RONALD K. BROWN TO BE HONORED AT PLAZA

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Acclaimed Choreographer Ronald K. Brown Will Be Honored at
Grace in Winter Silver Ball at The Plaza Hotel on February 8th.
Gala Will Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Brown’s Evidence, A Dance Company
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Prince Kunle Omilan And Princess Keisha Omilan

Board Chairman Reginald Van Lee With Evidence Founder
And Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown

It may be the silver anniversary of his internationally famed dance troupe, Evidence, A Dance Company but it is truly a golden year for the critically acclaimed choreographer and dancer Ronald K. Brown. Just weeks ago, the critics unanimously praised the choreographer for his latest brilliant creation, “Dancing Spirit” for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre to honor the legendary dancer Judith Jamison. Commenting on the work, The Wall Street Journal’s Robert Greskovic, said” His dance throbs with visible energy and nuanced life”. On the heels of this success, he will lead Evidence on a three country of Africa with Dance in Motion USA sponsored by the U. S. State Department Then it’s off to the 2010 Winter Olympics for a series of special performances in Vancouver sponsored in part by the Olympic Committee. Recently, Hermès hosted an elegant reception at its Madison Avenue flagship store for the friends and supporters of Evidence, A Dance Company to celebrate the acclaimed dance troupe’s upcoming 25th Anniversary and to unveil a sumptuous limited edition scarf in the African motif “Voyage en etoffes” to commemorate the milestone. The French design house has been a supportive friend to The Company for several years. The exquisite silk scarf, bearing a unique pattern inspired by traditional African garb in desert tones of orange and sand, was unveiled at the December 3rd event by the Evidence team. A portion of the scarves sales will benefit the much loved company. The scarf retails for $375 and is available for purchase at Hermès, 691 Madison Avenue at 62nd Street. Coinciding with the anniversary, a gorgeous new book chronicling the company’s illustrious history filled with breathtaking images of Brown and his amazing dancers has just been released. But before he begins his global travels, Brown will be honored for his quarter century achievement at the Grace in Winter Silver Ball at New York’s Plaza Hotel on February 8. New York City. Actress and dancer Victoria Rowell hosts the evening which will feature a performance of Evidence, A Dance Company’s famed signature piece “Grace” and special performances by singer Jennifer Holliday and jazz great Peven Everett. Also slated to be honored is Evidence Chairman of the Board, Reginald Van Lee, Executive Vice President Booz Allen Hamilton and a longtime champion of the Arts and major corporate sponsor Booz Allen Hamilton.The Grace in Winter Silver Ball is the premiere African American social event of the season and one of the most eagerly anticipated. For tickets and Sponsorship and Underwriting Opportunities contact Alex Diaz, The JFM Group, 438 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York 212-921-9070 Ext 16 or by email to evidence@thejfmgroup.com. Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Evidence, A Dance Company focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. Through work, Evidence provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms. He is an advocate for the growth of the African American dance community and is instrumental in encouraging young dancers to choreograph and to develop careers in dance. The mission of Evidence is to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word, leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation. Brown’s choreography is in high demand. He has set works on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Ailey II, Cleo Parker Robinson Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Jeune Ballet d’Afrique Noire, Ko-Thi Dance Company, Philadanco and others. He choreographed Regina Taylor’s award-winning play, Crowns and won an AUDELCO Award for his work on that production. “I hope that when people see the work, their spirits are lifted. I am interested in sharing perspectives through modern dance, theater and kinetic storytelling. I want my work to be evidence of these perspectives,” says Brown. Evidence now tours to some 25 communities in the United States and abroad. The company has travelled to Cuba, Brazil, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico and Senegal to perform, teach master classes and conduct lecture/demonstrations for individuals of all ages. Evidence brings arts education and cultural connections to local communities that have historically lacked these experiences.