Walter’s World: Forces of Nature at Central Park Summer Stage

July 6, 2011

By Walter Rutledge

The forces of nature are categorized as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanos; unstoppable events that create change to the natural landscape. Abdel Salaam and the Force of Nature Dance Theatre have made an indelible mark on our artistic landscape, and has become a force to be reckoned with. On Saturday July 30^th at 8pm Forces Of Nature Dance Theatre will perform at Central Park Summer Stage located in Rumsey Playfield.

The program will feature four works that embody protecting the environment, the melding of cultures, the totality of womanhood and the sacred gift of the family. Salaam is an intense man, with a humble spirit; who has no problem articulating his vision through movement. “For me my struggle has always been to find a way to marry the research (the hidden metaphor of the work), with the actual physical intelligence of the work”, shared Salaam.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwahNfrVTdA&w=425&h=349]

Executive Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam, Executive Managing Director Olabamidele Husbands and original company member Dyane Harvey founded the company in 1981. The company has been an asset to the Harlem community since it’s inception over thirty years ago. At present the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre is comprised of twenty- six performers and is based in a spacious studio in St. Martin’s Church on Lenox Avenue.

In addition to producing professional dances works that have been seen worldwide Forces of Nature Dance Theatre understands the need to enrich the Harlem community. The Youth Academy of Dance and Wellness has partnered with The Harlem Children’s Zone to share the gift of dance to the next generation. The company’s arts program assists educators in reaching young people through alternative teaching/ learning techniques.

For more information about the July 30^th Central Park Summer Stage Performance and the upcoming August 12^th Summer Stage performance in Marcus Garvey Park Amphitheatre go to www.forcesofnature.org .

In Photo: 1) The company 2) Dyane Harvey