About this project
About The Emerging Choreographers Showcase...
On March 30th and 31st, 2012 Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is honored to present The First Annual Emerging Choreographers Showcase entitled "The Next Generation"! The showcase will feature new works by Company Member Joshua Ishmon (also acting as Artistic/Producing Director of the project), Dancer and Choreographer Asia Dickens and Indiana-based Choreographer Davonna Edwards. The showcase will highlight Deeply Rooted Dance Theater II as well as guest artists Janelle Kroll, Clifton Matheny and Men Ca of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. The Showcase will allow these up-and-coming choreographers to experience first-hand what it is like to produce an evening of concert dance. The choreographers are responsible for every aspect of the show, including funding and we are turning to you to help them make this showcase a reality! Your generous donation will help to offset the costs of studio and theater rentals, dancer and crew salaries and other production costs inside of the project. Also, because Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is a 501(c)(3) Company, any and all contributions are tax deductible! We will send you a letter to document your contribution for your 2012 taxes after the project is completed in March, along with your donor rewards. This is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved in the project and it will only be possible with your help so donate now!
Thank you for believing in our Artists and supporting them as they embark on this wonderful journey! We hope to see you at the showcase!
About the Choreographers....
JOSHUA ISHMON (Gary IN) discovered his attraction to dance at a young age and studied African dance and musical theater under the instruction of Toni Washington Simpson and Mark Spencer. Josh also studied under the teachers of Ballet Chicago and M.A.D.D. Rhythms. During his high school years at Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts where he studied under Larry Brewer, Michal Davis, and Porsha Woodson-Reese, Josh competed in the Indiana High School Dance Team Association where he contributed to Emerson's outstanding reputation for talent and passion. In 2005, Josh came to know himself as a choreographic visionary. Since then, he has choreographed for Emerson VPA, South Shore Dance Alliance, Ballet Chicago’s Summer Intensive, and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. After graduating in 2007 he joined Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 2 and matriculated into the 1st company in 2009. He has also danced as a guest artist with Ballet Chicago and a current member of Winifred R Harris' Between Lines. Joshua has taught as a guest artist at Kansas Wesleyan University (Salina, Kansas), Swamp Gravy (Colquitt, GA), Choose Dance (Gillette, WY), and Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN). Joshua has had the honor of setting choreography on South Shore Dance Alliance, Ballet Chicago, and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 2. Joshua is in a constant pursuit of deepening his artistry, continuing to grow, and must pay homage to the amazing people whose shoulders he stands on. This is Joshua's first project under the title of Artistic/Producing Director.
ASIA DICKENS (Gary, IN) has been immersed in the dance world since age 9. After graduating from Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts, Asia continued her studies at the The Ailey School. The New York lifestyle formulated a major desire to become a world renown choreographer. The urge to create prepared Asia for working with [recording artist] Stephani Parker, [Broadway star] Chester Gregory, as well as instructing and choreographing for the South Shore Dance Alliance, where [former student] Renaldo Gardner (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) trained. In 2009, Asia made her television debut as a Made (dance) Coach on an episode of MTV's MADE. Currently, Asia is the resident choreographer for the West Side Theatre Guild, as well as an NBA dancer for the Chicago Bulls, The Luvabulls.
DAVONNA LENISE EDWARDS (Gary, IN) received her early dance training at Emerson School for the Visual Performing Arts and went on to study at Columbia College. In addition, she has trained with Ballet Chicago, Philadanco and Deeply Rooted. Davonna has choreographed for South Shore Dance Alliance and worked with Mark Spencer (the Director of Westside Theater Guild). She is currently choreographing DreamGirls Chicago with, well known, director John L. Ruffin. Upon her matriculation in 2004, Emerson School has been giving an annual award in her honor called the "Devo Award" to one graduating dance major who displays individualism, hard work, and a leading presence in the dance department.
Check back soon to get updates about the process, commentary from the choreographers and more details about the showcase! Remember, we can only make this happen with your help!
FAQ
-
Where: The Ruth Page Center for the Arts 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago IL, 60610
When: March 30-31, 2012 @ 7:30PM
-
General Admission Tickets will be $25 with advanced purchase and $30 at the door. We also have a VIP Ticket for $100 which gets you the best seats in the house and an invite to our pre-show reception. Follow the link below to get tickets now!
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
25
Backers
$1,476
pledged of $1,200 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on March 4.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
GRACIAS! You will receive a personalized Thank You on Deeply Rooted's Facebook Page and a Mention in the showcase Program!
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
VIELEN DANK! You will receive everything above and A Personal Thank You Note from the Choreographers!
Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more
GRAZIE! You will receive everything above and a sneak peek of the show in a special in-studio preview! (Note: If you aren't in the Chicago area, we will send you a link to watch the preview!)
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
MERCI! You will receive everything above and a 8X10 Autographed Photo of the Cast and Choreographers!
Pledge $125 or more Pledge $125 or more
DŌMO ARIGATŌ! You will receive everything above and Your name listed in the Showcase Program as a Major Benefactor (If you're at the showcase, we might even pull you up on stage!)!
Pledge $300 or more Pledge $300 or more
ASANTE SANA! You will receive everything above and (1) complimentary ticket to the Showcase with entrance into a special pre-show reception!
Project By
Connected as Adriene Barber (318 friends)
Chicago’s Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is rooted in traditions of African-American dance, storytelling, and universal themes that spark a visceral experience and ignite an emotional response in diverse audiences world wide. Collaborating with nationally renowned choreographers, across the spectrum of modern, ballet, and African dance, DRDT’s work reflects many voices in contemporary life.
Our Mission:
The mission of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is to re-imagine and diversify the aesthetics of contemporary dance by bringing together modern, classical, and African-American traditions in dance. In its uncompromising pursuit of excellence in performance, the development of new choreography, the training of dancers, and the creation of a diverse audience, the company seeks to demonstrate how art and beauty play a transformative role in society.
Our Vision:
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is a community dedicated to nurturing artists, supporting human relationships and sharing common values through engaging in dance.
