The E. Gwynn Dancers of A&T performed their spring performance, Sankofa, in Harrison Auditorium on S April 9.  The E. Gwynn Dancers of A&T has been in existence since 1985. This captivating dance concert included: The University Choir Ensemble, who sung The Black National Anthem, and guest artist, Victor Trent Cook. “The fact that we had Victor Trent Cook has made this event really special. The other thing is just being able to get up every day, do this, still keep going and being positive,” stated Eleanor Gwynn.

Victor Trent Cook, a counter-tenor and the special guest for this event, began singing at the age of three in his home church, the House of David in Brooklyn, New York.  He has performed and shared the stage with Pavarotti to Barbara Streisand to Pattie Labelle.  Singing at this event was his first visit and experience coming to A&T. Cook is currently recording and performing with the ensemble, Cook, Dixon & Young (formerly known as Three Mo’ Tenors), from PBS Great Performances Series.

The opening dance for this event was the dance known as the Doundounba, choreographed by Sherone Price, which displayed exciting and powerful movements and emotion.  It depicted warrior strength of both men and women.  The next dance performed was called the Ghanian Suite, which included three dances (Executioner’s Dance, Adowa, and Kpanlogo) all-originating from Ghana.

“There’s a lot that I like about dancing. There is the energy of it, the pieces that we do, the people that we meet, and the opportunities that we get,” states Alana Frost, a dancer in the concert and also a senior who has studied abroad and traveled to Africa to learn different types of African dances.

William Trice was the next performer and he recited the poem Stimela. Following that was the dance Coal Train, a South African fusion dance that was created by Maxwell Rani of Cape Town, South Africa, based on the lives of men and women who came to Johannesburg from various African towns to work in the gold mines that were deep into the earth.  

The dancers then performed the Jamaican dance, Fi Wi Kumina.  This dance is a celebration that reflects how Jamaicans communicate and play. Nicholeen Degrasse-Johnson choreographed this performance and Lenneth Richards was the traditional dance advisor.  All of the dancers had great stage chemistry and kept the high energy level of the performance to create a feeling of excitement and happiness on stage.  

The dancers performed Harvest for the final performance.  The choreographer for this performance was Sherone Price.  Harvest represents the time of year when men and women celebrate a season of an abundance of crops.  This dance is significant in many West African communities.

Cook displayed a great way to give back to the community and helping others by performing at this event.  “Always be true to your craft,” stated Cook, “Be true to you, and how much you can do. Don’t try to be anybody else. You can become somebody else but you still have to be you. As long as you have honesty, you’ll never lose.”  

• Shannon Brooks