Tones of red, sensually artistic dancers and a whole lot of soul set the mood for an evening of amorous entertainment for those in the audience at the opening of “L?Amour Noir.”

Celebrating Black History Month and Valentines Day, African Creative Expressions, directed by Linda Goodrich, presented Sacramento/Black Art of Dance in “L’Amour Noir,” (Black Love), for their first concert of the year.

It was obvious that the dancers gave it their all as they danced for two straight hours performing 15 numbers in all.

“I thought the show was really entertaining. The emotional and physical strength showed through in the dancers? performance,” said Renee Palombi, a student working on her graduate degree in education, who came out to see the show.

Dancer, Naillah Ayo quickly captured the audience?s emotion as she danced with great expression to the old tune “Change Gonna? Come,” by Sam Cooke.

Rita “Coco” Clark, Sheila Coleman, and Nicole Manker, warmed the audience up with “Circlesong 5” by Bobby McFerrin.

A touching poem, “Once I Was a River” performed by Felicia, and danced by Clark, left audience thinking about events in history that have contributed to the pollution of many environments.

It was but a brief moment that the audience had time to reflect as the jean-clad dancers sensually undulated to “Soul Sista,” only to be followed by the number, “Hurts So Bad” which really turned up the heat.

Dancers eased into act two with a slow and easy beat by Kenny G. (Although I imagine that holding those poses on one leg, or dancing ballet steps, without the slippers would be anything but easy.)

A poet, Konscious Pruitt, inspired by his fiancee, graced the audience with words of love. If your looking for a really good line for that special person, Pruitt could for sure help you come up with something unique, just don?t let him get too carried away or he may forget a line or two!

The dancers once again quickly changed the pace with a series of hops and spins, followed by “What Black Girls Got,” a snappy tune danced by the talented Ayo, who demonstrated that one thing black girls have is curves!

The mood went from saucy to sensual to jazzy as dancers flaunted their stuff across the stage to the soulful sound of Nina Simone, and then as if that wasn?t enough, dancer Chinyere Anyuwu laid it on, I mean straight on, in a number called “Handy Man.” She undoubtedly has all the moves to keep her man!

In keeping with the Valentine theme, the dancers formed a heart to close the show.

Dancers, Rita “Coco” Clark, and Venetia James said they thought the show went well and they were happy to be able to finally perform it. (They?ve been practicing since October).

“I am happy that we are able to bring more culture in the form of dance to Sacramento,” said Chinyere Anyuwu.

Hats off to Chinyere Anyuwu, Monica Armstead, Linda Goodrich, Venetia, James and Nicole Manker for the choreography, and also worth mentioning are the production staff, Joan Liddicoat, Sarah Haslett, and Julie McKinney for their efforts to ensure a smooth run on opening night.

To sum it up, the show was expressive, entertaining and enjoyable, and the dancers, Chinyere Anyuwu, Naillah Ayo, Rita Clark, Sheila Coleman, Venetia James, Nicole Manker, Marissa Wright, and Jeannette Farrell all danced their hearts out.