Baba Chuck Davis
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Biography:
Charles Rudolph Davis, also known as Baba Chuck Davis was born on January 1, 1937 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was an American dancer and choreographer who specialized in traditional African dance in America. He was the founder of Dance Africa, the Chuck Davis Dance Company, and the African American Dance Ensemble. Chuck Davis graduated from John W. Ligon High School in 1954. After high school he went to serve in the United States Navy for two years. Davis received nursing training at George Washington University Hospital. Davis became inspired by African dance while working at the Naval Hospital. He would dance to Afro-Cuba, mambo, and salsa music at the Dunbar Hotel while he was off-duty. The hotel's booking manager asked him to join the hotel's revue, and that lead him to joining the African dance troop. Davis attended Howard University to study theater and dance. He trained in ballet, jazz, and tap. He also studied Caribbean dance technique with Geoffrey Holder and Lorna Hodges-Mafata. Davis founded Dance Africa in New York City in 1977. Dance Africa is a showcase of African and African-American traditional art forms. This troop travels all over the world to spread the traditions of Africa. Chuck Davis Dance Company was founded in New York City in 1968. This dance company taught their students the traditional African styles, and also gave the students a well-rounded dance education. The African American Dance Ensemble was founded in Durham, North Carolina in 1983. The motto of the ensemble is Peace! Love! Respect! For Everybody! Chuck Davis made sure that his dancers remain humble and to constantly give to those in need, and to fight against injustices. Chuck Davis received numerous awards. He received the AARP Certificate of Excellence, the North Carolina Dance Alliance Award, the North Carolina Artist Award, the North Carolina Award in Fine Arts, and he was inducted into the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He was awarded two Bessie Awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Chuck Davis died of cancer at the age of 80 on May 14, 2017 in Durham, NC. A visitation was held on June 2, 2017 at Fisher Memorial United Holy Church in Durham, North Carolina. A community celebration of his life was held the same day at Hayti Heritage Center. The funeral was held on June 3, 2017 at Union Baptist Church.
