Celebrating Dancing Lights

Two male-presenting ice-skaters dance together.

BDA applauds the decision by Skate Canada to announce that ice dance or pairs teams competing domestically can be composed of any two athletes, regardless of gender. Karen Butcher, president of Skate Canada noted “This [rule] change is about removing barriers to participation in skating, and we believe it will have a significant impact in ensuring all gender identities are recognized and accepted equally and without prejudice.”

 

Two black dancers rest their heads on each other's shoulders leaning back and looking up while reaching arms forward.

Congratulations to Jo-Mé Dance Theatre for their selection as virtual performers at the upcoming International Association of Blacks in Dance (IADB) conference Friday, January 27.

 

Congratulations to Boston Dance Theater and Jessie Jeanne Stinnett for being selected as a grantee of the MAP Fund for The Carol Kaye Project. They received $30,000, which included $25,000 towards the proposed work and $5,000 in unrestricted funds.

 

Poster with information about approval of building name change displayed over a photo of the Boston Arts Academy building and a headshot of Dr. Elma Lewis.

The Boston School Committee has voted to name the Boston Arts Academy building after the late, great Dr. Elma Lewis. Dr. Elma Lewis devoted a lifetime to bringing culture into the lives of Boston’s African American community. Dr. Elma Lewis stood at the forefront of the arts and social change – an embodiment of Boston Arts Academy’s values and ideals. This honor affirms her statement ““When I leave here, the body of my work will be all these wonderful people out there in the world, doing great things.”

 

Eileen and Raul hold each others hand and reach opposite hands away from each other.

Dancing Joy with Dance Caliente is an Interactive Ballroom Dance Show where you will see Eileen and Raul performing their interpretations of rumba, swing, Argentine tango and the waltz (and maybe a salsa encore). After the performance you can experience each dance with lessons designed to be performed from chair to center-floor. Monday, December 19, 7-8 PM at Peabody Institute Library.

 

JAE Company dancers dance with young dancers.

Learn more about Jean Appolon Expressions‘ upcoming Natural Connection Experience holistic retreat in the Dominican Republic. Register for the Zoom Q&ATuesday, December 20 from 6-7 PM EST.

 

"True Colors Residency Applications Now Open" written in white over a purple background.

The Theater Offensive Queer (Re)public Residency Program is dedicated solely to queer & trans artists of color, whose work demonstrates artistic vigor and inquisitive exploration of their personal queer aesthetics. Two levels have different criteria.  Apply by January 31.

 

Somerville Arts Council Seeks Board Members poster with position and application information.

Somerville Arts Council seeks Board Members. Three positions are open for applicants. Three-year term with a possibility of renewing for up to one more three-year term. Must be Somerville Resident; arts (broadly defined), community development, program development expertise or experience are preferred. After application and interview, candidates are appointed by the Mayor. Deadline Tuesday, December 27.

 

Let it snow!

 

In every culture, we respond to the darkest days of winter with light and celebration.

Whether you are enjoying Hanuka, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or even something idiosyncratic like National Sangria Day (December 20) this is a time to take a deep breath, count our blessings, and recommit to the things we find most meaningful.

Boston Dance Alliance is so proud of all we have done together this past year. As we reach the final days of 2022, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support BDA’s ongoing work.

And if you have already responded to our appeals, thank you so much!

The BDA virtual office will be closed December 26-January 1, but look for an issue of the Pro/Motion newsletter on December 26 because for us, the dancing never stops.

Happy holidays to you and all those you hold dear.

Debra Cash, Executive Director