Dr. Charles “Chuck” Davis is founder and artistic director of the African American Dance Ensemble and New York based DanceAfrica. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, his growing reputation is one of the foremost teachers and accomplished choreographers in the traditional techniques of African dance. Dr. Davis’ numerous awards include: the Triangle Community Foundation Kathryn H. Wallace Award for Artists In Community Service (2000); the Dance Heritage Coalition recognition as one of 100 Irreplaceable Dance Treasures in the United States (2000); the Dance for the Planet award (1998 and 2001); the Durham Human Relations Commission’s Advocacy Award - especially on behalf of People with Developmental Disabilities (2002); the Artist of the Year award by Dance USA; the 2002 National Governors’ Association Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts; a citation from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus; and many more. Dr. Davis keeps a full schedule including appearances with the Ensemble, guest artist directorships, choreographer assignments and research and travel excursions to Africa and international points. As founder and facilitator of the Cultural Arts Safari, Davis makes an annual pilgrimage to the continent of Africa, to which he invites uninitiated and veteran travelers alike to join his party each year. The next trip is in August, 2008.