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Two Separate Programs Of Social-Political-Economic
And Identity Concsious Dance/Theatrical Works at
STUDIO “A” DANCE STUDIO IN SILVERLAKE, in
Los Angeles ON MAY 19 AND MAY 20TH @ 8:
30PM
Marking the Donlavy Dance Company’s official re-
surgence back into the dance community, the Donlavy
Dance Company under the direction of Artistic
Director/CEO, Samuel Donlavy, will present a
collection of new dance and theatrical works under the
umbrella title, “I’M BLACK…And So Damn Happy.”
Donlavy intentionally and consciously pushes
audiences towards thought and community
awareness. Though the title, “I’m BLACK,” clearly
identifies the controversial African American, Gay and
Handicapped Artist, Donlavy also states that “I’M
BACK HOME.”
Dance has never left my soul or spirit even when life
and the threat of a terminal illness were thrown his
way. The show “I’M BLACK….And So Damn
Happy,” will be a choreographic and narrative revisit to
some of the DDC’s more note-worthy repertoire
works created over a decade ago. Feeling like pieces
like the 1994, “Stained Glass” and the 1995 “When It
Came to Dinner, Donlavy states “Nothing much has
changed.” “In fact, it’s only gotten worse.”
These pieces, Donlavy states, “Are more relevant
today than they were almost two decades ago.” “I’M
BLACK…And So Damn Happy” will be presented with
two separate programs at Studio A Dance on Friday,
May 19 and Saturday May 20, 2006 with reception
and Artist Gallery at 8:00pm followed by the show at 8:
30pm
Venturing into Mr. Donlavy’s most confrontational
exhibition to date, the show’s purpose is to bring
thought and consciousness to those individuals with
disabilities to the forefront of America’s thinking. As
fourteen year old Kalia Robinson, guest artist and
director of her own praise dancer’s states, “it’s time
that the public see what positive things our youth has
to offer,” noting that gangbanging and murder doesn’t
have to be the stereotype we see on the local media
channels.
With a renewed spirit and faith and dedication to God,
the Donlavy Dance Company has collaborated with
over 10 guest artists and veteran choreographers like
Winifred R. Harris, Dulce Capadocia and Rose Lago
Thomas to bring a message to domestic issues running
unchecked and out of control throughout America.
As Mr. Donlavy states, the two shows run the
emotional gamut from the loss of a loved one to the on-
going fight for freedom of speech, to Social Security
reform and Medi-cal while at the same time seeking
what Samuel feels is everyone’s universal search for
JOY in his or her life.
Tied thematically together with text, dance, dance
media and song with musical direction under bass
guitarist Johan Gamble, the show will surely leave its
audiences with different insights.
Since its inception the Donlavy Dance Company has
performed in a number of highly respected local
venues, including Los Angeles and San Diego
presentations of “Black Choreographers Moving
Toward the 21st Century”, the “Voices in Motion”
concert series, the “Holiday on Modern” benefit series,
as well as sold out performances at LACE and
HIGHWAYS.
Acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times Critic, Lewis
Segal, Segal said, “[the company] colored the dancing
so vibrantly that the company projected a thrilling
emotional generosity that many of the best known
touring ensembles lost long ago.”
“I’M BLACK and So Damn Happy” will run Program
A, Friday, May 19 at 8:30pm and Program B on
Saturday, May 20, at 8:30pm at Studio A Dance Studio
in Silver lake.
Cocktail and artist gallery reception will commence on
both nights at 8:00pm. Studio “A” is located at 2306
Hyperion Boulevard between Sunset Boulevard and
Tracy Street. Tickets are $20.00 with reception and
gallery, $15.00 for show only. E-reservations can be
made online only through Donlavydancin@sbcglobal.
net. “I’M BLACK and So Damn Happy” is Executive
Produced by Samuel Donlavy and Co-Produced by
Mihkil Gipson.
# # #
| Dance Company Leaps into New Production By: Herndon L. Davis |
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| Empowering The World's Diversity |
| DONLAVY DANCE COMPANY, GUEST ARTISTS AND FRIENDS SET TO PRESENT “I’M BLACK, and So Damn Happy!” |
For nearly three decades one man has stayed true to his
passion and purpose in life which is to dance. When he
wasn’t on stage himself he was teaching others how to
ascend to it. Now his newest production, I’M BLACK, and
So Damn Happy! he challenges viewers to reassess how
they approach life in the face of adversity and life
threatening illness.
Samuel Donlavy has been HIV+ for 18 years but that hasn’t
stopped him from cheating a would be death sentence and
inspiring audiences to embrace his heights of divinity
through dance and inspirational choreography.
On Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, Donlavy debuts the
first of several weekend shows accompanied with a slew of
well known contributing dancers and artists. The first
production will be held in the Silver Lake area of Los
Angeles at Studio A Dance Studio.
Donlavy explains that the theme of the show is “to bring
disabilities to the forefreont. Those that are in a wheel
chair, those that are blind, [and] that have some learning
disability.” He says he was inspired to the do the show after
suffering a minor stroke which rendered him speechless for
six weeks.
He was also dealing with the year-long illness of his mother
who miraculously survived her ordeal as well. Donlavy
explains that “Upon watching my mother take her first two
steps out of being hooked up to a ventilator and a life
support system I realized I had watched God’s miracle
come to be. And upon that I decided to basically recommit
myself to my art and my dance.”
He stresses that despite the title, the show is inclusive of all
races and ethnicities and represent every illness that anyone
has ever battled in their lives or in the lives of their loved
ones.
Donlavy remembers that his earliest desire to choreograph
was around the age of 5. From there he and his sister
would create dance moves accompanied by a full stereo
system while washing the dishing in the kitchen he joyfully
recalls.
As an educator, he taught for 16 years, and proudly states
that “there are no challenges working with children.” In
fact after spending the entire day teaching English, he would
host an after-school dance program which he created.
Through all of his success and creativity, he never forgets
where his inspiration is mined as he affirmatively states that
his gifts are truly “God given.”
passion and purpose in life which is to dance. When he
wasn’t on stage himself he was teaching others how to
ascend to it. Now his newest production, I’M BLACK, and
So Damn Happy! he challenges viewers to reassess how
they approach life in the face of adversity and life
threatening illness.
Samuel Donlavy has been HIV+ for 18 years but that hasn’t
stopped him from cheating a would be death sentence and
inspiring audiences to embrace his heights of divinity
through dance and inspirational choreography.
On Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, Donlavy debuts the
first of several weekend shows accompanied with a slew of
well known contributing dancers and artists. The first
production will be held in the Silver Lake area of Los
Angeles at Studio A Dance Studio.
Donlavy explains that the theme of the show is “to bring
disabilities to the forefreont. Those that are in a wheel
chair, those that are blind, [and] that have some learning
disability.” He says he was inspired to the do the show after
suffering a minor stroke which rendered him speechless for
six weeks.
He was also dealing with the year-long illness of his mother
who miraculously survived her ordeal as well. Donlavy
explains that “Upon watching my mother take her first two
steps out of being hooked up to a ventilator and a life
support system I realized I had watched God’s miracle
come to be. And upon that I decided to basically recommit
myself to my art and my dance.”
He stresses that despite the title, the show is inclusive of all
races and ethnicities and represent every illness that anyone
has ever battled in their lives or in the lives of their loved
ones.
Donlavy remembers that his earliest desire to choreograph
was around the age of 5. From there he and his sister
would create dance moves accompanied by a full stereo
system while washing the dishing in the kitchen he joyfully
recalls.
As an educator, he taught for 16 years, and proudly states
that “there are no challenges working with children.” In
fact after spending the entire day teaching English, he would
host an after-school dance program which he created.
Through all of his success and creativity, he never forgets
where his inspiration is mined as he affirmatively states that
his gifts are truly “God given.”
Copyrighted 2006
Herndon Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio Host
of The Herndon Davis Reports. He can be reached directly
at http://herndondavis.com
Herndon Davis is an author, lecturer, and TV/Radio Host
of The Herndon Davis Reports. He can be reached directly
at http://herndondavis.com