I hope that when people see the work, their spirits are lifted.
– Ronald K. Brown
MISSION
Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company seeks to promote understanding of the human condition through the dances and storytelling of the African Diaspora, and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement and spoken word.
OUR COMPANY AND ITS ORIGINS
Following a field trip in the 2nd Grade to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ronald K. Brown was inspired to take his first dance class at Bed Stuy Restoration, a local community center that today he oversees as its Co-Artistic Director. After turning down a college scholarship for journalism, Brown made the life-changing decision to become a choreographer.
“It wasn’t until I graduated from high school that I had the courage to figure this dance thing out.“
Two years later, in 1985, Brown founded EVIDENCE, a dance company dedicated to connecting audiences to the rich history, traditions, and complex stories of African Americans and the African Diaspora.
Brown gave his newly-formed company the name EVIDENCE because he wanted people—especially young people and people of color—to see a reflection, or evidence, of their families, their neighbors, their stories, and their circumstances, on stage.
In the four decades since the company’s founding, Brown has created a rich and diverse body of work that is significant in its pioneering blend of classic and traditional forms grounded by compelling ancestral narratives. Additionally, Brown is one of the nation’s most celebrated choreographers. He has created over 30 works for EVIDENCE, and has garnered commissions from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Jacob’s Pillow, The Kennedy Center, The Joyce Theater, Ballet Hispanico, Malpaso Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Jeune Ballet d’Afrique Noire, and Harlem Stage, to name a few.
“Grace was a masterpiece from the start. It was Brown’s first commission for Ailey — and it transformed the company.“
– Gia Kourlas, The New York Times.
The company’s repertory holds many treasures, but perhaps none more luminous than Brown’s masterpiece Grace, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, and has been in the company repertory since 2004. The work weaves the story of a Goddess’ journey to Earth to spread grace among humans.Today the company tours extensively in the US, reaching annual audiences of more than 25,000, and globally including visits to Cuba, Brazil, France, Mexico, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Through a profoundly unique repertory of dance works and community-based, intergenerational education programs, Brown’s work is designed to empower, educate and connect. Brown is an advocate for the growth of the African American dance community and is instrumental in encouraging young dancers to choreograph and to develop careers in dance.
Learn more about the company’s repertory.
Ronald K. Brown/ EVIDENCE: https://www.joyce.org/performances/ronald-k-brown-evidence-tj3c
Dances we will see:
Torch
Clear As Tearwater
Where The Light Shines Through (Company premiere)
Grace
