​"Serving Nia" was commissioned and created for the the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater while under the direction of Judith Jamison in 2001.

Ronald K. Brown and Associate Artistic Director Arcell Cabuag reimagined and restaged this work for EVIDENCE in honor of Judith Jamison and for  EVIDENCE's 40th Anniversary season.

​

"I see the piece as an exercise in learning your purpose, a sense of duty in  life, and how we can shift to a level of  understanding ones sense of responsibility and purpose in  life.

Nia means 'purpose' in Swahili

A variety of musical selections underscore the melding of genres and the ballet’s themes. Music by [jazz musician] Roy Brooks "The Free Slave,’” Brown said. "His description of the free slave is someone who serves no one but the creator." From there, the soundtrack moves into a piece "Jeffuso" and finally shifts into Dizzy Gillespie's 'Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac.' There's a sense of humor in it. It starts with this Yoruba Chant… and that's where the piece finishes and it's all about these angels reminding us to serve our purpose until our time is done."

​