SOUTHERN DANCEWORKS MAKES STRONG COMEBACK WITH GUEST CHOREOGRAPHER GERMAUL BARNES May 22 – 23, Harrison Theatre, Samford University

BIRMINGHAM – Southern Danceworks makes a strong come-back to the professional modern dance scene with an extraordinary spring performance at the Harrison Theatre with Samford University as co-sponsor. New York City based choreographer Germaul Barnes, formerly of the Bill T. Jones Company, is creating a new work, “Red Yellow Green,” to an exciting score by Aranis. Mr. Barnes is in residence with the company through April 24. The program also offers a collaborative new premier by Artistic Director Teri Weksler, violinist Karen Bentley Pollick, and percussionist John Scalici, featuring the composers-musicians along with four dancers including guest Roger Van Fleteren from the Alabama Ballet. A dance originally commissioned by the Alabama Ballet, “Quixotic” by Weksler, and a piece commissioned by Baryshnikov’s ensemble round out the program. Performances are Saturday May 22 at 7:30 P.M., and Sunday May 23 at 2:30 P.M. Tickets are available at 205-726-2853 for $20 adults, $15 seniors, and $10 students. Online ticket purchase available at www.southerndanceworks.com/tickets.

Guest Artist Germaul Barnes was a principle dancer with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company for nine years. In 2003 he was honored with a (Bessie) New York Dance and Performance Award for his work in the Bill T. Jones company. Also in 2003, Mr. Barnes received an Arts International Grant to support his anthropology study in the small village of Kwahu Tafo in Ghana, West Africa. In 1993, Mr. Barnes moved to Berlin, Germany to perform with Tolada Dance Company and taught throughout Europe. Returning to the United States in 1995, Mr. Barnes joined the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. Mr. Barnes has also danced with Philadanco--Philadelphia Dance Company, Movement Source Inc. Dance Co. and Group Motion Dance Company and has worked with artists Donald McKayle, Eleo Pomare, Katherine Dunham, Ron K. Brown, Ballet Arizona, Milton Myers, Stacey Fox, and Koffie Koko.