August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble(Pennsylvania)
www.awcde.net

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture’s vision of engaging regional and national audiences in the preservation, presentation, interpretation, celebration and shaping of art, culture and history of African Americans in Western Pennsylvania and people of African descent throughout the world, lead to the inception of AWCDE. In the spring of 2009, Greer Reed was awarded the coveted title of Fellow at the August Wilson Center to create AWCDE. The company’s first season (2009–2010) was one to be remembered by the audiences of Pittsburgh. Reed’s vision for AWCDE was to provide a bridge in the regional dance community, reaching across ethnic and socio- economic lines to bring different dancers, of different backgrounds and different styles together to celebrate the diversity of dance. It has done just that. With choreography and technique to be envied, AWCDE’s lineup of talented young dancers has made an impression on the “Steel City” and beyond by claiming a spot on Dance Magazine’s 2012 “Top 25 to Watch.” With their versatile choreographers and powerhouse dancers, AWCDE proves to be an up and coming force.

"The August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble flexes its supple muscles and claims the spotlight with quicksilver agility, fierce athleticism, finely honed Horton technique, and innate theatricality.” – Dance Magazine

Touring Programs

August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble (AWCDE) currently has 2 programs available for touring. The company also has repertory that presenters and artistic directors can choose to best suit the presenter’s community and vision. The company tours with 7 dancers.

Program A: Dynamic Men of Dance Tours with 7 dancers.
“Dynamic Men of Dance” graces the stage with athleticism and imagination with pieces from Kyle Abraham (Pittsburgh/NYC), Darrell Grand Moultrie (NYC) and Antonio Brown (NYC).

Program B: Dynamic Women of Dance Tours with 7 dancers

“Dynamic Women of Dance” featured the works of four notable female choreographers, both locally and nationally: Kiesha Lalama (Pittsburgh), Camille A. Brown (NYC), Sidra Bell (NYC), Kim Y. Bears-Bailey (Philadelphia).