Ko~Thi Dance Company :: Performances

Performance History
"The power of it all. The shock of its originality and the utter sense of rightness every step of the way had the audience beside itself at the end." Tom Strini, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The KO-THI DANCE COMPANY home season consists of two major concerts - in the spring (Kuumba) and fall (Harvest), each with a 2-3 day run. These concerts feature new and established works from the repertoire as well as guest artist choreographers, performers and companies. The repertoire covers a wide spectrum of the traditional and contemporary inspired African, Caribbean and African-American performing arts. Full length works from Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, South Africa, West Africa and America reside in the repertoire.

The energy and synergy that goes into each original composition of dance and music leaves the audience with a heightened sense of cultural connection and acknowledgment. This company's repertoire takes an audience on a rich journey covering the Continent of Africa, the Caribbean and America.

The following show themes reflect the diversity and collaborative focus of the company:

2007 WORDS FROM THE SOLE
Featured Emmy Award winning guest artist Jason Samuels-Smith.

2006 BLESSED OFFERINGS
Featured works from Noel Hall and guest artist Wallace Hill.

2006 RHYTHM IN MOTION
Audience experienced modern adaptations blended into current themes and issues. Featuring Celtic Nation Pipes and Drums.

2005 MOOD INDIGO
African hues in American blues: A musical and choreographic feast connecting dance and rhythms of Africa to, plantation dance forms (Ring Shout), the Juke Joint, and the Blues.

2004 BOMBALE
A full length concert on the dances and rhythms of Puerto Rico and Cuba featuring the PUNTA VISTA (Salsa) Band.

2004 HOTENTOT VENUS
A movement depiction of the legendary Ssehura (Sarah Baartman) who has become a beacon for South African Women who suffer abuse and exploitation. After suffering so much offence and humiliation, Saarti Baatman will have her dignity restored - she will find justice and peace. French Research Minister - Roger Gerard Schwartzenberg.

2003 ISIKATHULU BOOTDANCE
A collaboration with the OLIVE DANCE COMPANY (Hip Hop/Philadelphia) and STEP BY STEP of Providence, Rhode Island, connecting urban dance forms to South African dance and music.

2001 SUNDIATA
A full length ballet on the legendary ancient King of the Mali Empire, of West Africa featuring choreography of Rose Marie Guiraud

1999 WORD DANCE
A collaboration with the RAGAMALA (East Indian) DANCE THEATRE from Minnesota.

Every December the Company also presents its Children's Recital, featuring the TON KO-THI CHILDREN'S PERFORMING ENSEMBLE and demonstrations from studio children classes in dance and drumming. Traditional and contemporary African items are sold by community vendors, providing an evening of excitement and culture.