Evelyn Howell
Herald Staff Writer

TODD WETHERINGTON | DAILY HERALD Chuck Davis gets a helping hand from Weldon Elementary student Anthony Jackson as he demonstrates the traditional African instrument the shekere during a performance at the school Wednesday. Advertisement

WELDON — Youngsters at Weldon Elementary School experienced an African dance performance along with a demonstration and lecture in African culture during a special presentation by the  Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble Wednesday.

Dressed in costumes of earth colors, elegant and eloquent dancers swirled from one end of the stage to the other as youngsters and teachers lost themselves in the rhythm and the magic of movement — rocking and swaying to the music.

Davis, known for his colorful and vivid robes, instructed and engaged the kids on African-American dance and language.

The 71-year-old African dance guru, teacher and choreographer has been teaching and performing for decades.

Davis greeted the bright eyed and excited audience with “agoo” meaning attention and “amee” meaning I am listening.

These expressions were used throughout the presentation with Davis saying “agoo” and the young voices responding loudly in unison with “amee.”

Davis also engaged the teachers who were invited on-stage to move to the beat of the drums which created lots of giggles and laughter with hands clapping in excitement in the audience.

Mike Volz, an arts teacher, said that he enjoyed participating on stage, especially the movement and the rhythm which he described as “a good spirit.”

Davis also shared the rich history on African dance, music, culture and instruments — all making the lecture entertaining and captivating.

Davis said that the African dance is all about peace, love and respect for everybody especially your elders.

In closing his presentation, Davis encouraged kids to stay away from drugs by engaging them to repeat, “No drugs in my life, no alcohol in my life, no beer, no wine in my life, no whiskey in my life and no cigarettes in my life.”

Davis also added that reading is important and presented a special request to the audience.

“Before Christmas, I want you to read at least 20 books. Now who can promise me that they can do this?” Almost all of their little hands were raised high.

Weldon Elementary is just one of several local schools Davis and his African-American Dance Ensemble are visiting during its Valley visit that includes a community sharing project where members of the community are invited to take part in the celebration.

A final show involving the community is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.

Rehearsals are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., today and Friday at The Centre at Halifax Community College. There will be workshops on African dance, drumming and sharing time with Davis on each of these nights.

Davis is making costumes for each of the performers for Saturday’s event and is encouraging all those who can sew and are willing to learn about African culture to volunteer. For more information, call Jason Stewart at The Centre (252) 536-6390. Tickets for the Saturday event are $10 and 12 and under are free . To purchase tickets, call (252) 536-4336 or you may go online www.hcccentre.com.