Juxtapower to perform on Feb. 6

Juxtapower, an African dance and performance ensemble, will bring their rhythmic performance to Cottey College's Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m.

This South-African production blends sketch humor and drama with the best of South-African song and dance. It includes Zulu/Suthu praise singing, traditional songs, Zulu dance juxtaposed with a ballet technique (foot-stomping warrior dance), as well as gum boot dance with a touch of American stepping, and South-African township dance (ghetto dance expression, inspired by hip hop and homemade choreography). The performance features a narrator who educates the audience about South-African history -- from the mines, to the townships, and the country side; and emphasizes the beauty of their art and the influences of the Western culture on the South-African population. Sduduzo Ka-Mbili, the choreographer and director, was recently seen on Superstars of Dance, NBC's international dance competition.

Tickets for Juxtapower are $6 for adults and $5 for those under age 18 or over age 62. Tickets will be available at the door the evening of the show.

The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, provided funding for Juxtapower.

The Center for the Arts is on the northeast corner of Austin and Tower streets in Nevada.