Rhapsody's Revue, marietta, GA
A cultural arts experience through movement, song, and spoken word.
An intimate group of talented, vibrant and creative dancers from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, we combine music and dance origins from the Caribbean, Africa and modern America in an eclectic blend of dynamic cultural fusion.
Here is a brief history about who we are, how we began and what we do:
In 1989, seven female undergraduates of Duquesne University took a bold step in celebration of their cultural diversity and created the Rhapsody Performance Ensemble.
Fusing various traditional African dances, which culminated into a theme titled “Negritude Celebration,” this talented group of women found themselves performing routinely for functions at local Pittsburgh and surrounding state universities from 1989-1994.
Their group’s repertoire incorporated—in addition to African and Afro-Caribbean dance—modern dance, classical ballet, jazz and spoken word.
Since then, the ensemble has been hired to perform in cultural celebrations, private functions, church gatherings, community rallies, and international banquets.
Of the Afro-Caribbean dances exhibited within the “Negritude Celebration,” the Bele dance remains the most popular. This performance carries a special history dating from Caribbean and South American slaves’ interpretation of court dances in the salons of Spain, France and England. These courtly performances served as a means for white aristocracy to celebrate their wealth and lavish lifestyles. Usurped by slaves in African-infused mockery, “the Bele” is a flirtatious dance in which women simultaneously compete for men’s attention while teasing their admirers, thereby adding heightened, colorful energy to their already decadent taunt. The highlight and trademark of Rhapsody’s Performance, this eclectic mixing of Afro-Caribbean dance signifies the groups’ versatility and appeal.
The group has had the fortune of incorporating reknown performers such as Lokua Kanza, Umoja African Music Ensemble, the artistic director of Afrika Yetu: Elie Kihonia, accomplished conductor Dr. Jean Montes, and professional steel pan musician: Wayne Walters into their on-going progress and development.
We invite you to visit our website at www.rhapsodysrevue.com for pictures and further information.
You can see more videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyWV8aekMG8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2qRWcwyrEs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgCR2sKUR1E
