CINCINNATI, OH — The Taft Museum of Art and the Duncanson Society have selected dancer/choreographer Stafford C. Berry, Jr. as the 2017 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. He will be the second artist in the program’s 31-year history to represent the discipline of dance. His work is a synthesis of dance, theater, and music.
Berry has served for eight years as Associate Professor of Dance and Black Studies at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. He is co-director of the Berry & Nance Dance Project (BNDP), an all-male contemporary African dance company, founded and created with dance partner Dr. C. Kemal Nance.
Berry received his BA in theater performance from North Carolina Central University, and an MFA in dance from Hollins University. He toured for 14 years as associate artistic director of the internationally acclaimed African American Dance Ensemble, where he led ten dancers and musicians in performances, workshops, and educational outreach activities.
From October 5-27, Berry will perform at arts and community organizations across the region.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Opening Reception
Thursday, October 5, 6–8 p.m.
Taft Museum of Art
During the reception, Berry will perform an opening ritual of music and movement.
FREE. Reservations required by October 2. Call (513) 684-4528.
Stafford C. Berry, Jr. Performs at Re(Newed) Community Celebration
Celebrating the reopening of Music Hall
Saturday, October 7, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Washington Park
Berry will present an interactive performance of live music and dance. Free and open to the public.
Stafford C. Berry, Jr. Performs at BLINK!
BLINK, October 12–15, is a four-day art and light festival that includes dozens of large-scale architectural projections throughout the city. FREE. Tickets are not required. For more information, visit www.blinkcincinnati.com.
Celebrate the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence
Sunday, October 22, 3–4 p.m.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Berry will perform and discuss the history of African American dance forms and how they inform his choreography. For more information, call (513) 369-6919. Reservations not required.
Kennedy Heights Art Center Public Performance
Wednesday, October 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
Berry will share a breathtaking blend of artistry, athleticism, dynamism, and explosive energy. Free. Reservations strongly suggested. Call 513-631-4278 or visit www.kennedyarts.org for tickets.
Dada Rafiki Features Dancer/Choreographer Stafford C. Berry, Jr.
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m.
Aronoff Center for the Arts
Berry will be featured in Dada Rafiki, an annual event organized by poet Annie Ruth, a former Duncanson artist. The event honors Tri-state women who have established a legacy of giving. Purchase tickets online at www.CincinnatiArts.org.