Special Programs: Chuck Davis is a national; treasure and cultural ambassador and as such his presence ant that of his Company are much sought after. Special events include festival performances, such as Eno River, Raleigh’s First Night, Bimbe and AADE’s own production of KwanzaaFest in Durham. AADE performs for corporate events, and even weddings and other private affairs – on limited basis. Some are revenue generating opportunities, many are not. Area presenters always have Davis greet national dance companies appearing in the Durham area, and he would be insulted if they did not. Ubuntu: A Different Perspective of Diversity is a workforce staff development diversity product based on an African perspective of inclusion and personal value, ubuntu, or mutual dependence. AADE offers this 4- hour, team building, diversity fostering, enlightening and experiential experience in the spirit of its mission to foster cultural understanding and appreciation for differences…even a different style of training! Business workshops have never been so exciting! 4. What defines the “Chuck Davis” style? Through movement and narrative, AADE performances and residencies weave the African American experience into the fabric of America, linking to the influence of the African Diaspora. Chuck Davis AADE programs encourage inclusion, cross- cultural understanding, healthy lifestyles, and involvement. Lessons taught by "Baba Chuck," are universal examples for audiences diverse in age, culture, and physical ability - skillfully choreographed to the tale of the Griot. 5 . Who’s Who in AADE? Kwabena Osei Appiagyei, Musical Director and drummer, works closely with the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director in all aspects of the music and choreography. Stafford Berry, Associate Artistic Director and dancer, manages the artists, rehearses the choreography, and represents the Company artistically in Chuck Davis' absence. Beverly A. Cureton, Interim Executive Director, serves as the liaison between the staff and the board. She manages grant applications and compliance, oversees fundraising activities, and strategic plan implementation. Normadien Gibson-Woolbright, Director of Programs and Tour Manager, is responsible for coordinating all travel details and serves as the liaison between the Ensemble, the venue representatives, and the contracted booking agent. Jean Whitaker, Office Manager, oversees the daily business of the office, accounts payable and receivables, cash management, H/R administration; and serves as the staff liaison between AADE and the bookkeeping service. Anthony Armento, CPA, contracted services for bookkeeping and financial reporting. Mr. Armento has provided this service to AADE for over six years. Donald Baker, President of Geer Street Media (a marketing and consulting firm) is President of the AADE Board of Directors. Mr. Baker is actively involved in strategic planning, fundraising, and board and staff development. Click here for board list and picture
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