ABOUT THE ARTISTS

BRIDGET L. MOORE (Co-Director/Choreographer)

Conceptually driven by raw physicality, BRIDGET L. MOORE aims to use and transcend theconventions of concert choreography by African-Americans. She was the first recipient of PROJECT NEXT GENERATION, a commission award to a female choreographer by Urban Bush Women. Moore was also one of four choreographers commissioned by MANCC to work in a creative residency with Philadanco Dance Company.She tours extensively with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and most recently received an M.F.A. degree in Dance from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.

With work commissioned by The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, PRINCESS MHOON COOPER has been called, a “visionary of her generation.” Her chameleon-like movement seamlessly connects modern, hip-hop, and African dance styles and has been seen nationally and internationally. She holds a B.F.A. degree in Dance and a M.A. degree in History (with a research focus on the African American tradition in dance) from Howard University where she now serves on faculty. Cooper has performed with Rennie Harris Puremovement, Muntu Dance Theatre, African American Dance Ensemble, Nathan Trice/RITUALS, and Ronald K. Brown/Evidence.

CAMILLE A. BROWN

Honored as the first woman to receive the Princess Grace Award in Choreography, CAMILLE A. BROWN(formerly of Ronald/K. Brown/Evidence) is a young choreographer with an authoritative voice. With commissions from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Reflections Dance Company and Urban Bush Women, Ms. Brown creates dances that are earthbound and gravity defying. Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times declared her work as,  “a tour de force of performing…”

2006 Bessie award-winning performer SHANI NWANDO IKERIOHA COLLINS (SNIC) has also established herself as choreographer to be watched. She is the founder of Eternal Works and iscommitted to women’s empowerment, healing and exploring multi-voices of the body in relationship to spirit. Ms. Collins recently received an M.F.A. degree in Dance from the American Dance Festival/Hollins University. She has performed nationally and internationally with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Urban Bush Women, Bill T. Jones, David Dorfman, Nathan Trice/RITUALS, among others.

FRANCINE OTT

FRANCINE OTT, a native of New Orleans is an emerging choreographer with considerable promise. Deeply rooted in spirit, her organic fusion of hip-hop, house, African and contemporary modern dance is a spiritual hybrid that generates movement of fluidity and sensuality. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and has showcased her work at Dixon Place, Bric Studio and International Association of Blacks In Dance. Ms. Ott works with independent choreographers in New York City and apprentices with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence.

URSULA PAYNE

With international showings in Scotland, Monaco, Mexico and Taiwan, URSULA PAYNE, an Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and independent choreographer, has received four choreographic fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts. Her creative work is fueled by researching issues concerned with global women’s rights and the complexities of existing as a woman of African descent in contemporary society.

MAKEDA THOMAS

SHEL RISER

A native of Monroe, Louisiana, SHEL RISER a multi-talented artist brings forth a unique and creative sound that has been compared to the likes of Sly & the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix and James Brown. Riser released 5 albums under his own label, Art Form Entertainment and co-producing his own music videos, marks him as a reputable artist. His perseverance, talent and New York exposure has earned him an appearance on BET’s J list and countless performances throughout the US and Europe.