The Red and Black

Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Out & About

Media Credit: RICHARD HAMM Members of the Pamoja Dance Company practice their routine at Memorial Hall. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: RICHARD HAMM Two members prepare their routine for this weekend's "Red Carpet" performance. [Click to enlarge]

Opening a crisp, white envelope, a hush spreads through the crowd in anticipation of hearing five small yet important words - "And the award goes to…"

The fall production for Pamoja Dance Company, "2007 PDC Awards: A Red Carpet Experience," invites the audience to indulge in a real awards show atmosphere.

"The idea for the show basically evolved because we wanted to do a show with live music," said Justin Moore, vice president of the dance company. "Putting this show together has been amazing because other award shows like MTV and BET have a year to plan and we have so little time."

Embracing an awards show theme, guests and audience members can grace the red carpet before taking their seats for the show, hosted by Ashley Curry and Kelvin Williams.

Presenters during the show will include members from within the dance company, the Black Theater Ensemble and students selected during an open call - all impersonating a celebrity to whom they bear resemblance.

"We just wanted to switch it up so the audience would not get bored," said Moore.

This year's show includes 12 categories, with either short snippets or entire songs of the nominees being performed live by the ensemble.

Songs include hits from T-Pain, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Beyoncé and Ne-Yo. One of the most competitive categories of the night is expected to be "best hip-hop," with nominees including 50 Cent and Swizz Beatz for their smash hits this year. The show also will honor music icons Janet and Michael Jackson for their longevity in the music industry and many accomplishments.

"With this show, we really tried to do more than just dance, we want to capture everyone's attention involving many different types of music and dance," said company president Emily Harrison.

For the first time since the dance company's inception, the show has been moved from the historic Morton Theatre to a new home at the Oconee County Civic Center in Watkinsville.

"Having a new location is different, but we're excited - it's like a breath of fresh air," said Harrison.

Students can purchase tickets in advance at The Tate Center box office, and pre-arranged transportation is available for Friday's show. Shuttles will depart from Tate Center at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m.

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