The Center for Arts at the Armory heats up the stage with FEET KEEP THE BEAT – a new annual multicultural percussive dance festival bringing together flamenco, Irish, tap, kathak, body percussion and other flavors of percussive dance from around the world. Enjoy classes, jams and an exciting showcase performance featuring Anjali Nath (Kathak), Ariaki Dandawate (Kathak), DrumatiX (Tap / Body Percussion / Drumming), Fourth Dimension (Tap), Khalid Hill (Tap), Rebecca McGowan and Jackie O’Riley (Irish), & Yosi Karahashi (Flamenco). Tuesday, August 1-Friday, August 4 at 191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA.
Join Urban Bush Women in a Movement Workshop at The Studio at The Yard. This participatory workshop focuses on self-care, rejuvenation, and (re-) constructing healthful images of self and communities. No dance or fitness experience is necessary, just a body and a willingness to exhale Wednesday, August 2, 10:30 AM. Then Saturday, August 5 catch the company in a pop-up performance of “Haint Blu,” which investigates sustainability practices and holistic healing that has helped communities thrive and imagines how those might restore our own bodies and minds.
]Jacob’s Pillow celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop—the dynamic culture and art movement catalyzed in the Bronx in August 1973—with a “festival within the Festival,” featuring Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theater at the Ted Shawn Theater. Nefer Global Movement, KR3TS Dance Company (Keep Rising to the Top) and Philadelphia-based The Hood Lockers perform at the Henry J. Leir Stage. Brinae Ali takes on the Henry J. Leir Stage followed by The School at Jacob’s Pillow paying tribute to jazz dancer and teacher Chet Walker Wednesday, August 2-Sunday, August 6.
Dancing Joy with Dance Caliente is a free, interactive ballroom dance show designed to sweep you off your feet with teaching and performance of foxtrot; cha cha; hustle and salsa. The next offering is on Thursday, August 3, 1-2 PM, at the Needham Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave. To reserve a seat call the Needham COA at: 781-455-7555 ext. 210
The highly-anticipated Second Annual Boston Tap Party (BTP), brings top tap artists from across the country to Greater Boston, teaching a wide range of classes for youth and adults, and capping the event with a faculty showcase performance on Saturday, August 5. Faculty for master classes include Ian Berg, Sydney Burtis, Ryan Casey, Thelma Goldberg, Luke Hickey, Khalid Hill, Jay Jan, Kelly Kaleta, Demi Remick, and Aaron Tolson. Thursday, August 3 – Sunday, August 6. Classes and tap jam take place at Deborah Mason Performance Arts Center and the faculty showcase happens at Arts at the Armory, Somerville.
The next Guateque Cubano dance social is Saturday, August 5, 7:30-11:30 PM at George Dilboy Post, 351 Summer St, Somerville. it kicks off with a 30 min lesson by Boston Rueda followed by a special performance by Boston Casineros.
Join Northeast Arts in Jamaica Plain to learn some Latin ballroom dance basics then put them into a short choreography and take them out to the club at night! Instructors New Yorkers Evelyn Reyes and Leilani Mendez bring the hottest moves, authentic flavor and 10 years of teaching experience Saturday, August 5, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM for salsa and Saturday, August 12, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM for bachata and merengue. Clean, soft-soled sneakers or socks required.
The Cabaret Qweens tell stories through their dancing, in a show that includes cyphers, krump, and female and male identifying artists. Free entree and bar drinks, a 360 booth and prizes for best dressed attendees! Must be 25+. Saturday, August 5, doors open at 8 PM, performance starts at 9 PM, at Its 2 Cool, 905 Turnpike Street #C,D,H Canton, MA.
The last Queer Dance Workshop of the summer features waltz with Michael Winward and aBUNdance with Pampi! This is a fun opportunity for queer folks of all identities and experiences to connect through dance. Sunday, August 6, 2:00-4:30 PM, at the Pinebank Promontory at Jamaica Plain.
Join Wendy Jehlen for Waterfall, a work where twenty or more dancers cascade slowly together down a staircase. Participate in an intensive 3-hour workshop based on movement practices that draw on elements of butoh, parkour, contact improvisation and deep listening .to learn to move together as a body of water. The workshop is immediately followed by a performance by workshop participants who wish to take the work outside. In the months ahead, Waterfall will take place on iconic staircases around the world. Waterfall is intrinsically Deaf accessible and dancers of all bodies are invited to participate. Sunday, August 6, 12-3 PM at Arts at Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. Additional workshop on Wednesday, August 30, 12-2 PM.
Common Circus comes to Boston’s Roslindale Square Sunday, August 6, 4 PM starting at The Substation. Join Luminarium Dance on foot as they wander through the neighborhood, stopping at some of Roslindale’s favorite businesses for snippets of the show. What’s better than watching a piece about everyday things in the actual spaces where they occur? This showing is appropriate for all ages and modes of mobility. The route is clear for those using mobility devices and strollers. Email info@luminariumdance.org with any questions or concerns.
Fiscal 2024 funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is on the line in Washington and the current bill reduces funding proposal is 10% below the 2023 levels. NEA budgets have a direct impact on the funding levels for the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Please urge your U.S. Representatives and Senators to pass increased appropriations (at least $211 million) for the NEA and NEH by using this Dance/USA action alert.
The ladies of the Psi Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated are looking for performers for their annual Celebrating the Arts showcase that is taking place Saturday, September 16, 6-9 PM at Bridgewater State University. If you have a talent and would like to perform or know someone who would be interested, please reach out via email pio.thearts@gmail.com. All ages are welcome.
Boston Dance Studios seeks Stage Manager for two performances (3:30 PM & 7:30 PM) on Saturday, August 19 at The Foundry in Cambridge. Availability needed on 8/18 from 5:00-10:00 PM & 8/19 1:00-9:00 PM — compensation starting at $15/hour (1099). If interested, please submit your resume to info@bostondance.org
As we anticipate this week of tap and many forms of percussive dance, we’re enjoying Ian Berg of Subject: Matter getting into an enthusiastic jazz groove.
Best,
__________
Debra Cash, Executive Director