We will explore movement through the embodiment of realism, sound, connection, and joy. The time spent together will include individual improvisational play, communal play, modern-based forms to support mobility and expansion, and a movement combination that will integrate my foundational passions - musicality, texture, mechanics, isolation, pathways, and storytelling. As an educator and class leader, my hope is to also evoke senses of physical and somatic freedom by prioritizing clear direction, and positive reinforcement!

Focuses on using all parts of your body when freestyling using Levels, Spacing & Musicality of various styles of Dance.

Afro-Cuban Dance can be described as the plethora of dances that stem from the product of the transformation on Cuban soil of the dances of various African ethnic groups that arrived in Cuba through the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade. The dances can be religious or secular but are always inextricably linked to music and song and are characterized by a deep connection to the ancestors. We will begin by warming up the body in preparation for an intense class. Then we will move across the floor building up movement phrases based on some of the many traditional Afro-Cuban Dance styles.

Choreo-CoLab is taking place as part of Fall 2023 OPEN HOUSE. Kicking off in September 2023, OPEN HOUSE will begin with a Block Party featuring a Live Acoustic Electric DJ set by CRITICAL BREAKS Alum Zane Rodulfo, followed by a Work in Process of BRICKS by Charlene Jean, OPEN HOUSE will feature local vendors and artists and serve as a community gathering and celebration. In the weeks that follow, we will engage our community with dance, music, and much more! All of this will take place from our home at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 in East Harlem!

Brazilian Samba for Carnival
September 19, 2023, 6-8 pm

Teaching Artist: Régine Bellinger

Technically known as “Samba no Pé” or “Passista Style Samba”, Brazilian Samba for Carnival is not a class to miss! Instructor Régine Bellinger trained for five years in Rio de Janeiro under the direction of George Louzada and Alex Coutinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.