Photo by:Ernesto Mancebo
IFE: MY HEART
(2005)
Choreography by: Ronald K. Brown
Music by: Solomon G. Ilori/Art Blakey “Prayer”
Nikki Giovanni “My House”
Art Blakey “Tobi Ilu”
Ballet Folklórico Cutumba de Santiago “Ochune Dide”
Ursula Rucker “Release”
Costumes: Omotayo Wunmi Olaiya
Lighting by: Dalila Kee
Ife: My Heart was built as the journey of three families traveling to one destination, the temple of God. A place where the heart was open. Originally choreographed for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2005, the work looks at the parallel journey of three traditions towards love, or “ife” (loving one another the way God loves us).
With costumes that reference the U.S., Cuba, and West Africa, the piece implores each of us to “release your heart” in response to the conflicts and conditions in the world and in our personal relationships
“…the passions and pulsations that animate his choreography ring with power and expressivity.”The poetry-reciting tracks that provide the work with its colorful rhythms and atmosphere make the “one destination” described “Ife/My Heart” a place where the dancing bodies are both grounded and in the clouds. Mr. Brown’s impressive career has taken him to a similar place.”
- Robert Greskovic, The Wall Street Journal