Kenyetta Dance Company to Perform at Annual EIU Banquet

January 23, 2008

Tickets will be on sale through Monday, Jan. 28, for the 2008 African-American Heritage Celebration banquet, being held on the campus of Eastern Illinois University.

The Kenyettá Dance Company, a contemporary modern dance company based in Indiana, will perform at this year's event.   

The banquet will begin with a 5 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 6, on Friday, Feb. 1, in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.  Tickets, priced at $15 for adults and $8 for students, are available at Eastern's Gateway Office (581-6692), Blair Hall, Room 2170.  No credit cards accepted.

This year's banquet menu will include fried chicken, pot roast, fettuccini alfredo, sweet potatoes, green beans with smoked turkey, black-eyed peas with ham, white rice, gravy, tossed salad, cornbread muffins, sweet potato pie and cherry pie, according to Joycelynn Phillips, an event organizer.

The Kenyettá Dance Company, founded in 2004 by Vanessa R. Owens, consists of 15 young and passionately trained dance artists.  The work of KDC has been presented in several states, as well as internationally in Toronto, Canada.

Created to build new audiences, KDC performs works that are inspirational to audiences.  The group is committed to bringing dance into the lives of the community, particularly youth and those who are passionate about the expression, art and celebration of dance.  In addition to stage performances, KDC provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to further their understanding and appreciation of contemporary dance.