A historical journey through dance highlighting the emergence of African-Americans, conceived by Virginia Artist in Residency Roster Artist, Dr. Sheila A. Ward.

From These Roots is about the emergence of African-Americans as told through dance, spoken text and visual images. Although dance is a major feature of From These Roots, this show is not about the history of Black Dance in America. The dancing is used to embody the peculiarities of the African-American experience. In addition to dance, From These Roots features the works of visual artists such as Faith Ringgold, Elizabeth Catlett, and James VanDerZee and addresses some social issues. The highlights of this show include: An African Village, The Middle Passage, Plantation Life, The Harlem Renaissance and The Civil Rights Movement. The performance includes a show with a post show discussion. This exciting educational and entertaining performance will feature choreography by Dr. Glendola Yhema Mills, Parris Mann, Sheila A. Ward and Wayne St. David.

Dr. Sheila A. Ward is currently on the Virginia Artist in Residency Roster, Virginia Commission on the Arts and the Dance Roster of the Richmond Arts Council and has conducted many dance residencies throughout Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. From These Roots is inspired by her dance research and residency activities called “From Africa to Hip-Hop”, which she has presented to hundreds of school students. She conducted the research, selected and created the text and staged the show. Artist Educator, Allison M. Ward, MA, Ed.M. selected visual images reflecting the various historical moods and themes. Shawn-Lamere Willilams, Artistic Director of Eleone Dance Theatre, is the director of dance for the show. This show is great for classes in Music, Dance, Art, English, History and Social Studies.