Donald McKayle, Choreographer
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Down Where I Am

This solo for a woman is available on its own or as part of a suite of solo dances for women.  Set to Langston Hughes poem and music sung by Darrel Taylor.

Originally set on the UC Irvine Etude Ensemble, this piece can be re-staged by Randall Smith.
"Down Where I Am" is the fourth song of Erik Santos' song cycle Dreamer: 7 Poems of Langston Hughes.


Down Where I Am 
by Langston Hughes

Too many years
Beatin' at the door-
I done beat my 
Both fists sore

Too many years
Tryin' to get up there-
Done broke my ankles down,
Got nowhere.

Too many years 
Climbin' that hill,
'Bout out of breath.
I got my fill.

I'm gonna plant my feet
On solid ground.
If you want to see me,
Come down.


More Information: info@DonaldMcKayle.com