Sacramento Black Art of Dance explores ‘New Directions’

New Directions is more than just the title of Sacramento Black Art of Dance’s next concert, it also describes changes taking place in the group.

Founded by professor Linda Goodrich, chair of the Theatre and Dance Department, S/BAD has grown into a company with student and guest choreographers, Goodrich says. That new direction will be reflected in the nine pieces performed Oct. 23-26 and Oct. 29 – Nov. 2 in Solano Hall Room 1010.

Guest artist Erin Landry will present a synthesis of African derived movement styles, including Caribbean, African and jazz. “That’s what we’re looking at,” Goodrich says. “How do we blend different genres to present a cohesive dance form?”

Landry is co-chair of the Theater and Dance Department at Cypress College in Cypress, Calif. Her choreography has been performed at venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts in Washington and National American College Dance Festival galas.

Other choreographers are company members Nathan Jones, Nzinga Woods, Shani Alford and guest artist Michelle Ned.

“And everyone is in everybody’s piece,” Goodrich says.

Woods is working on a piece that combines jazz and modern movements with hip hop music, the first part set to Mos Def’s quieter, a cappela “The Beggar Man,” about a man pleading with his wife to take him back. “You feel this urgency when he’s singing,” Woods says. “I have a lot of movement reflecting the woman’s anguish.”

Alford’s piece, which includes Nina Simone’s “Four Women” and Alicia Keys’ “Superwoman,” tells the story of four women overcoming challenges throughout their lives.

And Goodrich is using Ahmad Jamal’s “Poinciana,” which features smooth jazz piano with drum beats underneath. “I’m looking at how to counterpoint the movement against the drum score,” Goodrich says. “It’s a very playful piece.”

New Directions performances are at 8 p.m., Oct. 23-25, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1; at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 2; and at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 29 and 30. Tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for children 11 and younger for the 6:30 performances. All other performances are $12 general admission; $10 for Sacramento State employees, students and seniors; and $8 for children. Tickets are available at Sacramento State’s Ticket office, 278-4323 or www.tickets.com.

For more information, visit www.csus.edu/dram or call 278-6368.