Dr. Charles "Chuck" Davis - Founder - (Jan. 1, 1937 - May 14, 2017)
April 1985 - May 2017
Refusing to become one of those who forget, We are reminded, that we are standing, marching, kneeling and existing by the grace and will of the Merciful Creator and to give true obeisance to HIM, is to NOT forget the warriors of the past, and the Elders of today.
AADE Founding Members
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Davis – Founder
Founding Dancers
- Venita (Ashford) Allen
- Gloria (Muldrow) Bailey (past title: Dance Capt)
- Ivy Burch (past title: Dance Capt)
- Lou Carter
- Toni K. Hall (prior title: Dance Capt)
- Brenda Hayes (past title: Costumes/ Attire)
- Gail (Martin) Rouse
- Ava (McFarland) Vinesett (past title: Assistant to the Director)
- Leah Wise
- Thaddeus Bennett
- Lavender “L.D.” Burris
- Jimmie Green
- Sherone Price
- Jimmy Williams
Founding musicians
- Beverly Botsford
- George Glenn
- Khalid Saleem (past title: Musical Director)
- Hashim Saleh
Technical Director/Lighting Designer
Program Director
- Demetrius Holder
Board of Directors
- Ms. Kimberly Monroe – Chair
- Dr. Deb Royals – Vice Chair
- Mrs. Marjorie Black – Secretary
- Mr. Armeer Kenchen – Treasurer
- Dr. Daran Mitchell
- Mr. James Tabron
Dr. B. Angeloe Burch Sr. - Executive Director
Dr. Burch currently serves as Executive Director for the African American Dance Ensemble. He is a Member of the NC Museum of Arts Board of Trustees, on the Homeless Services Advisory Committee. A life of service and commitment to the community and to mankind is the most fulfilling thing any person could wish. Dr. Burch is the Board Chair for FCR (Families and Communities Rising, Member of the Access to Care Committee, a member of the National Kidney Foundation, Member of Red Mt. Lodge #468 of the Prince Hall Masons, Holy Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, Durham Consistory #218, ZAFA Temple Shriners #176 and many other civic organizations.
AADE BOARD
AADE STAFF
AADE ARTISTS
The strength of AADE is the positive, proactive and cooperation between it’s people. To understand the need of the ARTS to make a difference in the lives of the community we serve. We dance for peace, for health and the well-being of all.
In The Moment Of Crisis, The Wise Build Bridges And The Foolish Build Dams.
Nigerian Proverb
The African Connection
Chuck’s connection to Africa began with his birth, but the artistic connection began with a performance of the Sierra Leone National Dance Company at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. Study in Africa became a goal. The opportunity came in 1977 when the Chuck Davis Dance Company participated in FESTAC, an international exposition and celebration of African culture, held in Lagos, Nigeria. Each year thereafter, he has returned to the continent for further study of traditional dance styles and music.
The African American Dance Ensemble
Each season from 1980 to 1984 the Chuck Davis Dance Company was in residence with the American Dance Festival’s Community Services Program and each season the participants in this outreach program grew. By 1983 it had become obvious that there was a developing core of local dancers whose levels of proficiency were approaching those of the professionals from whom they were learning. The African American Dance Ensemble was born. The Ensemble’s “arrival” was in February 1984 when they gave their first full concert as an independent professional company. In the 1985 season of the American Dance Festival, the African American Dance Ensemble stood on its own and took its place among the other established companies when it premiered two new Chuck Davis works, “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning,” and “Drought,” both of which were commissioned by the American Dance Festival.