Swing into Spring Celebration [Madison, WI]

About the Swing into Spring Residency:

Renowned dancer, scholar and Tradition-Bearer of Black American Social Dance, LaTasha Barnes, will visit Wisconsin for a statewide residency from April 3 – 12, 2025. UW–Madison will offer free workshops, classes, and guided explorations with Barnes and her collaborator, Le’Andre Douglas, in Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Viroqua, Wausau, and Eau Claire, WI. These workshops will explore the continuum of Black music and dance centering on Authentic Jazz and Lindy Hop of the 1920s to contemporary forms such as House, Hip-Hop, Funk and more. This unique project aims to share the traditions of Jazz and to share its power to build community through the kinesthetic and collaborative joy of moving together.

The residency will culminate in a free, all-ages, all-levels public workshop and celebration called “Swing into Spring” on Saturday April 12th from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Goodman Community Center on Madison’s east side. Ms. Barnes, accompanied by professional dancers and live musicians, will teach a continuum-inspired phrase to participants. The event will culminate in a statewide, simultaneous performance via livestream, connecting satellite locations across Wisconsin.The Madison event will close with a reception featuring live music, refreshments, and conversation with Ms. Barnes and her collaborators.

You are welcome to participate in the workshop, simultaneous performance, and reception or you can join us later in the day to watch the performance and celebrate with us at the reception!

Venue Information:

Parking at the Goodman Community Center

Important Details to Note:

Experience level: You do not need to be a professional dancer to participate, all experience levels are encouraged to join us.

Shoes: It is recommended that participants bring soft-soled leather shoes such as jazz shoes to the workshop, as well as hard-soled leather shoes.

Participation: When you arrive for the workshop please check in with Division of the Arts staff, you will not need to present a ticket. Upon arrival you may be asked to sign a media and liability waiver.

Space is limited, RSVPs are highly encouraged!

Info: LaTasha Barnes will teach you the dance phrase we will perform together.

Info: After learning the dance phrase, we will "Swing into Spring" together!

Info: Keep the fun going by joining us for more dancing, and light snacks and refreshments.

Host or Publisher UW-Madison Division of the Arts