Ron Brown is unquestionably phenomenal. Does anyone know what projects he's working on now?

Vanderbilt offers Evidence that African rhythms meld with American dance
By ROSE EICHENBAUM for The Tennessean

Dancer-choreographer Ronald K. Brown brings his dance company, Evidence, to Langford Auditorium Friday and Saturday as part of the Great Performances at Vanderbilt series.

The rhythms of Africa meet American modern dance in Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, a dance company performing a pair of concerts this week at Langford Auditorium as part of the Great Performances at Vanderbilt series.

A Brooklyn native, Brown is the founder of Evidence, which combines influences from American sources (such as Alvin Ailey, whose company has performed Brown's work) as well as several from contemporary African dance.

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A preview in Philadelphia:

Eva Yaa Asantewaa in the Village Voice:

This was the first time I had seen Ronald K. Brown and his company. What you hear and what you see is infectious and when I spilt out on to the streets of NYC from the Joyce Theater, I didn't want to go back to my hotel - I wanted to go out and dance. Now isn't that a testimony to Brown's success? (Particularly as I had something approaching terminal jetlag.)

Notwithstanding Kisselgoff's praise for Brown's solo, "For you," a New York premiere, I found it the weakest part of the programme. It falls into my "poor use of the floor" category. I am not a fan of over-use of the floor and dragging yourself along it should be used sparingly and not repeated like a chorus refrain. I wasn't sure what Brown was trying to achieve beyond out-dancing his own dancers and distinguishing himself from their talent.

The rest of the programme I enjoyed, particularly the opening piece "High Life" where dancers traverse the stage in line reflecting the song in the background. The whole evening has energy and purpose and I admire that kind of devotion in a company. I have seen far too many languid contemporary works in London recently where dancers dribble across the stage with no real conviction, leaving me cold and indifferent.

I will look forward to Brown's trip to London imminently as part of the HIP Festival.

HIP Festival London

<small>[ 27 October 2003, 05:57 PM: Message edited by: Emma Pegler ]</small>

Unfortunately, the rest of us were too exhausted to entertain our visiting glamorous London jetsetter.

I have seen this company a few times now to feel like I have seen the same works repeated over and over again never mind that two on this program were premieres. Nevertheless, I agree with Emma in that the high energy was infectious. Having to fight off drowsiness at other ballet and modern dance performances all week due to jetlag, I found myself awake and attentive through all four of Brown's works Saturday night.

<small>[ 28 October 2003, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: Azlan ]</small>

Yes, hte company insists on your attention.

Ronald K. Brown's Spiritual Strength
By Sarah Kaufman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 28, 2004; Page C08
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more in the second half of the linked article