Chuck Davis founded of Durham's African American Dance Ensemble in 1984 and is its Artistic Director. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the New York-based DanceAfrican American. He is a legend who has enriched the lives of countless people and nurtured the careers of scores of dancers. During his long career of teaching and sharing himself, he has been honored and acknowledged in numerous ways including an * an honorary doctorate from UMass Amherst (2009) * the New York Bessie Award for dance and performance (2004) * the Brooklyn Academy of Music Award (2004), * 2005 Community Dance Educator of the Year Award (2005), * the Balasaraswati Joy Ann Dewey Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching (2007) * the Medal of Arts from the City of Raleigh The mantra of his African American Dance Ensemble is "Peace, Love, Respect for Everybody" which he demonstrates daily in big and small ways. It was a priviledge to photograph Chuck and I hope these photos capture some of his warmth and playful spirit.