Alvin Ailey

Arts organizations get $61,784 from state unitThe Maryland Humanities Council has awarded $61,784 in grants to two dozen state organizations for public humanities programs.The largest grant of $8,743, including $1,200 in matching funds, went to the Dance Department of Goucher College for a lecture/performance series that will examine the cultural, economic and social significance of music and dance in the state from the 17th through the early 20th century. The series is scheduled to be held next spring and fall at four historic locations.

Lynnette Love once performed in a world of pirouettes and avant-garde music, rehearsing with the Alvin Ailey dance company in New York. Now, she competes in a sport filled with "trembling shocks," and belts to the solar plexus.The dancer is a tae kwon do heavyweight."I'm addicted to this sport," Love said. "When I'm not thinking about it, I'm competing. When I'm not competing, I'm teaching."At the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, Love will be (( bidding for a second consecutive gold medal in tae kwon do. The martial art that was forged through centuries in Korea has again been elevated to a world level with its inclusion as a demonstration event in Barcelona.

Kwanzaa, which will begin Sunday, is not a holiday that sends shoppers out in a gift-buying frenzy. The only presents exchanged during the seven-day, African-inspired celebration are usually made by hand.It is a time for the gathering together of family and friends, for the sharing of dreams and stories and histories that illuminate Kwanzaa's seven principles -- unity, self-determination, work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.If your family happens to be short on storytellers, sharing books can be the next best thing.

Unless you've been living in a cave, you've probably hear about the big name acts taking part in the Columbia Festival of the Arts, which began its 11-day run last night. But somewhat obscured by the glamour of headliners like the Alvin Ailey AmericUnless you've been living in a cave, you've probably heard about the big name acts taking part in the Columbia Festival of the Arts, which began its 11-day run last night. But somewhat obscured by the glamour of headliners like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, or the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center are the free lakefront events scheduled for afternoons and evenings this weekend and next.

Continuing "Meditations on African Art: Light" -- More than 40 objects from the Baltimore Museum of Art's African art collection, including a Yoruba bead painting by artist Jimoh Buraimoh, a Fante gold staff from Ghana and alabaster vessels from ancient Egypt, will be illuminated through April 1 at the museum, 10 Art Museum Drive. Free. 443-573-1700 or artbma.org for hours. Feb. 4 Black Heritage Art Show -- Displays by artists, jazz and gospel music, poetry readings and more, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. $5; free for ages younger than 5. 410-521-0660 or blackheritageartshow.

The date of a benefit concert by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre was incorrect in Laura Charles' column Sunday. The event takes place Feb. 13.The Sun regrets the error.PARTY TIME!: OK, so maybe the state of the economy has put a dent in your pocketbook. Is that any reason to sit home alone and brood? Don't fret if you can't afford to buy a new dress for the ball. Do what we do. Recycle!Trade your tired threads for different ones from friends and relatives -- too bad we're not buddies with Ivana Trump-- and save your money to buy a ticket to help out one of your favorite charities.

Gifted with a mother's second sight, Catherine Johnson knew her daughter Jacqueline Green better than the child knew herself. In 2004, the eighth-grader insisted she had absolutely zero desire to study dance. "Oh, Mom," she said, rolling her eyes. "Why would I want to do that?" Nonetheless, at her mother's prodding and though she had never taken a dance class in her life, she auditioned for the Baltimore School of the Arts. On Tuesday, the 22-year-old Green will return to her hometown for the first time as a member of the main company of Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, one of America's premier modern dance troupes.

The Columbia Festival of the Arts returns for a third summer with an11-day program of music, art and dance opening with a performance bythe Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and closing with renowned flutist James Galway playing with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.The festival will run June 27 through July 7 in a dozen county locations. It will showcase 65 events by 32 performing groups and more than 50 artisans, seven visual arts exhibits and several classes and workshops.Last year's event brought 30,000 people, with a third from the Baltimore and Washington areas.

Leaping forward while keeping a foot in the past may seem an impossible task. But not if you're a dancer, especially one of those long-limbed, taffy-elastic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre dancers."

THUMBS UP Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre kicks off Baltimore residency. Hopefully a boost for area dance.Dance on the Edge series. Brought outstanding talent to Baltimore.Next Ice Age. Choreographically inspired.Hubbard Street Dancers. Chicago's best-kept secret.Path Dance Company. High-geared performances.Baltimore Dance Theater. Artfully combined dance and sculpture.THUMBS DOWN Baltimore Dance Network. Area troupes need organizational support.Kinetics. "Spartacus" was not ready for prime time.