Jazz Dancing and the African Diaspora Workshop Day
Schedule
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 12:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
1000 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2008, United States | Ann Arbor, MI
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Have you ever heard an instructor say “swing dancing is a Black art form” but not exactly known what that means? Due to a history of whitewashing and cultural erasure, swing dancing’s roots have been made invisible to many dancers today. Join us on Sunday, April 13th for an exploration of jazz dancing through the African Diaspora. We will participate in solo jazz classes with Detroit instructor Paulette Brockington (beginner friendly!) and then be joined by hiphop instructor Alana Michelle Howard to take a look at the parallels between the two dance forms. We will wrap up the day with an anti-racism teach-in and dialogue. ALL swing dancers are encouraged to attend this conversation, whether or not you participate in the classes or not! The conversation is FREE to attend, and there will be FOOD provided!WHEN and WHERE
Classes:
Solo Jazz 12:00-1:30pm
Solo Jazz and Hiphop 2:00-4:00pm
Studio 4, Dance building
1000 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor
Food and conversation:
5:00-6:30pm
B206, Walgreen Drama Center
1226 Murfin Ave, Ann Arbor
COST
Pay-What-You-Wish $0-50 (All proceeds go to the NAACP)
FAQ’s
Where can I park?
Parking in the Baits lot (NC10) is free on Sundays! This lot is directly between the dance and music buildings. If this lot is full, you can also park in the orange lot NC32, a short walk up the hill.
Map here
Who should attend this?
Everyone! You don’t need to have experience in solo jazz, hiphop, swing dancing, or anti-racism work to attend this event. Beginning your journey in anti-racist work can feel scary and uncomfortable for many people, and we recognize that. However, it is necessary work for all members of our democracy, and especially crucial for those engaging in a cultural art form. Stepping out of our comfort zone is how we grow!
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Paulette Brockington is a dancer, workshop teacher (Jazz, Swing Era Hip Hop, authentic jazz, tap and generational Lindy Hop), author and 20th century vernacular dance historian whose work has led her across the USA, to Japan, the UK, Sweden, Germany, Norway & Canada. A protege of the late Frankie Manning, she is active as a competitor, swing music DJ, dance coach and competition judge. She is a former World Fast Dance Champion, World Swing Dance Champion and Open Hustle Champion. She directs the American Lindy Hop Championships, Known for her versatility, musicality, and creativity on dance floors and stages as a performer and choreographer, she specializes in 1920s-1960s jazz dance which she calls Swing Era Hip Hop. Paulette designed the Lindy curriculum she has been using since working as a Master Teacher in the Traditional Arts Program that has been developed into the Lindy Teacher Training Bootcamp and is now called the Lindy Technique & Teacher Training Workshop Series to recapture the spirit and skill that existed during the Swing Era.
Alana Michelle is a performing artist, artist director and dance educator whose work focuses on African and African American dance, music, and culture for uplifting the black community.
Register using the link above!
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Where is it happening?
1000 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2008, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
