Choreographed by Sandra Brown, "The Caged Bird Sings" features artist Ariel McCarty in an original ballet work
Featuring Corps de Ballet Artist Ariel McCarty and poetry selections by Maya Angelou, The Caged Bird Sings "is for all of those who feel they don’t have a voice; for those that feel trapped or 'caged' because of the color of their skin," explains choreographer Sandra Brown. For Corps de Ballet Artist Ariel McCarty, this piece empowers her to express and "feel all of the pain that comes with the hardships of our history and just as important, feel the glimmer of hope and need to keep fighting for justice and equality, to keep singing, and to keep dancing."
Stream though March 18
The MOVE/ment (World Premiere 2019) "This is an incredible opportunity to bring together a diversity of dancers, in both culture and genre, to create a work that is reflective of these powerful times in our community and the world. The arts have always been a powerful catalyst for positive social transformation. For me as a choreographer, the challenge has been to awaken my personal memories of the Civil Rights Movement, while finding new ways for the dancers to develop their own voice of change, in recognition of social justice that is yet to come. Upon bringing my Ensemble to Montgomery Alabama to perform in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, I was inspired by his words “We have no other choice but to keep moving with determination. We’ve gone too far now to turn back. We can change the world with non-violence.” —Cleo Parker Robinson
The MOVE/ment
Choreography by Artistic Director Cleo Parker Robinson
Winifred R. Harris, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Associate Artistic Director
Malik Robinson, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Executive Director
Chloe Abel, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble Rehearsal Director
Lighting Design by Lloyd Sobel
Trey Grimes, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Technical Director
Jessica Horton* and Cedric D. Hall*, Audio Assistants
Costume Design by Shirin Lankarani and Alex J. Gordon*
Ralaya S. Goshea*, Costume Assistant
Vocals and Spoken Word by Cleo Parker Robinson and the Ensembles
THE ENSEMBLES
Theresa Berger*, Ariel Breitman, Francisco Estevez, Jasmine Francisco*, Kevin Gaël Thomas, Alex J. Gordon*, Ralaya S. Goshea*, YooJung Hahm*, Tyveze Littlejohn*, Domenico Luciano, Nicolas Pelletier, Samiyah Lynece*, Francesca Martoccio, Martez McKinzy*, Sean Omandam, Davry Ratcliffe*, John e. Roberts*, Sara VanderVoort, Leah McFadden, Tyler Rhoads, Christophor Moulton, Regan Kucera, Arianna Ciccarelli
I. Turbulent Times “Tears for Johannesburg” by Max Roach
II. Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round “Wade In the Water” “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round”
III. Father to Son: A Change Is Gonna Come “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Brian Owens and Thomas Owens
The Father - Domenico Luciano
The Son - Martez McKinzy*
The Men - Ariel Breitman, Francisco Estevez, Kevin Gael Thomas, Sean Omandam, John e. Roberts*
IV. Healing Waters “By the Waters of Babylon” by Bettye Miller and Milt Abel
V. We Rise “We Rise” by Groove Junkies, Opolopo & Solara
VI. Dream the Dream “I Dream a Dream” by Aretha Franklin
Solo - Theresa Berger*
The Women - Ralaya S. Goshea*, YooJung Hahm*, Francesca Martoccio, Sara VanderVoort, Leah McFadden
*Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble