In the fall of 1989, seven young women – students at Duquesne University, formed the group Rhapsody Performance Ensemble. They brought  together a diverse mix of talents from the African Diaspora in a performance theme known as Negritude Celebration. The group, active from 1989-1994, regularly performed at universities in Pittsburgh and states surrounding. Rhapsody’s repertoire included both African and Afro-Caribbean dance as well as modern and jazz dance forms, and classical and contemporary poetry presented as spoken word. All around Pittsburgh, the ensemble was affectionately known as the “black dancers” from Duquesne and was considered “mini-ambassadors” during the years the group was at the university.

Négritude is a literary and political movement developed in the 1930’s by ethnic activists. They believed that the shared black heritage of members of the African Diaspora was the best tool to maintaining individual identity and self-awareness in the sea of European persuasion. In the U.S. the movement was influenced by the  Harlem Renaissance , and particularly evident in the works of African-American writers Langston Hughes and Richard Wright. Negritude Celebration premiered on February 19, 1990 and featured the lively arts of dance, song and poetry. By educating and inspiring the community, this sold out performance became Rhapsody’s principal lineup.

Since Rhapsody’s first performance, the ensemble was featured at cultural celebrations, private functions, church gatherings, community rallies, and international banquets. Rhapsody’s signature piece, the Bele dance, incorporated music and movement reminiscent of the traditions slaves brought from Africa to the Caribbean. During slavery in the Caribbean and South Americas, the dances for the courts and elegant salons of Europe, Spain, France and England became popular and were imitated by the slaves. This mix of cultural styles is the essence of the Afro-Caribbean dance piece, which blends altogether dance and music influences from many Caribbean islands.

Other noted performers to have shared the stage with Rhapsody include Umoja African Music Ensemble, Elie Kihonia - artistic director of Afrika Yetu, accomplished conductor and lecturer
Dr. Jean Montès,  and Wayne Walters - professional steel pan musician and master educator.

The energy that vibrates still today from the original troop has created Rhapsody’s Revue, LLC.

Contact
Email: rhapsodysrevue@gmail.com

Visit: www.myspace.com/rhapsodys