About Me
Eugene A. Armstrong Jr.
Whether performing a solo dance in tribute to Amadou Diallo, or playing African djembe, Balinisian jembe, LP aspire tumbadora, or Cuban conga, Eugene A. Armstrong Jr., captures his audiences' souls and carries them on journeys of delight.Reared in the cultural Mecca of Spanish Harlem, Mr. Armstrong embraced the influences of artistic diversity that would lead him to deeply appreciate and later participate in the world language of music, dance, and art.Scholarships for formal training at the Alvin Ailey Dance School and with Dr. Pearl Primus, where he learned West African and Caribbean dance and drumming, as well as studying the Katherine Dunham Technique, Italian and Russian Ballet, and Latin percussion, prepared Mr. Armstrong, to join the world artistic scene. He fervently credits his Parents, Boys Harbor after-school and summer programs, Babatunde Olantunji, and his years at State University Binghamton, NY, with expanding his social and intellectual sensibilities.After serving as a US Marine, Mr. Armstrong, toured the Far East and settled in Tokyo, Japan for several years. Passionate about all of his undertakings, Eugene became fluent in Japanese and incorporated his Native African American culture with the Japanese lifestyle. His tenacity and genuineness endeared him to the people. He was honored with an invitation to perform with Japanese Tyco drummers and participate in carrying the Sacred Omikoski during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a blessing traditionally extended only to those of Japanese heritage.A multifaceted man whose strength and talents are anchored in spiritual consciousness, Mr. Armstrong, continues to travel the world and utilize these experiences to cultivate and elevate his artistry. Whether performing at New York's Tribeca Performing Arts Center, The Georgia Sea Island Heritage Festival, for his aunt's pre-school class, or in the streets of New York following the Twin Towers tragedy, Eugene sees himself as a healer. Through his drums, percussive dance, and a potent presence, he sends the power of Mother Earth's rhythmic "medicine" into the hearts of all who hear and see him, so it can do Its work.
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