DANCE PLACE MARKS BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Dance Place, D.C.'s primary modern dance venue, is marking Black History Month with performances by Coyaba Dance Theater (February 6 and 7), Rennie Harris PureMovement (February 19 to 21) and nicholasleichterdance (February 27 and 28).

This celebration has been contentious in the past, since some African American artists felt ghettoized by performing only during this month. But Carla Perlo, director of Dance Place, says that isn't the theater's intent. "It's not that the only African American artists we present are during Black History Month," says Perlo. "It's just that we try to take that month and highlight those artists.

"I feel it's important to acknowledge the incredible contributions to the dance field African Americans have made historically, and the tremendous strides they continue to make in moving the field forward."

Directed by Sylvia Soumah, Coyaba Dance Theater's work is based on the traditional ceremonial dances of the West Indies' indigenous Arawak Indians. Philadelphia native Rennie Harris brings his "street" style to PureMovement with a blend of hip-hop, break dancing, and house. Finally, nicholasleichterdance uses humor and wit to turn everyday human interactions into delightful performance.

"These artists are chosen because they're such forerunners in taking tradition and making it contemporary in some way, while still holding on to traditional values," says Perlo.