Pro/Motion – week of January 20

Hello BDA Community,

I hope MLK Day allowed you some time to reflect on the ideals of freedom, equity and access for all.  May we all find ways to uphold and celebrate these values through dance and all that we do in 2025!

Reflecting on 2024, two ways that BDA contributed to access & equity was through the Dance and Disability program in partnership with Monkey House and the Dancewear Distribution program in partnership with retailer Dance this Way.  Here’s to progress through partnership!

In 2024, we were also happy to see an increase of more than $100,000 in fiscally-sponsored BDA members’ access to resources to advance their dance work.  For more on this and other financial highlights from last year, please see the second & final part of BDA’s 2024 year-in-review.

Keep on movin’!


Aaron Myers, Executive Director

 

Boston Bhangra in performance

Welcome to the BDA Community!

We are honored to have Rohit Bhambi of Boston Bhangra rejoin BDA as one of our members. Boston Bhangra was originally founded as a dance team in 2000. It was founded based on 2 brothers who were rival Bhangra captains at Boston University and Northeastern University. Rohit and Amit would compete against one another, but they would never dance with one another due to the rivalry. Thus, Boston Bhangra was born. They united and created one of the best co-ed teams in the country with very talented dancers across Boston. Over the years, they became the most successful team in Boston. They also lead workshops, perform and organize yearly events such as the South Asian Showdown happening March 1, 2025! Check below for more information on how you could save on tickets this year.

 

BDA Member Events This Week

Dark photo of Myles Kercher crouched and twisted.Join this very special event showcasing the work of dancer-choreographer Myles Kercher. See two original choreographies – the powerful work “face” and a brand new duet – in a performance and fundraiser event, as he raises money to help fund his training opportunities overseas. Saturday, January 25, 7-9 PM at MAGMA (Movement Arts Gloucester MA), 11 Pleasant Street, Gloucester. Tickets: $12.

 

Other events in the community this week:

The Mark Morris Dance Group returns to Boston with Morris’ newest evening-length work, The Look of Love. The piece is a wistful and heartfelt homage to the chart-topping hits of Burt Bacharach, a towering figure of popular music, newly arranged by jazz pianist, composer, and MMDG musical collaborator Ethan Iverson. Thursday, January 23, 7:30 PM, Friday, January 24, 8:00 PM, Saturday, January 25, 3:00 & 8:00 PM and Sunday, January 26, 3:00 PM at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater 219 Tremont St., Boston. Tickets: $58-$95.

FREE! – PillowTalk: Innovating Across Digital and Live Performance, will be hosted live on Zoom, featuring Shamel Pitts and Andrew Schneider, two visionary artists performing in the new Duke in 2025. Together, they’ll dive into the art of creating works that captivate both digital and in-person audiences. Delve into their creative processes and discover how they are redefining performance for today’s hybrid stage. Don’t miss this exciting conversation at the intersection of technology and artistry. Friday, January 24, 5:30-6:30 PM.

Move to the music of the world and meet new people at Friday Night International Folk Dancing! Beginners and experienced dancers, singles, couples, and groups are all welcome! Marcie Van Cleave and guest teachers provide a fun program for new and experienced dancers alike at the Folk Arts Center (FAC) Friday folk dance. In a typical evening, several dances are taught or called, and most others can be followed by watching the leading dancers. Friday, January 24, 8:00-10:30 PM, at Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington. Tickets: $5-$10.

In preparation of the formal Ball, Gore Place will be holding another informal Regency dance workshop. Attendees can learn the dances that will be featured at the ball on February 8. Ticket discounts are available if you bundle one or both workshops with a Ball ticket. Saturday, January 25, 2-4 PM, at Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham.

Esh Circus Arts are presenting a Staff Show on Saturday, January 25, 8 PM at the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Tickets: $12-$25.

The Guest Artist Series continues at Deborah Mason Performing Arts Center. Khalid Hill teaches intermediate and advanced levels on Sunday, January 26, 10:00-11:00 AM & 11:15 AM-12:30 PM at DMPAC, 624 Somerville Ave., Somerville. Registrations: $25-$30.

 

Summer Contemporary Intensive poster with two photos of dancers in extensions and program description on the left side.

Audition for Urbanity’s Contemporary Summer Intensive. The program is designed for intermediate to advanced dancers ages 11-24 and includes 3 weeks focused on dance for film, training and creation. In studio auditions take place Saturdays, January 25 & February 22, 2:30-4:00 PM at Urbanity Dance in Boston and March 1 (Natick) & April 12 (Braintree), 1:00-2:00 PM at Accelerate Dance Experience Competition. Video submissions accepted until April 15.

 

 

South Asian Showdown poster with event information displayed over a photo of a dance team performing

The 16th annual South Asian Showdown Competition will take place on Saturday, March 1 at the world renowned Strand Theatre. South Asian Showdown will host 10 of the best Bollywood/Fusion teams from North America who will compete to be crowned the South Asian Showdown Champions! BDA members and Pro/Motion subscribers get a 10% discount if you call Rohit to book your tickets before February 1: 617-448-2508.