Soul in motion coming to CSB's Escher Auditorium Oct. 27

Expect soul in motion with Ronald K. Brown and Evidence, A Dance Company.

This world-renowned dance company presents a distinctive movement that blends cultures and styles with technical precision to showcase human struggles, triumphs and compassion.

Evidence and Brown will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at Escher Auditorium on the College of Saint Benedict campus as part of the Fine Arts Series at Saint John’s University and CSB.

Brown founded Evidence in 1985 and since has advocated “for the growth of the African-American dance community” and continues to “encourage young dancers to choreograph and to develop careers in dance,” according to the company’s website.

“Brown’s choreography is in high demand,” the website wrote. Brown has created work for some of the most respected dance companies in the world, including Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater and Philadanco. He also did the choreography for Regina Taylor’s award-winning play “Crown,” receiving an  Audience Development Committee, Inc. (AUDELCO) Award for his choreography in that production.

Brown is also the recipient of the Fred & Adele Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography in the Tony-Award winning the Gershwins’ “Porgy & Bess.” Additional awards include a Doris Duke Artist Award, John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer Fellowship, New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, The Ailey School Apex Award and United States Artists Fellowship.

“I hope that when people see the work, their spirits are lifted. I am interested in sharing perspectives through modern dance, theater and kinetic storytelling,” said Brown, who has taught master classes in contemporary dance, as well as text and movement workshops in performance and teaching residencies throughout the United States.

After a performance of expressive dance, the result is an evening of uplifting dance filled with messages of empathy, unity and hope.

Evidence tours around the United States and abroad to places like Cuba, Ireland and Canada. They travel not only to perform but to “teach master classes and conduct lecture demonstrations for individuals of all ages,” according to their website

Tickets for the performance are $29 for adults, $26 for seniors, CSB and SJU faculty and staff $22, youth/student (with ID) $15 and CSB and SJU students $10. The event is sponsored in part by D.J. Bitzan Fine Diamonds Jewelry, the Mahowald Family and the Norie and Bob Mahowald Charitable Fund.

For tickets, order online or call the Benedicta Arts Center Box Office at 320-363-5777.

The performance is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Prior to the performance, join Brown and visual artist Laurie Wohl for a discussion prior on the role of spirituality in each artist’s art-making process. “Spirituality and Hope in Art Making” will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Gorecki Gallery, BAC. That event is free and open to the public.

Following the discussion, there will be a pre-performance “Wine and Appetizers” reception from 6-7 p.m. in the Gallery Lounge, BAC. Cost is $20, and includes a glass of wine and appetizers. A cash bar will also be available.

To order tickets to the pre-performance reception, order online or call the Benedicta Arts Center Box Office at 320-363-5777.