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Black Dance Exchange makes big leap at GSU

The 2005 Black College Dance Exchange kicked off Wednesday, April 6 with a cross-campus processional. The organization of dance groups from HBCUs made a stop on the Grambling State University campus. Activities concluded Sunday.

This year’s annual event featured three master teachers who were on hand to instruct dancers from across the country. The master teachers were Dr. Joselli Deans an educator from the Temple University Dance Department in Philadelphia; Carol Anglin, a dance teacher from Shreveport, who gave nutrition instruction; and Allyne Gartrell, a dancer and choreographer from Dallas, who taught stage make-up.

This year’s honoree was Delores Brown Abelson.

A special appearance was made by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, which performed a professional concert Friday, April 8.

Playing host to the national concention was GSU’s Orchesis Dance Troupe and their adviser, Diane Maroney-Grigsby.

General events included student concerts Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9. Both concerts were staged in the T.H. Harris Auditorium.

Various events, training and workshops were held around campus and social activities for visiting dancers included outings to area entertainment venues.

Training sessions included instruction in various styles – from ballet to jazz to African to hip-hop – and for all level of dancers.