Art of Dance embodies “Art of Soul”

Sacramento Black Art of Dance will open its 12th season with its fall dance concert “Art of Soul.” Performances begin at 8 p.m., Sept. 29 in Solano Hall 1010, and will continue at 8 p.m., Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee Oct. 2 and an Oct. 5 evening performance at 6:30 p.m. The show will resume at 8 p.m., Oct. 6, 7 and 8 with a final performance at 2 p.m., Oct. 9.

The concert will feature the choreography of veteran dancer and choreographer Nicole Manker in her last season with S/BAD before she undertakes a new career abroad. Her piece “Expressions of Chi” explores the energy that, according to Chinese philosophy, is thought to be inherent in all things and balances the negative and positive forms within the body. The piece blends the rhythm and energy of jazz and hip-hop and showcases the energy of the performers.

New to this fall’s concert will be works by two graduating dance majors presenting their senior projects—Kelley Hodge’s “Joyful Gurl” and Myniesh Woods’ non-traditional “praise” dance. The show also features works by S/BAD members Nathan Jones, Venetia James, Shauna Segler, Monica Armsted, Wanel Thomas and Meggan McCall. The performance will also feature a guest dance by the Godly Ladies of Worship and the music of Enya, the Fugees, Dianne Reeves and others.

Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for Sacramento State students, $10 for students and seniors, and $9 for children 12 or younger. For the Wednesday, Oct. 5 showing, tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at www.tickets.com or 278-4323. For more information contact Linda Goodrich at 278-4784.