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The Juba Dance Ensemble’s Journey Through Black Dance

WUTC

Published June 12, 2023 at 10:45 AM EDT

Dancers from Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts and Ideas website.

With Juneteenth a week away, dance will soon be on display at this year’s Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts and Ideas.

On Friday, starting at 7 PM, the Juba Dance Ensemble will present its inaugural performance at Chattanooga Theatre Centre: a journey through the history of dance created by Black people.

After the performance, around 8:30 PM, the ensemble dancers - all local, and who have performed around Chattanooga and Hamilton County - will participate in a panel discussion.

On Saturday, starting at 11 AM, they will be among the professional dancers at CTC who will teach the Katherine Dunham Juba Festival Dance Workshops in African, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary styles.

Crystal Newson is the Ensemble’s director.

Damien Kyle is one of the choreographers.