'Sacred Slave Stories' Moves Audience at Wayne Densch in Sanford

The Moore Dance Project expresses the pain and hope of our enslaved ancestors through dance. One of the founders of MDP, Dario Moore, read the Federal Writers’ Project and was so moved that he choreographed a creative and innovative contemporary ballet to pay tribute to the voices of slavery, "Sacred Slave Stories."

MDP spent the month of February touring with this project. They stopped at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford, FL on February 27. The dancers actually dance to the voices of the survivors, using narratives taken from the first-person accounts that can be found in the Federal Writers’ Project.

In addition to the riveting words, Moore uses spirituals, hymns and freedom songs to serve as a canvas for this beautiful expression of dance. The truth told in this performance evokes shock, sadness, hope and inspiration. Slavery is a subject people often find difficult to discuss. However, it is a subject that Americans must talk about and learn from in order to heal from the terrible wounds. MDP has found a way to teach and discuss this topic in a beautiful way.

MDP plans to continue touring with this dance. They have used and will also continue to use it in schools to teach this very important part of American history to young people. MDP was awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to do just that. In fact, Moore says "Sacred Slave Stories" meets Sunshine State Standards.

MDP is Central Florida’s first and only African-American professional dance ensemble. The company was founded in 2001 by Moore and Craig Johnson. MDP produces and practices at the Center for Contemporary Dance in Winter Park, FL. The Center for Contemporary Dance is a very diverse school with a unique social mission. They serve to educate and entertain through dance.

MDP will perform "Ahimsa" in collaboration with the Asian Cultural Association of Central Florida on May 15 at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford, FL. For more information about performances, sponsorship, classes or booking call 407-695-8366 or go to www.thecenterfordance.org.

Seminole County NAACP Celebrates Black History in Sanford Florida

The Seminole County Branch of the NAACP kicked off 2011 with an inspiring celebration of black history and a whole new crop of leaders.

The Annual Black History Celebration took place at the newly renovated Lake Monroe Old South Motel right on the waterfront of Sanford, Florida. Dr. Barbara Kirby-Bentley served as Mistress of Ceremony. Several public officials came out to support the work of the NAACP and celebrate black heritage and progress, including Commissioner Dr. Velma Williams and Interim Sanford Police Chief Steven Harriett.

Guests enjoyed great food and great entertainment. Actually, the experience at this luncheon couldn't simply be described as entertainment. It was more like church. Minister Cubit Malone sang a stirring rendition of "A Change is Going to Come." The featured speaker, Pam Powell, shook the room with her rousing message of hope.

The Seminole County NAACP branch installed its new officers and executive committee. This event provided a perfect catalyst for the important work of the NAACP.

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in America. It was formed in 1909 by an interracial group of citizens who were passionate about making America live up to its promise. The NAACP continues its work with more than 500,000 members and 2,200 branches, youth councils and college chapters.