Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) will present the world-renowned Lula Washington Dance Theatre Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia Maier Foundation Performance Hall.
Well-known as the choreographer for James Cameron’s film “Avatar,” Lula Washington has been a creative force in dance, education and community development for 35 years. Her work incorporates the dance styles of gospel church, classical ballet, modern, street, theatrical and hip-hop. Critics praise Washington for her artistry, social commentary and roots in African-American culture.
The Lula Washington Dance Theatre has risen to become one of the largest and most admired African-American dance companies in the West and is known for exploring theatrical, entertaining and energetic works that are accessible to all audiences.
Some works are full of humor and fun, while others tap into the political and emotional undercurrent of the African-American community. Choreography is set to a variety of musical genres, ranging from experimental to blues to classical, and includes artists as diverse as John Coltrane, Bob Marley, Vivaldi and Bach.
The Lula Washington Dance Theatre was founded in 1980 by Washington and her husband, Erwin, to provide a creative outlet for minority dance artists in South Los Angeles. Together, they built a modern dance company that continues to travel the world, performing contemporary dance works that reflect African-American history and culture.
Through their educational outreach, the Washington’s established a school in the inner city where young people can learn the art of dance, launch careers in dance, and where dance is used to motivate, educate, inspire, challenge and enrich the lives of young people so they can become successful, productive and competitive citizens.
This event is free to WVSU students and employees with a WVSU ID. The cost of tickets is $20/$15, and for senior citizens and non-WVSU students, $15/$10. For more information, call (304) 741-0925 or the Clay Center Box Office at (304) 561-3570.
For more information about these and other events recognizing Black History Month at or supported by WVSU, visit .
Follow on Facebook and Twitter .