Hello BDA Community,
Happy International Dance Day! In conjunction with Unesco, the International Dance Council designated this day in 1982 to promote public awareness of the art of dance–something Boston Dance Alliance endeavors to do each & every day.
As a universal language of movement, dance is found in almost in every corner of the world and is a great way to connect people across the globe–something I had the pleasure to witness firsthand this past weekend in Boston during a Brazilian drumming performance by Grooversity and during the three-day Sambanismo Festival that convened nearly 100 street & club dancers from 10 countries.
So, dance is more than just a mode of self-expression but a means to building community and one that also improves our physical, mental, and social well-being.
Boston Dance Alliance is here to help you discover dance and in so doing find inspiration from around the world right here in/around Boston.
All the best,
Aaron Myers, Interim Executive Director
BDA Member Events This Week
FREE! – Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month with JAE in a Haitian Folkloric Dance Workshop. This accessible dance class blends Haitian folkloric and Afro-contemporary dance techniques. It is centered around community, self-empowerment, and having fun! Students of all ages, movement backgrounds, and experience levels will learn dance techniques inspired by Yanvalou, Ibo, and Congo rhythms. Limited to 50 participants. No registration required. Thursday, May 2, 6:00-7:15 PM at The Boston Public Library Hyde Park Branch, 35 Harvard Ave., Hyde Park.
FREE! – To Feel the Earth, and Touch the Sky, Living the Legacy of American Modern Dance, presented by Dance Currents, highlights the boundary breaking figures in the evolution of American Modern Dance. Hear how Boston dance teachers, choreographers and writers tell this continuing story. Thursday, May 2, 7 PM at the Brookline Main Library 361 Washington Street, Brookline.
FREE! – Cassie Wang‘s The Head is not the Star of the Body is a study on longing, a work-in-progress interdisciplinary performance integrating contemporary dance, storytelling, and generative video art. In response to a selection of songs by Big Thief, the music and lyricism of the American indie folk band serve as inspiration for ethnographic inquiry and movement research. Ultimately, this study on longing aims to cultivate mutual understanding of each other and of oneself. Longing emerges from a perceived gap in our identities, and to know what someone longs for is to witness the lesser seen parts of their being
Friday, May 3, 7-8 PM at the BCA’s Martin Hall, 527 Tremont St., Boston.
Join Northeast Arts for 4 semi-private workshops on variations from the classical ballets. In Variations & Artistry, teacher Emily Entingh works with adults to “build your own” variation out of the many versions available so that each participant can work on technique and artistry at the difficulty level they prefer while maintaining safety for the body and the look and feel of the classical variation. Pointe work is not required, but welcome at the dancer’s preference. Saturdays, May 4-May 25, 11:45 AM- 12:45 PM, at Northeast Arts, 85 Seaverns Ave., Jamaica Plain. Registration for 4-class pack (open class included): $160.
FREE! – Join Continuum Dance Project for a work-in-progress showing. This event is part of a year long Artist Residency at the BU Wheelock’s Earl Center for Innovation and Learning. Saturday, May 4, 4:30 PM at the Allerton Overlook, 203 Pond Ave, Brookline. Rain date: May 5.
A MAKE iT / SHARE iT / SHOW iT (aMaSSiT) presents works in progress by local choreographers through pitch sessions designed to propel them further towards realizing their ambitious dance creations. The pitch session allows the artist to give more information about their aspirations for the project, and outline what they might need to bring their creation into its next phase. See what they have been up to, and through your feedback help some form the future of these works. ASL interpretation will be provided. Saturday, May 4, 8 PM and Sunday, May 5 at 7 PM, at the Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Tickets are pay what you can.
FREE! – Exploring Authentic Connection to Self and Others with Lilia Volodina is a sound and movement workshop that will focus on connection to Self, self-attunement and authentic connection to others. Monday, May 6, 6:00-7:15 PM at The Dance Complex, Studio 7, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.
Celebrating their 10th anniversary in performance, Pantos Project Dance features company work throughout the years. The ensemble and movers will join the professional company with premiere work and restaging of repertoire classics in Reminiscence. Friday, May 3 & Saturday, May 4, 7:30 PM at Boston University Dance Theatre, 915 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA. Tickets: $48.
Join for the inaugural Rhythm N’ Spice Hot Sauce Fest! Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you groove to the rhythm of live music and dance performances and workshops by talented local artists including moving and grooving to the music of steel pans. Saturday, May 4, 12:00-4:00 PM; and 4:30-8:30 PM at The Cambridge Foundry, 101 Rogers Street, Cambridge. Adult tickets: $15-$45, Children 12 and under enjoy for free.
Legends of Shiva promises to be an engaging and enthralling experience told through the ancient Indian classical dance form of Kathak. Under the artistic vision of Shefali Jain and direction of Gretchen Hayden, senior disciple of Pandit Chitresh Das, Chhandika students and senior teachers will explore the timeless stories of Shiva, the deity of dance who sweeps away illusion and ignorance. Sunday, May 5, 4 PM at the Fine Arts Center – Regis College, 235 Wellesley Avenue, Weston. Tickets: $20-$100.
Last chance to get your discounted tickets to see Alvin Ailey at the Boch Center Wang Theatre! Click “unlock” and use code MOVE25 to get 25% off tickets! Enjoy new choreography and classics alike. Thursday, May 2 & Friday May 3, at 8 PM. Saturday May 4, 2 PM & 8 PM. Sunday, May 5 at 3 PM.
This year We Create delves into the histories, presents, and envisioned futures of settler colonized/occupied territories, including: Puerto Rico, Haiti, Palestine, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines. Featuring music, dance, film, poetry, mixed media, and vendors, the festival organized by Danza Orgánica takes place Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) at the Cultural Equity Incubator (CEI), 15 Channel Center Street, Boston. BDA members get $10 tickets!