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American Visions, June-July, 1993 by Anthony C. Murphy

The Black Tradition in American Modern Dance, a project created in 1987 to preserve and celebrate classic dance works by African-American choreographers, celebrates its sixth season as part of the American Dance Festival at Duke University, in Durham, N.C. At the same time, ADF celebrates its 60th anniversary with performances scheduled from June 10 to July 24.

This year, the tradition is continued by the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, of Ohio, and the Durham-based African-American Dance Ensemble. Dayton's company closes the season with its last performance of a reconstruction of choreographer Dianne McIntyre's "Take Off From a Forced Landing." "It was a dance that I wanted to have as part of [our] repertoire," says DCDC artistic director Jeraldyne Blunden, "and I was excited about having my dancers work with Ms. McIntyre."

The African-American Dance Ensemble, during its two-day engagement at the festival, premieres "Iyaya," a commissioned traditional Zairian work by choreographer Monkenza-Mo-Mpongo.

Other activities include a six-week course of intensive training with professional artists and instructors, including McIntyre and Chuck Davis; the release of a booklet of essays, African American Genius in Modern Dance; and the awarding of the 1993 Samuel H. Scripps ADF Award for Lifetime Achievement in Choreography to Tarey Beatty on June 27.