Director’s Note
Hello and welcome to the 2024 Black History Month Dance Concert entitled “Abusua.” Abusua is an Akan term that signifies family. This production brings together an assembly of choreographers and musicians, each an integral part of my chosen family. Some of these connections have spanned over two decades. Throughout the production, you’ll bear witness to storytelling and performances crafted by these family members.
While the on-stage performers have diverse identities and backgrounds, the narratives unfold through a distinct Black lens. As an added treat, our Ghana Performing Arts Study Away students will showcase a segment of their learnings from their time abroad. The culmination of our efforts since September 2023 is poised to captivate you, and we’re thrilled to share it all. A heartfelt congratulations to the Elon performers and crew for their outstanding contribution to this production. Gratitude extends to everyone who played a role in bringing this production to fruition. And a special acknowledgment to every Black individual reading this—I echo the words of Lucille Clifton: “Come celebrate with me, that every day something has tried to kill me and has failed.” Happy Black History Month. Enjoy the show.
Special Thanks
Office of Cultural & Special Programs, Elon Performing Arts Department, Elon Global Education Center, Kimberly Rippy, Jennifer Guy Metcalf, Dr. Stephanie Baker, David McGraw, Heidi Jo Schiemer, Kayla Higbee, Elon Dance Program Student Workers
Production Team
| Artistic Director | Keshia Wall |
| Costume Coordinators | Heidi Jo Schiemer and Kayla Higbee |
| Sound Designer/Op | Rick Earl |
| Sound Crew | Kate Rivera, Brandon Cericola, Nik Heiser |
| Lighting Designer | Gregory Thorn & Sophia Walper |
| Light Board Operator | Sophia Walper |
| Technical Director | Seth Barrick |
| Stage Manager | Sarah Mirrow & Lillian Chen |
| Asst. Stage Manager | Kenzie Ross |
| Front-of-House Supervisor | David J. McGraw |
| House Managers | Ella Huestis, Ava Schneider |
| Poster Design | Sydney Dye |
Pieces
Mama Said
Performed by Ronald Lavender Jr.
Reckoning
Choreographed by Robin Gee
Music: Atiba Rorie, Bashir Shakur, Greg Jones, Forrest Matthews, Chase Butler, Marsalis Foster, Damien Miles
Sound Score created by Robin Gee; The Students of Quinlan by James Horner, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Bernice Johnson
Performers: Angelina DeMartino, Meredith Peck, Hannah Furey, Sophie Seitchik, Brooke Goldstein, Gaby Minionis, Sarah Rothacker, Sophie Verrecchia, Evelyn Ealey, Mackenzie Perry, Anaya Agard
Understudies: Lindsey Goldstein, Ashley White
Tapestry
Performed by Sean Hunter
The Light
Choreographed by Elijah Motley
Music: Atiba Rorie, Bashir Shakur, Greg Jones, Forrest Matthews, Chase Butler, Marsalis Foster, Damien Miles
Performers: Haley Asbury, Hannah Burnett, Zeth Dixon, Maggie Adams, Jessica Werfel, Evelyn Ealey, Maddie Milner
Understudies: Lucy Burk, Sophie Verrecchia, Jessica Guidice
Fume Fume
Choreographed by Godson Atsu Sokpor
Music: Atiba Rorie, Bashir Shakur, Greg Jones, Forrest Matthews, Chase Butler, Marsalis Foster, Damien Miles
Performers: Annika Benander, Andrea Camo Conde, Amanda Carter, Sophia Del Priore, Lindsey Goldstein, Jordan Kelberg, Wrigley Koch, Jules Levanti, Aleah Newman, Zarz Peterson, Gabriella Robertson, Leah Short, Maya Simmons, Lila Snodgrass
Down to the Go-Go
Choreographed by Keshia Wall
Music: Atiba Rorie, Bashir Shakur, Greg Jones, Forrest Matthews, Chase Butler, Marsalis Foster, Damien Miles
Performers: Katey O’Connell, Hannah Furey, Winell Henriquez, Maddie Milner, Aryanna Vindas, Myah Shepherd, Gabrielle Cataldo, Janae Willock, Sarah Rothacker, Alydia Wheeler
Understudies: Ashley White, Abigail Mulvaney
Ring Shout at the Elon Square
Choreographed by Maurice Watson
Music: Atiba Rorie, Bashir Shakur, Greg Jones, Forrest Matthews, Chase Butler, Marsalis Foster, Damien Miles
Performers: Lila Snodgrass, Madi Trigilio, Alydia Wheeler, Maya Simmons, Lilly Beaver, Noah Macam, Lilly Sears, Emily Aukamp, Isabella Sessa, Liv Lanter, Myah Shepherd, Ella Stewart, Sophie David
Understudies: Natalie Dixon
Bios
Bios not available in Archive View
