Oprah Show Heroine & Moore Dance Project Tell Contemporary African Tale

Nov. 18, 2009 - PRLog -- Dr. Tererai Trent, a native of rural Zimbabwe who recently appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to share how she overcame poverty and became a formally-educated United States' citizen, will narrate Moore Dance Project's sixth annual holiday show, MAKULU, on Saturday, December 5th at 7pm and Sunday, December 6th at 4pm.  Performances take place at The Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, located at 203 S. Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771.  An original African tale featuring animal allegories, MAKULU follows an ancient African tribe as they celebrate the new moon with the story of a mother wildebeest who takes the journey of a lifetime to discover the legacy that lives within her.  Blending cultural music, poetic narration and contemporary African dance, MAKULU offers audiences of all ages a unique alternative to other holiday dance shows.  General admission is $22; admission for children under 12, university students and guests 55 and over is $18.  VIP tickets are $50 and include a post-show reception with the performers.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheCenterForDance.org or by calling the box office at (407) 695-8366.

"MAKULU, which means 'strong woman chief' in Zulu, documents an ancient tribe's annual celebration of family, love and miracles, a universal tradition seen in all cultures," says Dario J. Moore, Artistic Director for Moore Dance Project.  Made possible by funding from United Arts of Central Florida, MAKULU is a family-friendly production based on actual events that occur in the Serengeti wilderness.  Each year, during an ecological cycle known as the Great Migration, millions of wildebeest migrate en masse across the desert.  "MAKULU is the name given to one of these wildebeest, and the tribe ceremoniously retells her courageous journey through the Great Migration," explains Moore.  Upon learning about the allegory-rich MAKULU, Trent was eager to be involved, explaining, "I grew up with a grandmother who always taught and imparted the ways of her ancestors through the wisdom of wild animals.  My ancestors are being honored in this process."  Moore adds, "Tererai, like the character of MAKULU, is a symbol of strength, resilience and achievement.  Through their stories, we are reminded of our own reverent place in the universe."  Read Trent's full story at www.oprah.com using keywords 'Tererai Trent.'

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About The Center for Contemporary Dance
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is home to five professional dance companies and an institute for dance education, The Center for Contemporary Dance is a leading production center for dance performance and arts education programs. Over the past 8 years, The Center for Contemporary Dance has supported emerging and seasoned artists in the creation and presentation of more than 170 new dance works. In addition to producing professional stage productions, The Center develops arts education programs that reach child welfare organizations, underserved populations and our public schools. To learn more about The Center for Contemporary Dance, please call (407) 695-8366 or log on to http://www.TheCenterForDance.org.