2NearTheEdge

2 NEAR THE EDGE is L.D. Burris and Keval Kaur Khalsa-- a duo dedicated to sharing the joy and power of dance as a communicative art form and a force for healing and social change. Since 1992, 2NTE has toured statewide, regionally and nationally. Heart-centered and passionate, 2NTE repertory explores "...basic mysteries and potentials of human growth via accessible art" (Lee Lourdeaux, Dance Magazine).

Collaboration is a cornerstone of 2 NEAR THE EDGE. Burris and Khalsa consistently work with other outstanding artists - poets, composers, vocalists, and fellow dancer/choreographers. Drawing from a wide variety of source material, the work of 2 NEAR THE EDGE builds bridges of understanding, compassion, inspiration, and humor while tackling some of humanity's most difficult issues - the legacy of racism, disease and healing, gender inequality, the mysteries of the human heart.

As artists committed to building community through education, Keval and L.D. are both master teachers, leading students of all ages and backgrounds to discover the joy of movement through workshops, residencies and lecture-demonstration performances. 2 NEAR THE EDGE works with individual sponsors to design a residency that will meet the needs of your particular community.

2 NEAR THE EDGE has received grants from the North Carolina State Arts Council, The Durham Arts Council, Duke University Institute of the Arts, Duke University Office of Community Affairs, and Alternate Roots. 2 NEAR THE EDGE is a proud member of the Raleigh/Wake County Artists in the Schools Directory.

Lavender "L. D." Burris

LAVENDER "L.D." BURRIS (Co-Artistic Director), founding member and former principal dancer in Chuck Davis' African-American Dance Ensemble for ten years, has performed throughout the United States in the works of Chuck Davis, Pearl Primus, Donald McKayle, Assane Konte, and Pele Camara. Mr. Burris has also performed with the Jose Limon Dance Company in Mexico, The North Carolina Black Repertory Company, New Performing Dance Company, Ways and Means Dance Company, in the works of Clay Taliaferro, and was a featured cast member of the National Black Theatre Festival's production of "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope."

A former marine and a North Carolina native, Mr. Burris attended N.C. A&T State University. He has taught dance to students of all ages in master classes and residencies throughout the US. An adjunct faculty member at Meredith College, L.D. is the Founder and Director of the Triangle Center for Contemporary Dance, where he teaches modern, jazz and African dance styles to children and adults.

Keval Kaur Khalsa

KEVAL KAUR KHALSA (Co-Artistic Director) is an Associate Professor of the Practice at Duke University where she Directs the Dance Program and teaches modern and jazz dance techniques, repertory, composition, theatre for social change, and Kundalini Yoga & Meditation. Ms. Khalsa has performed with the Limon Dance Company and with many independent choreographers in the United States and Europe. She has performed in the works of Clay Taliaferro for over 20 years.

A recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council's Choreographers Fellowship, Ms. Khalsa's work has also been supported through numerous Grants from Duke University's Institute of the Arts. Keval is a certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher, a mother, and a community and environmental activist.