Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line

West Chester Dance Works is excited to relaunch its original production, Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line. This full length, multi-media dance production shares the story of a runaway slave in Chester County and her search for freedom and dignity.

"Rachel Harris, One Woman Over the Line" (Rachel Harris) is a multi-media production that presents one woman’s search for freedom and dignity as found in the writings of Robert C. Smedley and other period journalists. It is a moving performance that has been highly praised for its beauty and authenticity by notable members of the community, including Mary Dugan, president of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center. Originally premiering in 2008, this retelling of Rachel’s story illustrates how, during a dark time in American history, many people of varying backgrounds took risks and contributed to the pursuit of freedom. This project brings history to life with a regionally significant story that engages the audience through dance, projected historical images, live and recorded music, percussion, and narration. Especially as we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday and partner with the Chester County America250 PA Commission, it is important to unify people and uplift their senses with truth-telling through art.

About West Chester Dance Works

West Chester Dance Works (WCDW) is a nonprofit arts organization operating to provide informed dance instruction, thoughtful community outreach programming and inspirational performances to audiences of all ages. WCDW serves the greater West Chester Area by offering diverse dance experiences to students as young as 2.5 years of age and community members of all ages, experience levels and cultural backgrounds. West Chester Dance Works has been offering dance instruction for over 43 years and pre-professional dance development and community performances for over 41 years. Its mission is to uplift, nurture and transform dancers and community through an accessible, inclusive dance experience.

Reviews of "Rachel Harris, One Woman Over the Line:"

“Their professional company's original ‘Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the line,’ tells the story of a West Chester area slave's travel to freedom through dance. It is a performance not to be missed! A beautiful, emotional, historical story brought to life in a very personal way. The training the participants receive is top notch, the life experiences they gain from bringing their work to the community is fabulous.” -Anonymous greatnonprofits.org

“A friend and I attended your splendid production last night, and both of us were delighted! The dancing was superb, of course, but we thought the blending of elements was so effective - the projected photos, the lighting, the music, the narration. All of it worked together, complementing the dance, to make for a moving experience. Also, speaking as one who's interested in the Underground RR from a historical point of view, I appreciated your sticking to the facts. It’s a dramatic, thrilling story, needing no embellishment. Thanks, Diane, for a most impressive job! Wow!!” -Mary Dugan, Kennett Underground Railroad Center

Executive Director: Diane Matthews

Artistic Director: Candace Matthews-Bass

Performance/Booking Manager: Ashanti Meaux

Address: 315-9 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA 19382

Phone: (610) 692-3398

Email: [email protected]

Booking email: [email protected]

Website (dance instruction): www.dianematthewsdance.com

Website (performance company): www.westchesterdanceworks.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianematthewsdance/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westchesterdanceworks

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