Scholars@Duke
Ava LaVonne Vinesett

Ava LaVonne Vinesett

Professor of the Practice of Dance
Dance Program
ava@duke.edu
Box 90686, Durham, NC 27708-0686
2020 Campus Drive, Suite 209D, Durham, NC 27708
Office hours By appointment ava@duke.edu  

Scholarly Works

Once on This Island

Artistic production · October 2019 Musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; directed by Sophie Caplin and featuring the Duke Players and Amandla Choir. Branson Theater. October 21-22, 27-29, 2019. ... Cite

Kanyalang

Artistic production · March 30, 2019 Commissioned work for E. Gwynn and Dancers Company. In the Senegambia, Mandinka women establish support organizations to help address social conflicts. In this setting, women celebrate one another and demonstrate their female power as the source of life. ... Cite

Restaginf of Yansã the Tempest.

Artistic production · 2019 Based on research of the Candomblé religion in Salvador da Bahia, Yansã, the only female orixá, or divinity represents transformation. Created for the Duke African Repertory Ensemble. Musical arrangement by: Richard J. Vinesett using traditional music ... Cite

Sisters

Artistic production · 2019 A new work for the Duke African Repertory Ensemble. Musicians: Richard J. Vinesett (musical director), Beverly Botsford, Wesley Williams, Oesa SaVionne Vinesett. Costumes by Gail Rouse. Dancers Bonita Joyce, Ife Michelle Presswood, Naomi Namjala Washingt ... Cite

Sunu Reclamation

Artistic production · 2018 A new work for the Duke African Repertory Ensemble. Musicians: Richard J. Vinesett (musical director), Beverly Botsford, Wesley Williams. Costumes by Gail Rouse. Dancers: Setonji Agosa, Bonita Joyce, Anna Katz, Kalito Luna, Philip Moss, Victoria Prince, ... Cite

Modified African Ngoma Healing Ceremony for Stress Reduction: A Pilot Study.

Journal article J Altern Complement Med · October 2017 OBJECTIVE: Indigenous people's ceremonies using rhythm and dance have been used for countless generations throughout the world for healing, conflict resolution, social bonding, and spiritual experience. A previous study reported that a ceremony based on th ... Full text Link to item Cite

Go to Water.

Artistic production · September 2017 A new site-responsive work (Eno River) for Indigo Yard Gals. ... Cite

Enter the Yard

Artistic production · July 30, 2016 A new site-responsive work for Indigo Yard Gals. ... Cite

Enter the Yard

Artistic production · July 2016 A new site-responsive work for Indigo Yard Gals. ... Cite

Initiation

Artistic production · April 2016 Choreography and jun-jun drum composition for Duke student and community dancers to perform at the spring dance concert ChoreoLab 2016. ... Cite

Breaking of the Storm

Artistic production · November 2015 Choreographed for Duke student and community dancers to perform at fall dance concert November Dances 2015. ... Cite

Therapeutic Potential of a Drum and Dance Ceremony Based on the African Ngoma Tradition.

Journal article J Altern Complement Med · August 2015 OBJECTIVE: Ngoma ceremonies are used throughout Central and South Africa to help people address "difficult issues," including medical illness. They are examples of ceremonies that use strong rhythms and dance for this purpose in indigenous cultures through ... Full text Link to item Cite

Bao

Artistic production · March 2015 Choreographed for Duke student dancers to perform at the spring dance concert, ChoreoLab 2015. From the southeast of Guinea, West Africa, "Bao" highlights the permanent bonds created during initiation rites. ... Link to item Cite

Kassa/Dundunba

Artistic production · November 2014 Choreographed for Duke student dancers to perform at the fall dance concert, November Dances 2014. ... Cite

CuleBra II

Artistic production · March 2014 Choregraphed for Duke student and community dancers to perform at the spring dance concert, ChoreoLab 2014. ... Cite

Adinkra Wisdom

Artistic production · November 2013 Choreographed work for Duke student dancers performed at fall dance concert November Dances 2013. Inspired by Akan symbols that represent Ghanaian values and thought. ... Cite

A Bridge Between Worlds

Artistic production · November 2013 Choreographed for Duke student and community dancers to perform at the fall dance concert, November Dances 2013. ... Cite

Jalidon

Artistic production · March 2013 Choreographed dance work performed by Duke student and community dancers for spring dance concert ChoreoLab 2013. ... Cite

Orange Again

Artistic production · March 2013 Choreographed and performed "Orange Again" for Dance Program's spring concert ChoreoLab, with Ava LaVonne Vinesett. ... Cite

Reaching Into the Before-Time

Artistic production · November 2012 This second phase included a 17 minute performance which highlighted Cici's sculpture installation and West African masquerade traditions. Music by Richard J. Vinesett, Beverly Botsford, Oesa SaVionne Vinesett. Dancers: Rebecca (Becky) Holmes, Tria Smother ... Cite

Kanyalang

Artistic production · September 2012 This piece will premiere in April 2013 and was set on the E Gwynn and Dancers Company for their annual main stage concert. The piece is based on the Mandinka women of the Senegambia. Mandinka women establish support organizations to help address social con ... Cite

Jeffrey Page's "Talkin' Loud"

Artistic production · 2012 Spring 2012 ... Cite

Dancing with the Goddess

Artistic production · November 16, 2011 documentary written and directed by Purnima Shah. Snow Hill Recording Studio. Hillsborough, NC. ... Cite

We Leave Behind

Artistic production · November 2011 We Leave Behind". Ensemble work for Duke African Repertory Ensemble. 2011 November Dances. Music: John Hanks, Oesa S. Vinesett, Richard J. Vinesett Dancers: Thaddeus Bennett, Destani Bizune, Ellen Brown, Danika Manso-Brown, Chanelle (Cici) Croxton (14 minu ... Cite

Crossing the Color of the Sky

Artistic production · April 2011 "Crossing the Color of the Sky" (2005) Music I Berimbauistas: Oesa SaVionne Vinesett, Domingo B. Vinesett, and Richard J. Vinesett Music II by Ry Cooder Bottle Tree visual installation by Cici Stevens Often associated with the Afro-Brazilian art form capoe ... Cite

Kakilambe

Artistic production · November 2010 Ensemble work for Duke African Repertory Ensemble. ... Cite

We Dance our Ancestors

Artistic production · April 2010 Ensemble work for Duke African Repertory Ensemble. ... Cite

Seruba

Artistic production · 2010 This work was commissioned by Sadiyah Shakur, Founder and Director of Collage Dance Theater for the company's 25th Anniversary. Spring 2010 ... Cite

Seruba

Artistic production · 2010 Spring 2010. Collage Dance Company. "Seruba" features an ensemble of dancers weaving traditional “jun-jun” drumming with songs and dance styles from the Sene-Gambia region of West Africa. This piece was originally set on the Duke African Repertory E ... Cite

Costume Construction

Artistic production · 2010 Fall 2010 ... Cite

Powerful Long Ladder/Four Women, Aunt Sarah

Artistic production · October 2009 August, 2009 - October, 2009. Choreographed for the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble's Home Season Concerts October 2-3, 2009 ... Cite

Tree of Forgetfulness

Artistic production · August 31, 2009 This work is inspired by a forced ritual which enslaved Africans had to endure prior to passing through the “Door of No Return” before entering the slave ships. Males had to circle a tree nine times, women and children seven times. This ritual was supp ... Cite

Maferefun Obatalá

Artistic production · January 2009 "Maferefun Obatalá" was re-staged with an added section using rhythms from the Candomblé orixa, Oxumare. Created for the Duke African Repertory Ensemble. Percussionists: Beverly Botsford, Domingo B. Vinesett, Oesa S. Vinesett, Richard J. Vinesett (Musical ... Cite

Vévé

Artistic production · November 2008 Vévé. In Vodoun ceremonies religious symbols are drawn on the ground either before or during rituals. Like the dances and the music, the symbols are a visual prayer used to invoke lwas, deities in Haitian Vodoun. Created for the Duke African Repertory Ense ... Cite

Yansã the Tempest

Artistic production · November 2007 "Yansã the Tempest". Choreographer and Performer. Based on research in the Candomblé religion in Salvador da Bahia, Yansã, the only female orixá, or divinity represents transformation. Created for the Duke African Repertory Ensemble. Musical arrangement by ... Cite

Soli

Artistic production · 2006 Among the Susu and Malinke groups of West Africa, the progression of life is observed as a festive occasion. The annual initiation ceremony begins and concludes with social dancing and music. Soli is one of several rhythms played during this period. Create ... Cite

African Tech II, Nova Science

Digital art · August 31, 2005 Nova Science filming of African Tech II with scientist/student, Eric Jarvis. Ark, Duke University ... Cite

Manjani

Artistic production · April 2005 December 3, 2005 - April, 2005. Master class and audition of 48 students for work to be set in the spring ... Cite

Crossing the Color of the Sky

Artistic production · 2005 Visual installation by Cici Stevens. Bottle trees have long been used to guide wayward spirits. This African tradition became a part of Southern African-American practice. For some, the bottles petition benevolent, ancestral spirits for protection and good ... Cite

Seruba

Artistic production · 2005 An original work featuring 12 women singing, dancing and playing traditional “jun-jun” drums. For this work six drums were commissioned by drum craftsman, Ayinde Nataka. An ensemble work for the 16 member Duke African Repertory Ensemble. Length: 27 min ... Cite

Common Ground

Artistic production · January 5, 2004 January 5, 2004 - June 2, 2004. Ronald K. Brown Choreographic Project. This project culminated in the new work "Common Ground" which premiered in March on the Dance Program's ChoreoLab concert. The Duke University Dance Program received funding from seve ... Cite

Motivating by Movement

Other Duke Magazine · January 2004 "When students enter the studio, I want them to understand why I dance–and why African dance in particular. It’s not just something I teach. I am consumed by this art. I try to encourage students to see dance as an intellectual and spiritual pursuit. Teach ... Cite

Mballax-kat

Artistic production · 2004 Mballax-kat refers to an individual who dances and plays the popular Senegalese rhythm, sabar. The dance layers a second dance style, Sunu to create a new listening experience for the observer, as well as a complex understanding of the choreography for the ... Cite

Artistic Visions of Aché and Rhythms of Life Summer Jam

Artistic production · June 20, 2003 A pilot program/festival bringing together dancers, musicians, vendors and other artisans for a shared performance and community gathering. ... Cite

Manjani

Artistic production · 2003 This fast paced piece displays a very popular Mande dance and music tradition from the Bamana people of West Africa. Through athleticism, creativity, and a full understanding of the multi-metered rhythm text that is Manjani, 14 dancers and musicians from t ... Cite

Dun-dun ba

Artistic production · 2003 Originally choreographed as part of a larger work by Guinea national, Pele Camara for the Chuck Davis African- American Dance Ensemble (1988), Chuck Davis granted me permission to re-stage and contribute new choreography. Although Dundun ba is widely known ... Cite

Jalidon

Artistic production · November 2002 Choreographer. Jalidon is a collaborative work with the 149th generation oral historian, or "jali", Djimo Kouyate. This work was set on the 17 member, Duke African Repertory Ensemble. Richard Vinsett, Musical Director. Length: 13 minutes. ... Cite

CuleBra

Artistic production · 2001 This ensemble work was created for the Duke African Repertory Ensemble and the Duke Capoeira Cooperative. Section I, CuleBra, is a fusion of contemporary, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian movement, choreographed by Ava LaVonne Vinsett. Master Brazilian capoei ... Cite

Kayini

Artistic production · 2001 Ensemble work for DARE. 13 dancers and musicians. A blending of popular dances from the Maraka (Maraka don), Manian (Kuku), and Kassounké (Sunu) ethnic groups. Length: 12 minutes. ... Cite

Kunda

Artistic production · 2000 Ensemble work for DARE. 21 dancers and musicians. Dances presented from the Old Mali Empire (Ku-ku, and Dun- dunbah). Special guests: The Duke Djembe Ensemble, directed by Bradley Simmons. Length: 24 minutes. ... Cite

Out of the Dust

Artistic production · 2000 Ensemble work for DARE. 29 dancers and musicians. Boke regional song and dance styles from Guinea, West Africa. Length: 22 minutes. ... Cite

Contents Under Pressure

Artistic production · 1999 Performed, co-conceived and co-choreographed this evening length production about bias. Choreography and conception by Barbara Dickinson and Ava LaVonne Vinsett. Original music compolsed by James R. Carlson and Beverly Botsford. ... Cite

Solima Sene Fari (Rites of Passage)

Artistic production · 1999 An ensemble work in three sections for the Duke Repertory Ensemble. 21 dancers and musicians. Solima presents the progression of life as a festive occasion as observed among the Susu and Malinke groups of West Africa. Secion II- Jaime Kira (Path for Men) c ... Cite

Duke African Repetory Ensemble Performances

Artistic production · 1999 1999-Present. The DARE combines the talents of Duke alumnae, current Duke undergraduate and graduate students, Duke faculty and staff, and Durham residents who cover a wide scope of professions. DARE is able to represent a unique and strong commitment to ... Cite

Origins Rising/Holding Souls

Artistic production · 1998 An Ensemble work for 17 dancers. Music by Richard J. Vinesett and community drummers. Length: 15 minutes. ... Cite

Vestiges

Artistic production · 1998 A Master Production for my thesis concert sponsored by the UNCG Department of Dance. An ensemble of 42 performing artists. This concert combines traditional African, Afro- Cuban and contemporary/modern dance. Length: 90 minutes. ... Cite

Cultural Journey IV: Back to the Roots

Artistic production · 1997 A dance and music/choral concert for a cast of 37 performing artists. Co-produced by the Duke University Institute of the Arts and St. Joseph’s Historical Society/Hayti Heritage Center. Collaboration with musical director, Bradley Simmons and choral dire ... Cite

Hush My Glistening Heart Dwellers

Artistic production · 1997 Ensemble work for 6 dancers. Music by Afro-Celt Sound System. Length: 10 minutes ... Cite

Passages

Artistic production · 1997 43 students and community dancers from my technique I & II classes performing dances from the Mande traditions; Temate, Ekon-kon, Sorsonet, and Manjani. Music by Richard J. Vinesett, Bradley Simmons and community drummers. Length: 17 minutes. ... Cite

Tulongo

Artistic production · 1997 39 students from my technique I & II classes performing the dance style Soli. Music by Richard J. Vinesett, Greg Babb, Beverly Botsford, Vince Brown, Eric Gottesman, and Lynn Monson. Length: 18 minutes. ... Cite

Sogolon’s Revenge

Artistic production · 1996 Ensemble work for 6 dancers based on the griot’s legend of Sundiata, “The Lion King of Mali.” Traditional instruments by George Glenn. Vocals by Ava LaVonne Vinesett. Length: 11 minutes. ... Cite

Eclipse

Artistic production · 1995 Duet. Music: “Main Title,” “Harry’s Game,” and “Closing Credits” from “Patriot Games Soundtrack” by James Horner. Length: 12 minutes. (This work was re-staged in March 1998 for my thesis concert and in June 1998 for the American Dance Fes ... Cite

student/faculty concerts for the Duke Dance Program

Artistic production · 1994 Contributing choreographer and performer for student/faculty concerts for the Duke Dance Program, 1994-present, Duke University ... Cite

First Person: Artists Talk About Their Art

Other Dream/Girl Magazine "I was either two or three years old when New York hosted the World’s Fair. I sat in my stroller, mesmerized by all the colors and sounds that surrounded me. For the first time ever, the drumming styles of West Africa met my ears, and I remember the feelin ... Cite