2008 Recipient: Charles "Chuck" Davis

The Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation Selects Charles “Chuck” Davis To Receive The 57th Capezio Dance Award

The Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation, a philanthropic organization funded by the premier world wide dance footwear and apparel manufacturer, Capezio Ballet Makers, proudly announces the selection of Charles “Chuck” Davis as the 57th recipient of the Capezio Dance Award.

Awarded annually since 1952, the Capezio Dance Award celebrates significant contributions to American dance by an individual, company or institution. It recognizes those who bring respect, stature and distinction to dance and who exhibit qualities such as innovation, creativity and imagination. Chuck Davis has spent his life achieving and virtually redefining these ideals with the brilliance of his artistry and his mission to preserve the finest traditions of African music and dance.

Chuck Davis began his formal training with classes in the dance and drama departments of Howard University. As his skill progressed he polished his timing and technique under the guidance of Eleo Pomare, Babatunde Olatunji and Thelma Hill.

In 1967 the Chuck Davis Dance Company was established at the South Bronx Community Action Theatre. In 1977 the Chuck Davis Dance Company presented its work at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on a stage designed to resemble an African village. This event launched the festival that has become DanceAfrica ¬¬an annual celebration of African and African American dance.

In 1980 Chuck Davis returned home to North Carolina's American Dance Festival in Durham. After four years of performances at the ADF a richly talented group had developed from the community of local dancers and the African American Dance Ensemble was born. Davis continues to nurture and lead the Ensemble on its course in becoming one of the premier dance companies touring the world today.

Chuck Davis is the recipient of countless awards and honorary doctorates including the North Carolina Award in Fine Arts, the Brooklyn Academy of Music Award, the New York Bessie Award, the Dance Magazine Award and, most recently, an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Williams College.

Chuck Davis continues to perform with the African American Dance Ensemble, in addition to undertaking guest artist directorships and developing the choreography for numerous commissioned projects. He is the founder and director of the Cultural Arts Safari, an annual pilgrimage to Africa which allows the Ensemble and other heritage performers to experience influential cultural sites first hand. It is this extraordinary celebration of legacy and innovation, his unwavering dedication to his craft, his life long commitment to dancers' professional growth and his audience's enlightenment that has secured Chuck Davis the well earned recognition and status as recipient of the Capezio Dance Award for 2008.