#dr baba chuck davis

[westampersand]

West& DanceAfrica 2017 |

I had the distinguished honor of performing at the 40 year Anniversary of DanceAfrica! I’ve studied, traveled and been in love with traditional vernacular for over 20 years. So being able to perform on that platform was a tremendous honor. Dr Baba Chuck founded this illustrious event (that occurs throughout the Country and beyond) in 1977. He recently transitioned to being an Ancestor. This only made this year even more significant. His impact on all us is immeasurable. And it’s out time now to do the work as cultural carriers.

The DanceAfrica 2017 theme was, “The Healing Light of Rhythm: Tradition and Beyond.” Celebrating the movement and rhythmic traditions of Guinea. We did 7 shows in 5 days (May 25-29, 2017). Performing,"The Healing Sevens," under the direction of Baba Abdel Salaam. Thank you to everyone that came and made it possible for 4 out of the 5 public shows to sell out. Featuring Asase Yaa, Illstyle & Peace Productions and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. In honor of Dr. Baba Chuck Davis,#WeGotThis!

-J. West

[lembaha]

Sharing a symposium on the health benefits of dance and movement with the late great Baba Dr Chuck Davis. . . “Ago”...... “Ame” . . #babachuckdavis #testimonial #workshop #symposium #massage #bodywork #movement #therapy #legend #lembahealingarts #lembamovementarts #instagood #instagram #instalove #tbt #instagramers #throwbackthursday https://www.instagram.com/p/B6QpLQzAO_d/?igshid=43cq83uecomq

[macgregor-movement-blog]

RIP, Baba Chuck. You moved me during those very formative ADF summers. I'll never forget.

"Peace, Love, and Respect. For EVERYBODY."

[trascapades]

💖 #DanceAfrica founder Dr. Charles "Baba Chuck" Davis is dancing with the ancestors now. Grateful for his presence and enormous contributions to our world and community. #ChuckDavis #BabaChuck #AfricanAmericanDanceEnseble #AfricanDance #AfricanDiaspora #DiasporicDance #AfricanAmericanDance #Choreographer #BlackStorytellers #Teacher #pioneer #BlackCulture #CultureCreator #ArtIsAWeapon (📷 reposted from @spectacularmag - read story: www.spectacularmag.com)

[westampersand]

West& DanceAfrica Dallas 2016

Forces of Nature Dance Theatre had the pleasure of being the headlining special guest artist for DBDT 10th Annual DanceAfrica Festival and Performance October 7-8, 2016. Special thank you to Founder & Artistic Advisor of DBDT Ann M. Williams and DanceAfrica Founder & Artistic Director Emeritus Dr Baba Chuck Davis. Thank you Dallas Black Dance Theatre for your gracious hospitality. 

Montage filmed and edited by J. West (@Westampersand) except of"Terrestrial Wombs" choreographed by Abdel Salaam.

-J.West

[lembaha]

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A post shared by Ducarmel S. Desormeau, LMT (@lemba_movement_arts)

Classic testimonial from the late great Baba Dr Chuck Davis, Artistic Director and Founder of Dance Africa . . #babachuckdavis #testimonial #massage #bodywork #movement #therapy #legend #lembahealingarts #lembamovementarts #instagood #instagram #instalove #tbt #instagramers #throwbackthursday https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Qm2bSgMM7/?igshid=1fily4t5pky0e

[colbychristina529]

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A post shared by 💎TEAM COLBY CHRISTINA💎 (@ms_colbychristina)

(Colby dancing in the middle in purple) 🤗🥇🏆WAVE 4. (2014) THE LAST WAVE OF FULLY PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED DANCERS AT THE RESTORATION CENTER FOR ARTS & CULTURE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF EMERITUS DIRECTOR, MS. PEGGY ALSTON.🏆🎗🥇 Some trained in African Dance since the age 2, 3 & 5 years of age by our Beloved Father / Grandfather of African Dance Dr. Baba Charles "Chuck" Davis, Karen Thornton, Baba Abdel Salaam, Mama Andara, Baba Wali & others. 🌷🎀♥️ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF THE RESTORATION YOUTH ARTS ACADEMY JUNIOR ENSEMBLE / PRE COMPANY MEMBERS. 😁🤗😍📽CENTER STAGE DANCERS AT THE BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC✔😁🌷🌞 😁🤗🌷COLBY, KIANA, HADIYAH, TIANNA, TEANNA, DJ, SHONIAH, KETURAH, BREA, SEQUOIA.♥️🎗🎋 😍🤗😁HISTORY🤗😍😁 These girls were ALL professionally trained in MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES ranging from African to Ballet to Tap BY THE BEST TEACHERS UNTIL 2015. #dancer #danceafrica #thesegirlsdanced #trained #flawless #bestteachers #world-renowned #babachuck #babaabdelsalaam @danceafrica @bam #HISTORY #peace #love #respect #grateful

[colbychristina529]

My DANCE AFRICA GRANDFATHER, KING DR. BABA CHARLES "CHUCK" DAVIS IS WITH THE ANCESTORS. My heart is heavy as I cry and laugh about my great times with him. He said I "entered this earthly realm dancing to the rhythm of the drum". He taught my Mother the Art of African Dance and he taught me too. I LOVE YOU BABA, REST NOW...PEACE AND BLESSINGS. LOVE COLBY! #colbychristina #teamcolbychristina #colbyscorner #colbyscorner #danceafrica #babachuck #peace #love #respect

[colbychristina529]

My DANCE AFRICA GRANDFATHER, KING DR. BABA CHARLES "CHUCK" DAVIS IS WITH THE ANCESTORS. My heart is heavy as I cry and laugh about my great times with him. He said I "entered this earthly realm dancing to the rhythm of the drum". He taught my Mother the Art of African Dance and he taught me too. I LOVE YOU BABA, REST NOW...PEACE AND BLESSINGS. LOVE COLBY! #colbychristina #teamcolbychristina #colbyscorner #colbyscorner #danceafrica #babachuck #peace #love #respect

[colbychristina529]

My DANCE AFRICA Grandfather, KING DR. BABA CHARLES "CHUCK" DAVIS IS WITH THE ANCESTORS. My heart is heavy as I cry and laugh about my great times with him. He said I "entered this earthly realm dancing to the rhythm of the drum". He taught my Mother the Art pf African Dance and he taught me. I LOVE YOU BABA, REST NOW...PEACE AND BLESSINGS. LOVE COLBY!

[westampersand]

West& Homecoming At NJ Pac w/ Forces of Nature Dance Theatre 

On Saturday December 19, 2015, I had the distinguished pleasure of Performing in my Home State with my Forces of Nature Dance Theatre family. It was absolutely stellar! We moved 2 packed audiences in the spirit of Kwanzaa. Our Ancestors had to be proud because they were present with us every step of the way. Baba Abdel Salaam, you're genius for this program. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) went on visceral journey due to his choregraphic genius. The "Forces of Nature," was with us all from Senior Company Members, Founders, Musicians and our new Company Members! Welcome to the family, thank you all for making this evening nothing less than sensational.

J. West 

[westampersand]

West& DanceAfrica 2015 

Last night I was able to participate along with an illustrious group of beautiful artists who came to together to honor Griot Dr. Baba Chuck Davis! What better way to do so than with a surprise tribute at the closing of the 38th Anniversary of DanceAfrica?!

There is nothing more significant than showing genuine gratitude. Dr. Baba Chuck Davis is a true pioneer and someone we all been touched and inspired by. We danced in  his honor under the direction of Baba Abdel R. Salaam (Co Founder/ Artistic Director of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and the new Artistic Dir of Dance Africa) . He brought Asaseyaa, Restoration Youth Academy and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre /Alum together for a tear jerking tribute.

Dr. Baba Chuck was moved to tears and had no idea to what extent he was about to be honored. He was surrounded by love and a lineage of his legacy. This is a blue print of what it is to become a legend. With all our love this was our enormous THANK YOU to Baba Chuck Davis!  We love you!

Click HERE for a preview of the tribute!

-J.West

[westampersand]

West& Honoring Dr. Baba Chuck Davis at the 30th Bessie Awards!

Monday night I was able to experience one of the highlights of my professional dance career thus far. My spirit is still on a high for being able to perform at The New York Dance and Performance Awards/ The Bessies awards with some of Forces of Nature Dance Theater in honor of Dr. Baba Chuck Davis at the World Famous Apollo Theater! This marked the 30th Bessie Award ceremony. Baba received an achievement award for his tremendous service to the field of dance. Baba said it best, "we are standing on the shoulders of our ancestors...we must always honor the elders no matter who they are and where they are.” So with that being said, on behalf of my fellow company members and our Co-Founder and Artistic Director Abdel Salaam, it was a privilege to be there to perform to honor you. This award was well deserved and I'm still humbled by the experience. Baba Chuck has made such a tremendous contribution to the African dance form. The African American Dance Ensemble is the prominent Dance Africa parent, celebrating African dance, arts and culture. "Dr Baba Davis accepted his award stylistically true to his honor: with a drum circle that got the audience up and shaking their hips, singing, “Peace love and respect for everyone.” He had the entire theater on their feet! Thank you for paving the way!"

In addition to performing at the Bessies, I also was in the great company of Bill T. Jones, Arthur Mitchell (Dance Theatre of Harlem) who was honored as well, receiving the NY Dance and Performance Award for Lifetime Achievement in Dance, Robert Battle (Artistic Dir of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Linda Celeste Sims (the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre) who took home the outstanding performer award, Crazy Legs, Urban Bush Women and Camille Brown who took home the award for Outstanding Production Award for Mr. Tol E. RAncE. Nora Chipaumire also took home outstanding Revival for Dark Swan set on Urban Bush Women. The evening was truly inspirational and reminder of the unprecedented presence of our people not only in the field of dance but the arts as a whole!

-J.West

Photos by Christopher Duggan Photography and Eva Yaa Asantewaa