Join the full team of artists for a reflection on the weekend in dance and the importance of dance in understanding Black history and culture, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with our guests! Whether you attend one dance class or the entire weekend, make room in your schedule for this Sunday evening roundtable.

Jazz is almost synonymous with the names Jack Cole, Fosse, Luigi, and Giordano, but the syncopated rhythms and isolated body movements of iconic American jazz dance grew out African traditions, sustained and practiced by enslaved black Americans through the horrors of slavery. The story of jazz dance is complex with twists and turns that can be hard to follow, much like the music and much like American history. Move through these complexities with Dominque, and embody a deeper appreciation for this popular uniquely American dance style.

Born at the crossroads of African American and Irish dance in the early 19th century, tap dance is rich with the story of Black history in America told through rhythm and sound. Take a listen and make music with Dominique.

Day Three begins with a spiritual dance of celebration, honoring Black history and manifesting hope for the future.

American music and dance are heavily influenced by African rhythms and African-American culture, but we don’t always make the connection. Rickey breaks down the story of hip hop movement from celebration to mourning to protest.

On Day Two we dig deeper into West African dance styles with Pilar and a full session of movement and conversation around the history and development of this dance style. Explore the social, political, and cultural foundations of West African dance.

Stretch and unwind for the weekend in Dionne’s contemporary ballet class through grounding movements rooted in the influences of African dance on classical ballet. Dionne will lead class discussion throughout.

The weekend begins with a welcome from host Sasha Hutchings and an introductory session to the basics of West African Dance w/ Pilar Lowden.