Workshop introduces dance styles

Thursday evening marked the beginning of the African-American Dance Company's 6th annual dance workshop. The workshop's purpose is to reach out and educate the community about dance styles not widely represented in the United States.\nDr. Joan Burroughs gave the keynote address on the role of dance in relation to civil rights, which set the tone for the weekend workshop. The goal of the keynote address was to show there is a certain element of intellectuality to dance.\n"We want the community to know that we don't just come in and dance and that's it," Burroughs said. "Dance is a discipline."\nThe workshop features classes in diverse styles of dance, which include salsa dancing with Rogelio Kindelan, a professional performer and percussionist from Guantanamo, Cuba. Bernard Woma, a percussionist from West Africa, will be teaching African style dancing and drumming, while Elana Anderson, a performer and teacher from Chicago will be teaching the Horton technique, which is a warm-up process. \n"These are amazing artists and they were chosen for our workshop because of their expertise in their different genres of dance," said Lori Madl, assistant instructor of the African-American Dance Company. \nThis workshop has not only been extended to the entire IU and Bloomington community but also to a few groups from the Indianapolis area. These groups will be performing in the showcase on Saturday, which is the official ending of the workshop. \nThe African-American Dance Company will perform along with the guest instructors. The company will present the first section of its "Rural South" piece, which portrays African-Americans in the years following the Emancipation Proclamation. \n"We think it is important for people to know that even though the slaves were set free they were still poor and had to work hard for everything they got," said senior Sumer Hall. \nCompany director Iris Rosa said the workshop required months of preparation. Professionals were invited from around the country. The dance company also spent long hours preparing its routine for the workshop. \n"I would say that we practice about six hours a week in class as well as practicing many hours outside of class to perfect our movements," said Clifton Davis, a senior in the dance company. \nFor anyone wishing to take a class, spots for Friday and Saturday are still available. Full registration is $50 for adults and $30 for children. Prices vary for single classes. \n"It's amazing that we have people from all around the world to come and teach us," said Nancy Beecher, a Ph.D. student in biology and member of the dance company, "and that such a wonderful opportunity is open to the entire community"