1985
First Concert
Ronald K. Brown has his first concert at Mary Anthony Dance Studio
1987
Meeting Judith Jamison
Judith Jamison meets a 21 year-old, precocious dancer, Ronald K. Brown, while he is performing with Jennifer Muller’s company. She later sees “Ebony Magazine To A Village” that he choreographed for the Cleo Parker Robinson Ensemble and invites Brown to create a piece for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
1992
American Dance Festival
Ronald K. Brown is invited to teach at the American Dance Festival
1994
Dirt Road Premieres
This evening-length work is first presented at the Biennale de la Danse in Lyon, France. Based on considerable personal, historic and spiritual research, it tells of a family whose members, separated by their own lives, reunite for a funeral and a celebration. This work solidifies Brown’s use of storytelling as a primary creative source.
1995
Trip to Cote d’Ivoire
Ronald K. Brown travels to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire to teach contemporary dance to the theater company Koteba Ensemble. This experience is the first of several teaching trips that Brown makes over the next three years of four-to-six week durations. Working in Africa expands Brown’s movement vocabulary and shapes his awareness of his artistic potential and his role in contemporary dance.
1995
Renee Redding Jones receives award
Performer Renee Redding Jones receives a Bessie Awardfor her performance of “Dirt Road” at Dance Theater Workshop
1996
“Ebony Magazine: To a Village”
Ronald K. Brown choreographs “Ebony Magazine To a Village” on Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater
1997
“Free”
Ronald K. Brown choreographs “Free” on the African American Dance Ensemble directed by Baba Chuck Davis in Durham, NC
1998
World Premiere of “Destiny”
EVIDENCE travels to the Ivory Coast Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire for the completion of “Destiny ” and returns to the world premiere of “Destiny” at Aaron Davis Hall
1998
Premieres and a Bessie Award
EVIDENCE premieres Better Days & Incidents at at the Joyce theater’s “All Together Different” program, and receives a Bessie Award for “Better Days: First Time Thru”
1999
Alvin Ailey premieres “Grace”
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater premieres Grace, choreographed by Ronald K. Brown. Grace introduces Brown’s work to world-wide audiences and remains in the Ailey repertory to this day.
1999
Premiere of “Water”
EVIDENCE premieres “Water” with text written and performed by Cheryl Boyce-Taylor.
1999
First Booking Agent
Pam Green of PMG arts Management becomes the first booking agent for EVIDENCE
1999
“Gatekeepers”
Ronald K. Brown choreographs his first piece “Gatekeepers” for PHILADANCO The Philadelphia Dance Company directed by Joan Meyers Brown
2000
“High Life”
EVIDENCE premieres “High Life”
2000
Cover of Dance Magazine
Ronald K. Brown graces the cover of Dance Magazine
2000
Black Theater Alliance Award
Ron receives the Black Theater Alliance Award for his choreography of “Grace”
2001
Trip to Cuba
Brown and Evidence travel to Cuba as part of a cultural exchange program and work with contemporary and folkloric companies in Havana. In Cuba, Brown explores similarities between dances from West Africa, Cuba and Haiti, further expanding his movement vocabulary and deepening his interest in contemporary folklore.
2001
2nd Alvin Ailey Commission
Ronald K Brown choreographs his 2nd commission “Serving Nia” on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater which made its world premiere at City Center, NYC
2002
Dancers become salaried
Dancers become salaried, providing full-time work for Evidence artists for the first time.
2002
Premiere of “Come Ye”
EVIDENCE premieres “Come Ye” at the Haiti Center in Durham, North Carolina. PMG Project
2002
Katherine Dunham Tribute
Ronald K Brown dances a special tribute to Katherine Dunham “In Gratitude” at Jacobs Pillow.
2003
AUDELCO Award
Ronald K. Brown choreographs of “Crowns – The Musical” by Regina King and receives an AUDELCO Award for his choreography.
2004
Brenda Gray receives Bessie Award
Lighting Designer Brenda Gray receives a Bessie Award for her body of work with EVIDENCE.
2004
Arcell Cabuag receives Bessie Award
2004
“For You”
EVIDENCE choreographs and performs “For You” as a tribute to the incredible legacy and leadership of the late American Dance Festival director, Stephanie Reinhart.
2004
Diedre Dawkins receives Bessie Award
Performer Diedre Dawkins receives a Bessie Award for her performance of “Walking Out The Dark” at the Joyce Theater.
2005
Move to BAM Cultural District
Evidence, A Dance Company moves to a new space in the BAM Cultural District in downtown Brooklyn. This positions Evidence as an accessible member of the Brooklyn cultural community.
2005
Premiere of “Order my Steps”
EVIDENCE premieres ” Order My Steps” with text written and performed by Chadwick Boseman.
2005
3rd Commission for Alvin Ailey
Ronald K Brown choreographs his 3rd commission “IFE: My Heart” on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater which made its world premiere at City Center NYC
2005
Collaboration with Nnenna Freelon
EVIDENCE premieres and tours with Nnenna Freelon and her band the collaboration of “Blueprint of A Lady: The Once and Future Life of Billie Holiday”. PMG Project
2006
Ronald K. Brown receives Rose Fellowship Award.
Ronald K. Brown receives the inaugural United States Artists Rose Fellowship Award. He is one of only four choreographers of 50 artists to receive the inaugural award.
2006
EVIDENCE premieres ” Truth Don Die”
2006
Shani Collins receives Bessie Award
Performer Shani Collins receives a Bessie Award for her body of work with EVIDENCE.
2007
Premiere of “One Shot: Rhapsody in Black and White“
Evidence premieres the full-evening length work One Shot: Rhapsody in Black and White. The multimedia work is inspired by the images and legacy of noted African American photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris. A traveling photo exhibit is curated by Brown and noted historian and photography scholar Deborah Willis, PhD.
2008
Premiere of “Two-Year Old Gentlemen”
Ronald K. Brown creates Two-Year Old Gentlemen, an all-male work that explores relationships between men (father-son, grandfather-grandson, uncle-nephew). The work premieres at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on December 6, 2008.
2009
DanceMotion USA
Evidence is invited to participate in the inaugural DanceMotion USA program, funded by the U.S. Department of State. The goal of DanceMotion USA is to share work by some of America’s finest contemporary dance makers and serve as a gateway for cultural exchange. Through this program, Evidence will tour to Senegal, Nigeria and South Africa in early 2010. DanceMotion USA is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and is produced by BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music).
2009
4th Commission for Alvin Ailey
Ronald K Brown choreographs his 4th commission “Dancing Spirit” on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater which made its world premiere at City Center NYC
2010
25th Anniversary
Evidence celebrates its 25th Anniversary with special performances in New York City and landmark tours around the world. After celebrating its 25th Anniversary at a gala performance at New York’s Plaza Hotel, Evidence embarks on a ground-breaking tour of Africa under the auspices of DanceMotion/USA. The company performs, teaches and acts as cultural ambassadors in Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa.
2010
Olympic Arts Festival
Evidence appears at the Olympic Arts Festival in Vancouver and at venues in California and Washington D.C.
2010
Invited to appear at the “Fall for Dance” series
The company’s New York City season takes place at Harlem Stage in June, and is invited to appear as part of the prestigious annual “Fall for Dance” series at New York’s City Center.
2010
“Gye Name”
Ronald K. Brown choreographs “Gye Name” on The Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
2010
Ronald K. Brown receives Ailey School Apex Award
Ronald K. Brown receives the Ailey School Apex Award in homage to the late Denise Jefferson.
2011
Atlanta Proclamation
Ronald K Brown receives a PROCLAMATION from the city of Atlanta at the historical Hammonds House
2011
Black Theater Alliance Award
Ronald K Brown wins the BLACK THEATER ALLIANCE AWARD (Best Choreography In A Play or Music/Dance Program) for his work “GYE NYAME” set on the MUNTU Dance Theatre of Chicago
2012
Porgy and Bess Choreography
The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess opens on Broadway with the choreography of Ronald K. Brown
2012
Ronald K Brown wins the Fred and Adele Astaire Award
Ronald K Brown wins the Fred and Adele Astaire Award for OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER IN A MUSICAL ON BROADWAY for his choreography in the TONY Award winning production of Porgy and Bess.
2012
“Torch” in honor of Beth Young
Ron creates TORCH in honor of celebrating the legacy of Beth Young, who was phenomenal dance enthusiast and supporter who studied with the company for over fifteen years before losing her battle with cancer. This work is a celebration of perseverance and self determination.
2012
5th Commision for Alvin Ailey
Ronald K Brown choreographs his 5th commission on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater “FOUR CORNERS” which premieres at the Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
2012
International Ballet Festival
EVIDENCE represents the United States at the 7th Annual International Ballet Festival in Cali, Columbia.
2012
Porgy and Bess Tour
The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess begin a 33-week National tour.
2012
Ronald K. Brown choreographs “Espiritu Vivo”
2013
First Company-in-Residence at BRIC House
EVIDENCE Becomes the first Dance Company-in-Residence at the newly renovated BRIC House, located in Brooklyn, NY. In partnership with Ingersoll/University Settlement, auditions were held for Ronald K Brown’s “ON EARTH TOGETHER”, 30 dancers from the community (ages 8-73) were cast and joined Evidence for it’s first season of 4 seasons at BRIC House.
2013
Philadanco Premiere
Philadanco premiers The Apollo Theater’s “James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, a Celebration in Dance” choreography by Ronald K. Brown, Thang Dao, Abdel Salaam among other notable choreographers.
2014
EVIDENCE Moves Offices
EVIDENCE moves its office to Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Center for Arts and Culture in Brooklyn, NY. Home of Restoration Youth Arts Academy where Ron took his first dance class when he was 8 years old.
2014
“Why You Follow”
Ronald K. Brown choreographs “Why you Follow” commissioned by The Joyce Theater during a 3 week residency in Havana, Cuba-with MalPaso. The new work premieres at The Joyce Theater in MalPaso’s US debut with a work by Artistic Director Osnel Delgado “24 Hours and a Dog”.
2014
Evidence premieres “The Subtle One”
Evidence premieres “The Subtle One” with music by Jason Moran at The Joyce Theater.
2014
American Dance Festival Concert
The American Dance Festival presents a shared concert of solos by male choreographers Shen Wei, Stephen Petronio, Doug Varone and Ronald K. Brown.
2014
EVIDENCE teaches at the A Broadway Foundation Camp
2014
53rd National Choreography Intensive
In Orem, Utah at the 53rd National Choreography Intensive Ronald K. Brown and Arcell Cabuag (Directors of Choreography) and Farai Malianga (Director of Music) offered workshops for Emerging and Professional Choreographers.
2014
9th Annual Summer Dance Workshop Series
Evidence has the 9th Annual Summer Dance Workshop Series at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation for the third year in partnership with BSRC/Center for Arts and Culture.
2014
Guest Choreographer for Apollo Theater Show
Ronald K. Brown joins guest choreographers for Apollo Theater’s “James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, a Celebration in Dance” including choreography by Ronald K. Brown, Thang Dao and Abdel Salaam.
2015
Mellon Fellow
Ronald K Brown is a Mellon Fellow and researches and creates “Journey of the Great Mystery” throughout the Willams College campus .
2015
Teaching in Japan
Ronald K. Brown and Arcell Cabuag teach their first year in Japan for the Jeiki School Dance International Program. They taught in 5 different cities and and taught over 900 students in three weeks.
2015
6th Commission for Alvin Ailey
Ronald K Brown choreographs his 6th commission “Open Door” on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater which made its world premiere at City Center NYC
2015
Performance with Jason Moran
EVIDENCE and Jason Moran & The Bandwagon perform “The Subtle One” at The Kennedy Center
2015
2nd Invitation to International Ballet Festival
EVIDENCE receives second invitation to represent the United States at the 7th Annual International Ballet Festival in Cali, Columbia.
2016
New Orleans Ballet Association
Ronald K. Brown and Arcell Cabuag teach their first year as directors of Modern Dance at the New Orleans Ballet Association
2016
Premiere of “She is Here”
Shayla Caldwell, Annique Roberts and Clarice Young premiere Ronald K. Brown’s solo “She Is Here” at the Joyce Theater Music by Andy Gonzalez (Recorded by Arturo O’ Farrill, Andy Gonzalez and Dafnis Prieto)
2016
Co-Directors of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Center For Arts & Culture
Ronald K. Brown and Arcell Cabuag are appointed to be Co-Directors of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Center For Arts & Culture /RestorationART Youth Arts Academy Pre Professional Training (Restoration Dance Youth Ensemble)
2016
Honored by Alvin Ailey
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater honors Ronald K. Brown with a night of his repertory in their City Center Season
2017
Ronald K Brown choreographs “Where The Light Shines Through” on TU Dance
2017
The birth of “New Conversations”
Ronald K. Brown starts the creation of New Conversations at Jacobs Pillow in collaboration with Arturo O’ Farrell
2017
Inagural Season at Billie Holiday Theater
EVIDENCE performs its Inaugural season in the newly renovated Billie Holiday Theater at Bedford- Stuyvesant Restoration, Brooklyn
2017
“Garment of Destiny”
Ronald K. Brown & Arcell Cabuag direct the inaugural “Garment of Destiny” for the Restoration Dance Youth Ensemble
2018
Ronald K Brown receives the American Dance Festival Scripps Award
2018
“Den of Dreams” in Honor of Arcell Cabuag
Ronald K.Brown choreographs duet “Den of Dreams” in honor of Arcell Cabuag’s 20th Anniversary with EVIDENCE, which premiered at the Joyce Theater
2018
“New Conversations: Iron Meets Water”
EVIDENCE and Arturo O’ Farill and Resist perform “New Conversations: Iron Meets Water” at Jacobs Pillow
2018
EVIDENCE teaches at the Broadway Foundation Camp
2018
7th Commission for Alvin Ailey
Ronald K Brown choreographs his 7h commission “The Call” on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater which made its world premiere at City Center NYC
2019
The Joyce Theater begins new fiscal sponsorship/ partnership with the Joyce Theater
2019
Ronald K. Brown receives a Dance Magazine Award
2019
1st Summer Intensive
EVIDENCE hosts its first Summer Intensive in addition to its Summer Dance Workshop Series
2019
Paul Taylor American Dance Theater’s memorial tribute
EVIDENCE performs Donald McKayle’s “Songs of the Disinherited” for the Paul Taylor American Dance Theater’s Lincoln Center season’s memorial tribute
2020
Ronald K. Brown receives the 2020 Jacobs Pillow Award
2020
Residency Pod
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation funds EVIDENCE to isolate and return to work in their first “residency pod” at the Lumberyard (Catskills, New York) and the Center of Creative Arts St. Louis, MO
2020
Annique Roberts receives Bessie Award nomination
Annique Roberts receives Bessie Award nomination for Sustained Achievement in the work of EVIDENCE.
