Ronald K Brown/Evidence World Premiere "Den of Dreams" Danced by Brown and Arcell Cabuag

Ronald K Brown/EVIDENCE was founded almost 3 decades ago by Mr. Brown.  Brown is an award winning choreographer & dancer.  He's received numerous honors including a Bessie Award & The Black Theater Award. Brown has been commissioned by Alvin Ailey Amer. Dance Theater, Ailey II,  Ballet Hispanico, Jeune Ballet d'Afrique Noire and numerous others.  His association with the Ailey Co. has been prolific and profound.  On last night's program at the Joyce Theater, the program included "Dancing Spirit"('09) a company premiere that Brown made in homage to Judith Jamison; founding member of Alvin Ailey Co. and its Artistic Dir. after Mr. Ailey.   "Dancing Spirit" was a tribute to Jamison's elegance & artistic excellence.  The program also featured the world premiere of "Den of Dreams" which Brown "...set to music that is used as a road of Arcell's {Assoc. Artistic Dir/dancer} journey from CA to the NY/Alvin Ailey Amer. Dance Ctr, {onto} his introduction to EVIDENCE.  The kinship, similar artistic vocabulary & aesthetic between Ailey & EVIDENCE is evident.  In last night's program "Come Ye" ('02) & "Lessons: March" ('95) Mr. Brown's civil rights activism is embodied in movement, text & videos.  "Lesson: March uses powerful black/white footage of the civil rights movement with MLK's speech on racial equality.  The powerful speech & imagery overtook the dancers on stage which may very well have been Brown's intent.  EVIDENCE incorporates modern dance with  W. African & Senegalese & contemporary urban dance.  There are repetitive signature movements that carry over into Brown's dance vocabulary in his repertoire.  "Den of Dreams" was performed by Ronald Brown & Arcell Cabuag.  Both are powerful, extraordinary artists with incredible athleticism & artistry.  Mr. Brown in his 50s is awe inspiring.  I liked "Den of Dreams" very much as I do Mr. Brown's body of work.  My favorite piece on the program was "Dancing Spirit" which incorporated a balletic aesthetic within an interesting pastiche of styles. "Den of Dreams" didn't dazzle with new dynamics but it did present 2 incredible dancers with omnipotent skill.  EVIDENCE dancers seem to float on top of the music in a potent & ephemeral style.  Mr.  Brown's choreography is brilliant.  His commissions for Ailey are worth seeking out.  EVIDENCE & Ailey share a commitment to social activism through art.  Mr. Battle, Artistic Dir. for Ailey (chosen by Ms. Jamison) has carried on Mr. Ailey's legacy into the 21st C.  Both Brown & Battle maintain their company's legacy of art & advocating for social justice.  Perhaps Mr. Brown's EVIDENCE will demonstrate a racially integrated co. as Mr. Battle has achieved. "We are challenged to get rid of the nation once and for all, that there are superior and inferior races." (MLK) An excerpt from "Lessons"