Sankofa: "Evolution"

The Williams College Dance Program is proud to present Sankofa’s Spring Concert, Evolution, performing May 4th and 5th at 8:00 pm, in the MainStage of the ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance.

In light of Sankofa’s 10-year anniversary, the spring show captures the spirit of “looking back to step forward,” a concept that is embodied in the Ghanaian word “sankofa” and the energy of the squad. The show features three main acts to highlight the historical importance of step, both internationally and its birth at Williams. The first act establishes South African gumboot step and American tap dance as the introduction of step and percussive dance as an art form. In the second act, Sankofa revisits old original choreography to pay respect to founders and past members in celebration of its 10 years at Williams. Finally, Sankofa will end the show by using past choreography and influences to develop new and innovative material.

Sankofa draws on a rich artistic and cultural heritage to choreograph original material in the step tradition, incorporating popular song, drums, hip-hop, break dance, spoken word and poetry. This show will feature pieces that highlight the fundamental skills needed for stepping – precision, control and synchronization – as well as cane work.

A student organization supported by the Williams College Dance Program, Sankofa was created in the fall of 1996, and is the first and only step team at Williams College. Stepping is a unique art form, in that the movement of the body, such as stomping, clapping and finger snapping, creates rhythmic sounds. Often coupled with chanting or singing, stepping turns the entire body into one instrument for music and dance.

Sankofa is the 2006 3rd place winner of the Harvard Society of Black Scientists and Engineers’ 4th annual step show “Ain’t No Half Steppin'” competition. This prestigious competition features college teams from across the East Coast. Sankofa also had the distinct honor of hosting their own extremely successful Step Competition at Williams earlier this spring, featuring several colleges from across the eastern United States.

“Evolution” will be performed May 4 and 5 at 8 pm in the MainStage of the ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance. Tickets are $3 each. To make a reservation, please contact the Box Office at (413) 597 2425. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, 1pm-4pm, and 1 hour before each performance. The Box Office accepts cash and check only.