Ravinia Family Fun Guide 2019

15 S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 PROGRAM NOTES Noon Sunday, June Martin Theatre Ko-Thi Dance Company Comprising of artists trained in the history, mythology, and techniques of art forms within the African diaspora, Ko-Thi Dance Company uses a myriad of traditional instruments, authentic costumes, infectious music and extraordinary dance to educate and bridge the gap between cultures. The company is committed to preserving, promoting, and uplifting the dance and musical forms of Africa. The word “Ko-Thi” comes from Shebro language of Sierra Leone, West Africa. It means to “think and seek.”The company’s inspiration came from founder Ferne Caulker’s visit to the slave forts at Elmina Castle in Ghana. She believed that experience called her to create what she believed would be an artistic embodiment of African people and their descendants throughout the world. Since , Ko-Thi has served as a cultural ambassador to international audiences with captivating performances. The company boasts a prestigious national and international touring history, having been featured at the Mitsui Festival in Tokyo, Japan, and the Harbor Festival in Toronto, Canada. National touring has included performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa in New York, Disney World in Florida, and the Ravinia Festival just outside Chicago, as well as tours to Minnesota and California. Ko-Thi was also chosen by the states of Ohio and Delaware to be part of their DANCE USA Dance On Tour.