TribLIVE: Greer Reed wasn’t sure when she launched the Black Dance Festival at the August Wilson Center in 2011 whether she wanted it to be an annual celebration. But the hard work of presenting a festival over several days with groups traveling to Pittsburgh to take part was fully vindicated with success. Her choice was clear.
3 comments:
I think that anything that can inspire the youth of today to be passionate about something and involved in their heritage, is a wonderful thing. I was not able to see Reed's work last year but even in just the descriptions it sounds moving. I would go and see a piece that is inspired by the phrase 'Humor is what you wish in your secret heart were not funny, but is, and you must laugh. Humor is your own unconscious therapy'.
I agree with Reed about how we can forget and be unaware how certain opportunities can effect kids. I think opportunities like these are really making great strides in making sure that art is still thriving in 30-40 years.
How interesting to be performing two different shows under one title. Is the Saturday performance being called anything specific to denote the changes? Being able to support and encourage younger artists and troupes is great, I could just see a situation down the line where two people who saw the same dance show are discussing it and finding the differences.
This is an amazing way to keep culture alive. I applaud Reed for starting this festival and getting it up on its feet. Putting on performances like this for the community to watch and learn is great and to give people the opportunity to help keep the arts alive. This is a great way to treasure the past, future, and present and I just find this to be phenomenal. I wish I would have gone to this. Maybe next year!
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