Brooklyn, N.Y.- Reginald Van Lee, Chairman of the Board and Ronald K. Brown, Founder and Artistic Director of Evidence, A Dance Company announced the appointment of Southamptonite Bruce Michael, former Vice-President/Creative Producer of the Radio City Rockettes to the post of Executive Director of Evidence, A Dance company now readying to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2010.For fifteen years, Mr. Michael was responsible for the artistic direction and creative development of the Rockettes, producing many high profile events starring the world famous precision dance company.
"I could not be more delighted over Bruce joining the Evidence 'family' as our Executive Director. His many years of experience in the performing arts, his business acumen and the genuine passion that he brings to the organization will not only fare well for us in our upcoming 25th anniversary but in years to come," said Reginald Van Lee.
Ronald K. Brown founded the company 24 years ago with the mission to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling. Evidence, A Dance Company is rooted in African dance fusing Contemporary, Jazz and Ballet with the rhythms and sounds of the African Diaspora and Caribbean cultures. It has become one of the most prominent and highly respected dance troupes in the world. Of the appointment of Mr. Michael, Brown stated, “As the Artistic Director of the Evidence, I am excited to work with Bruce Michael during this incredible moment in the life of the company. His history in the performing arts makes him a great addition to the staff. I look forward to working with him during this landmark anniversary and all that the future holds”.
One of Mr. Michael’s first duties will be to steer the company’s 6th Annual On Our Toes in The Hamptons Gala in Watermill on August 22 which has become the premiere continuing African American cultural event and a highlight of The Hamptons social season. A resident of both Southampton and New York, Michael is delighted that his first event for the company takes place in his own neighborhood. He expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture saying, “I am thrilled to be working with Ronald K. Brown whose vision for Evidence has had an impact on audiences throughout
the world.
As Evidence approaches its 25th Anniversary, I am very pleased to be collaborating with the company's Board of Directors, sponsors and donors on making this milestone year a success”.
He will also guide the company through its 25th Anniversary year highlights which include a four-week tour to Africa sponsored by the U.S. State Department and performances at the Vancouver International Dance Festival sponsored in part by the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Para Olympic Winter Games and the company’s annual Grace in
Winter Gala.
Michael brings to the position an extraordinary expertise in all areas of arts management, promotion and development, particularly in the world of dance. As the Vice President/Creative Producer of the Radio City Rockettes, he was responsible for the artistic direction and creative development of the Rockettes, producing many high profile events starring the world famous precision dance company. He conceived and co-created the first touring show for the Rockettes, “The Great Radio City Spectacular” which played in 70 locations throughout the United States and subsequently ran for 5 years at the Flamingo Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. He also produced many Rockette appearances in special events, galas and television specials including the annual Macy’s Parade, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, the Today Show, as well as appearances on the Tony Awards, Daytime Emmy Awards, Night of 100 Stars and Comic Relief. Throughout his tenure at
Radio City, Bruce helped preserve the timeless traditions of the Rockettes while expanding the company’s repertoire to encompass new choreography that kept the troupe as fresh and exciting in the 21st Century as they were when they first appeared at Radio City in 1932.
Prior to joining Radio City Entertainment, Bruce was the owner of Bruce Michael Associates. This company was known for producing and arranging national tours for an eclectic roster of attractions from “The National Dance Company of Senegal” and “Dancers and Musicians of Bali” to the first road tours of “Nunsense” and “The Chippendales.” With Joe Billone, he attained the rights to the film “Arthur” starring Dudley Moore, subsequently conceptualizing and co- producing “Arthur, The Musical.” Adapted for the stage by “Friends” creators, Marta Kauffman and David Crane with music by Michael Skloff, “Arthur, the Musical” premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House subsequently playing engagements throughout the United States as well as the Drama City in
Osaka, Japan.
For 10 years prior to starting his own company, Bruce Michael and Neil Fleckman ran a concert management firm devoted to locating promising regional dance companies and taking them to national status. Utilizing innovative marketing campaigns, many of the companies under their tour direction including “The Houston Ballet” and “The Ohio Ballet” performed their first national tours as well as their first New York seasons. They also specialized in producing Broadway and one-person shows, arranging the first national tours of “Tyntypes,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “The Madwoman of Central Park West” starring Phyllis Newman and “Jerry’s Girl’s,” starring Joanne Worley and subsequently
Carol Channing.
From 1996 through 2006 Bruce was on the advisory board of the School of the Arts at Montclair State University. He is currently on the gala leadership committee of Career Transition for Dancers and the Astaire Awards.
About Evidence, A Dance Company
The mission of Evidence, Inc. is to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling. The Company’s performances provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word, leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation. In addition to public performances, Evidence sponsors outreach programs, workshops, master classes and educational activities for dance enthusiasts of all ages.
Evidence, A Dance Company is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization founded by Choreographer and Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown. The company tours to some 30 communities around the world annually and performs a season at New York’s Joyce Theatre. It has also traveled overseas to
Cuba, Brazil, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Mexico and Senegal
to perform, teach master classes and conduct lecture / demonstrations for young people.
For more information about the dance company please go to
www.evidencedance.com