LIVING ARTS BLOG
Living Arts Joins the Detroit School of Arts Pathways Initiative
Living Arts is proud to be an arts partner with the DPSCD Detroit School of Arts (DSA) Pathways Initiative! “DSA Pathways is what collaboration in the arts can and should be…”
Executive Director, Alissa Novoselick with ISA Program Manager, Brent Smith and Program Director, Erika Villarreal Bunce along with fellow DSA Pathways Partners InsideOut Literary Arts attended this morning’s initiative launch.
Living Arts is proud to be an arts partner with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Detroit School of Arts (DSA) Pathways Initiative! “DSA Pathways is what collaboration in the arts can and should be. We are so excited to work with our peers—and with a partner like DPSCD—to ensure that students are the beneficiaries of our arts-rich city. Utilizing organizational strengths we are able to come together for something that is larger and more intentional than any one of us could achieve alone,” stated Living Arts’ Executive Director, Alissa Novoselick. See the press release below for details on the exciting initiative that launched this morning! For more information on the DSA Pathways Initiative, visit DSA Pathways.
Harnessing Personal Power through Dance
On Saturday November 16, seven of the nine Youth Dance Ensemble dancers joined their mentor/instructors Miryam Johnson and Penny Godboldo, along with Living Arts’ Director of Programs, Erika Villarreal Bunce and Dance Program Director, Marianne Cox over Lebanese food and conversation.
Living Arts’ dancers and instructors met to discuss and reflect on their Sofrito of Cultures summer intensive.
On Saturday November 16, seven of the nine Youth Dance Ensemble dancers joined their mentor/instructors Miryam Johnson and Penny Godboldo, along with Living Arts’ Director of Programs, Erika Villarreal Bunce and Dance Program Director, Marianne Cox over Lebanese food and conversation. Also in attendance was Jennifer Collins the mother of Bailee Williams, one of the dancers. The gathering was the first time the group had met since their August 8th performance at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
The inter-generational conversation, led by Villarreal Bunce, was an opportunity for the young women to really debrief and dig into what they learned and how they felt during the intensive.
On learning Dunham technique alongside her own students, Miryam Johnson said she was “…in the moment, in the music, in my body connected to the people around me” as opposed to being in her head, focusing on self-criticism. She added, “It was important for me to be a student next to you; for you to see me not getting it also.” Master choreographer and intensive lead, Penny Godboldo said “Dance is a language...it’s called a company because it’s community working together.”
Over the course of the three weeks, the dancers, instructors, and drummers met for five hours a day, five days a week. Initially desiring a 10-week session, Godboldo had to readjust expectations from her students. “I knew what young people in this community were capable of, but I wasn’t sure if [you] were up for it. I was so pleased with the way [you] young women stepped up and did the work!”
Reflecting on the journal entries they wrote during the intensive, the young dancers recalled the feelings brought on by dancing. Learning the history and cultural relevance of the drum and movement in Afro-Latin dance was critical to understanding their own role in the dance. “I felt that the intensive really made me feel like a leader. It really tested my boundaries,” shared Bailee Williams, 13. Many of the dancers agreed that their boundaries, both physical and mental, were tested during their training. Learning how to breathe proved to be one of the most valuable tools, centering themselves before rehearsals began and carrying them throughout the hours of movement. “Wwhen I came here to dance I was happy and more confident.” Brianna Hernandez, 12. Mariajose Galarza, 13 added, “After the intensive I really felt like I could do anything! It was really long and hard but really good.”
Though still a while off from their careers, many of the dancers are considering entering into professional dance. A chance to represent both Detroit and the Southwest community where they live, the dancers want to show the world that Detroit is still in the game. “No one expects big dancers to come out of Detroit because it’s just a small city. No one expects someone like Miss Penny or Dunham to come out of Detroit. Everybody just thinks that it was famous during the Motor City era and has been left behind like it was nothing. But there really is something special in this community...dance just connects us,” said 14-year-old Nina Contreras.
Ms. Collins exclaimed, “You all are powerful! Knowing what you all accomplished this summer you all can do anything!” A sentiment echoed by all the mentors in the room.
Dispatches from the National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference
Every year, Living Arts sends a team to the annual conference of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. This event brings together artists, administrators, educators, and changemakers to share their work and models and build collaboratively on a national scale. The conference is an opportunity for all members of our team (staff, Teaching Artists, and students) to learn from peers and leadership in the field. Previously held in Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Baltimore, this year’s conference was held in Austin, Texas from October 30-November 2.
Photo by: Zack Bissell
Every year, Living Arts sends a team to the annual conference of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. This event brings together artists, administrators, educators, and changemakers to share their work and models and build collaboratively on a national scale. The conference is an opportunity for all members of our team (staff, Teaching Artists, and students) to learn from peers and leadership in the field. Previously held in Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Baltimore, this year’s conference was held in Austin, Texas from October 30-November 2.
This year, we were fortunate to be able to take Diamond Davis, one of our youth leaders, to the conference for the first time and to attend the National Young Artists Summit which took place in conjunction with the conference. Diamond has participated in our programs since 2015 and quickly became a leader in our teen initiatives and classes.
A major highlight for me was the keynote from artist Favianna Rodriguez, who spoke about the power of culture and art to disrupt violent systems that operate in our society, and concrete tools that center teaching artists as instigators and partners. Rodriguez also addressed ways to design classes to reach all students. I also connected with colleagues from around the country and deepened my connection and mentorship with Diamond.
Overall, the conference this year gave me many tools, ideas, and inspiration that will continue to impact our Out-of-School Arts program and Living Arts as a whole for years to come. It was especially timely, as we continue to strategize and implement ways that youth can (and should!) shape the world around them. Diamond and I are now developing a plan to roll out our preparations for Open Arts Fest 2020 that includes more youth collaboration and community partnership.
Attending the NGCAE conference has given me the tools and inspiration to move our programs forward and be more innovative in the youth-led programming and creative youth development spheres. I am deeply excited and already looking ahead for next year’s conference and youth summit in New York City!
Diamond Davis
For the past 5 years, I’ve been involved with Living Arts programming and youth leadership in a variety of ways. This year, Living Arts invited me to represent them at the National Young Artists Summit (NYAS), an offshoot of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. I was really happy and super excited to be invited because it felt like a big opportunity. I didn’t initially know a lot about the conference but I was excited to represent Living Arts and meet all the different people there. As I learned more about the Guild and the NYAS, I couldn’t wait to start chatting with them about different projects and what they’re involved in at their organizations.
Day 1, National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference
I attended a few different presentations and workshops. One was a cutting-edge marketing session, where they talked about nonprofits, especially music in schools. l left with many ideas that will help us prepare for Open Arts Fest, including new ways to connect with the community, promote the event, coordinate with schools, and reach more youth. Another workshop focused on ways to use artistic experiences to set up safe and comfortable spaces in order to address difficult topics such as race, social justice, and equity. I also went to a youth-focused networking session. We talked about what is it like being a young artist and developing careers, parental approval/disapproval, and their guidance. It made me think a lot about my own pathway and if I want to pursue the arts or engineering, and about my mom’s support.
Day 2, the National Young Artists Summit
It was really fun and interesting with lots of different youth performances. We had conversations about gun violence, police brutality, sexual harassment, and there were artistic pieces relating to those topics such as dances, music, and others. Afterwards we did role-plays and discussed the topics. I also attended a dance session where we learned dance and I bonded with the people in the class. We were all really comfortable and were able to come out of our shells. The adult partners and facilitators reminded me of the adults at Living Arts such as Zack and Stephanie, who are able to step back and allow the youth to take the lead in different ways.
The other youth that I met were very inclusive and cared about all the individuals in the group to create safe and comfortable spaces for us to connect with each other. I was so happy to get a chance to connect more deeply with youth from Mosaic Theatre of Detroit, especially since we live in the same city. We’ll be able to continue chatting and collaborating as we build our friendships moving forward. We’re already talking about ways we can do things together soon. I also met DeLashea from Mosaic and have emailed her to start getting to know her better. There were also youth from around the country that are artists in many different mediums. It was really helpful to hear about their programs and events they are developing and leading.
Now that the conference is over, I’m hoping to get together again with everybody from Mosaic. I’m also looking forward to connecting Living Arts more to teens in schools so they can come to our events and get involved. I’m also going to be finding ways to get involved with other youth programs and nonprofits in Detroit such as Mosaic, Bloombodies, and others.
My experiences at the conference helped me realize how important it is to develop comfortable and safe spaces, especially for Open Arts Fest, so that we can use the space to share important messages and topics. That way we can have fun but also do great work together with our peers. I’m also hoping to join the planning committee next year for the National Young Artists Summit now that I’ve attended once and have met the planning team.
Living Arts Receives $40,000 Commitment to Arts Access for Detroit Youth
Renewed partnership support comes from Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation
Living Arts is proud to announce a $40,000 grant award from the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation. This partnership will provide 100 free enrollments for youth and children in Southwest Detroit to access Living Arts’ Out-of-School Arts program.
Students at our Out of School Arts animation class. Photo by J. Lindsey Photography.
Renewed partnership support comes from Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation
Living Arts is proud to announce a $40,000 grant award from the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation. This partnership will provide 100 free enrollments for youth and children in Southwest Detroit to access Living Arts’ Out-of-School Arts program.
“This continued partnership with the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation will ensure that Detroit youth have access to high-quality arts experiences regardless of their family’s financial situation.” said Alissa Novoselick, Executive Director of Living Arts. “We’re proud to partner with an organization that supports the positive enrichment in the lives of our youth,” continued Novoselick.
Living Arts’ Out-of-School Arts program offers a wide array of class offerings after school and on weekends at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center. Instruction in multiple disciplines is offered, including video animation, songwriting and recording, visual arts, multimedia art, and dance. Classes are available for youth ages 3 months to 18 years old, and no one is ever turned away for inability to pay.
“These programs give students a place to be after school and the chance to try dance or animation or beat making without worrying if they can afford it or not,” stated Tanykia “Diamond” Davis, an 18 year-old participant in the Out-of-School Arts program. Davis recently spoke at a 20th anniversary celebration for Living Arts on her experience with the program. “Like me, a lot of the students at Living Arts have a scholarship to attend classes. Because of Living Arts, kids like me have the chance to try out something new and stick with something they love, and be around mentors that inspire them,” said Davis.
Celebrating 20 Years of Living Arts
Last Thursday April 11th, Living Arts celebrated a milestone 20th anniversary in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Detroit Masonic Temple. Kicking off the evening with a step and repeat welcome, guests were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the reception area and to explore the gallery of 20 years of Living Arts work. VIP guests were treated to swag bags filled with goodies from hand tie-dyed towels to chocolates from Bon Bon Bon, a private lounge area, and a tour of the Masonic Temple.
An Evening for Living Arts: Celebrating 20 Years held in the Crystal Ballroom at the historic Detroit Masonic Temple on April 11, 2019. All photos: Julianne Lindsay
Last Thursday April 11th, Living Arts celebrated a milestone 20th anniversary in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Detroit Masonic Temple. Kicking off the evening with a step and repeat welcome, guests were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the reception area and to explore the gallery of 20 years of Living Arts work. VIP guests were treated to swag bags filled with goodies from hand tie-dyed towels to chocolates from Bon Bon Bon, a private lounge area, and a tour of the Masonic Temple.
The program for the evening opened with Executive Director Alissa Novoselick sharing our story of growth and impact. “From one dance class with a handful of students in a church basement to serving over 50,000 youth.” Citing supportive parents, engaging teaching artists, and excited youth, Novoselick also gave a heartfelt nod to the staff and board, as well as the endless hours of grant writing and hustle.
After encouraging the audience to dream big about the future of Detroit’s youth “where every, single child, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity and ability to connect to the creative process and grow through instruction and guidance from an exceptional teaching artist”, Novoselick acknowledged the evening’s sponsors and supporters and welcomed Sterling Toles, the host for the evening.
Toles, a Detroit native, DJ/producer, Kresge fellow, and long-standing teaching artist for Living Arts was an excellent host and story teller. With admiration and respect, Toles introduced colleagues with anecdotes that made the audience laugh and cheer. When speaking of Director of Dance, Marianne Brass, Toles spoke about “the pitter-patter of tiny tap shoes, sounding like the cutest little thunderstorm”. When speaking of Karilú Alarcón Forshee, he spoke of his admiration for managing toddlers with grace, whereas sometimes his class would end in light chaos.
He shared his love of hip hop and the connection of cultural reinvention with hip hop instructor Daishiro Tsushima, and spoke of all the talents and many hats worn by veteran teaching artist Natasha Beste and her animation students. And when speaking of student Diamond Davis, his pride in her development as an artist and young woman shone through.
The program featured two dance performances for the evening. One by the Youth Dance Ensemble performing a 2013 throwback lyrical dance entitled Caminos to Calle 13’s “Latinoamérica”. The other, a demonstration of popping/locking, breaking, freestyle, and vogue by the hyper-energetic advanced hip hop class. Three videos were also presented: an animation from Beste’s students on how creating art makes them feel; a profile of Alarcón Forshee and her Detroit Wolf Trap classes; and a retrospective reflection video of the people who have made Living Arts a thriving organization over the last 20 years.
Diamond Davis, a long-standing student with the organization shared her experience of creativity and mentorship. Entrusted to be a peer mentor herself, Davis recalled being tasked with putting together 2018’s Open Arts Fest by Program Manager, Zack Bissell. Davis cites Bissell as a “great blessing” in her life who “has pushed me [sic] to do so much”. She spoke of going off to college, but returning to shadow Bissell to learn more from him.
Novoselick returned to the stage to then speak about honored guest for the evening, Jason REVOK. Following an agreement with a corporation over the improper usage of his artwork, REVOK gifted the funds to four Detroit-based arts organizations, including Living Arts. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to you, in person, in front of all of these people, for your transformative gift. Your generosity will allow us to enter our third decade, ready to take on projects that would have been inconceivable 20 years ago.” As a token of gratitude, Novoselick presented a framed photo of Living Arts’ students signed by the youth.
Rounding out the program, Matt Nahan, Board Member and Development Committee Chair, introduced the connections made possible by the people in the room and those in the Living Arts community. He then announced that with the gift REVOK presented, the organization halfway to their goal of a $100,000 20th Anniversary Fund. The Fund, Nahan explained, would “allow us to invest in the future of Detroit’s youth by creating new community and educational partnerships, build relationships with some of the area's most exciting artists, and provide the tools and resources to make it all happen. ”
Closing out the evening, Toles gave thanks to the attendees, and sent applause to the rafters for DJs Brendan Asante and student-DJ Johnathan. Toles invited all guests to stay for champagne and desserts and to explore the animation station, gallery, and enjoy one another’s company.
An Evening for Living Arts raised $75,000 in sponsorship and ticket sales and an additional $10,000 toward the 20th Anniversary Fund (bringing the Fund’s current total to $60,000).
For more information on the 20th Anniversary Fund please contact Tara Toumaala at tara@livingartsdetroit.org.
Art, Philanthropy, and Legacy: Talking with Ronald Cresswell (Cresswell Family Foundation)
We are beyond grateful for the support that we’ve received for our 20th anniversary. As part of our recent series on getting to know our sponsors, we recently did a quick Q&A with Ronald Cresswell, of the Cresswell Family Foundation. Mr. Cresswell and his wife, Sheila, have been long-time lovers of the arts, and have supported the arts through their foundation. Below is a transcript of our interview. Many thanks to the Cresswell Family Foundation for their continued support of Detroit arts and youth development!
We are beyond grateful for the support that we’ve received for our 20th anniversary. As part of our recent series on getting to know our sponsors, we recently did a quick Q&A with Ronald Cresswell, of the Cresswell Family Foundation. Mr. Cresswell and his wife, Sheila, have been long-time lovers of the arts, and have supported the arts through their foundation. Below is a transcript of our interview. Many thanks to the Cresswell Family Foundation for their continued support of Detroit arts and youth development!
Living Arts: To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what motivated you to start the Cresswell Family Foundation?
Ronald Cresswell: We (my wife Sheila and I) came to the US in 1960. We married the year before and I had just finished a Ph.D. We had $200 between us, of which Customs greeted the new immigrants with an $80 charge, but thanks to an education I had a good paying Post Doctoral fellowship at Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research in Manhattan. After Sloan Kettering I took a job in the pharmaceutical industry as a research scientist. We were introduced to philanthropy by my first employer, a company itself owned by a registered charity. Quite honestly, with a family of 5 girls to bring up and educate, our means did not allow much by way of philanthropy for a long time. In 1988, we moved to Ann Arbor and I became Chairman of Research Development and Medicine at the laboratories of Warner Lambert/Parke Davis. We became involved in local philanthropy, and then through the success of our research efforts we finally had some money to share. Stock options and some smart investments during the period of “irrational exuberance” in the late 1990’s made us comparatively wealthy. It was at this point, shortly before retirement, that we decided to fund the Cresswell Family Foundation.
LA: How did you become involved with Living Arts?
RC: Our daughter Susan became interested, and asked if the Foundation could support. My wife and I love art, although neither of us claim to be in any way gifted. We were already supporting music and art for handicapped children, and Living Arts offered a chance to support art in a different context. So Susan brought us into the relationship.
LA: What motivates you to support the work of organizations like Living Arts?
RC: The experience of the power of education in our own lives as a family, and secondly the knowledge that in every generation there are undiscovered talents. Talents that for one reason or another were never given the exposure and the opportunity to flourish.
LA: Why do you think arts education is important for children?
RC: Artists portray and picture the world around them, as they see it. The scope of their vision can be profoundly moving, and the sense or wonder that the arts engender is something that children should have the chance to experience.
LA: What makes you passionate about arts/arts education?
RC: I think I have probably answered this already, but for us art is an essential part of life. We want to have new experiences of it, and we want it around us. As for education it is part of a complete education and it is the discoverer and encourager of talent.
LA: What was your experience with the arts as a child? Do you have a favorite teacher who brought creativity into the classroom?
RC: My efforts in arts class were very poor and I dropped the subject to pursue science. My wife has tried to take up painting but did not feel she was gifted either. Yet, we both love and collect art, and it is a vital part of our lives. I did have an inspirational art teacher but the inspiration was to the benefit of others, and one of my classmates Alasdair Gray became and is one of Scotland’s foremost artists.
Support for Detroit Arts Education: An Interview with Dr. Rita Fields
Valentine’s Day is not normally a holiday I celebrate. In my relationship, every day is a chance to show one another love and appreciation, so it’s not a an extra special time for us. But this year, I got the chance to spend some time talking with Dr. Rita Fields, SHRM-SCP. If you’re not familiar with Dr. Fields, get familiar.
Valentine’s Day is not normally a holiday I celebrate. In my relationship, every day is a chance to show one another love and appreciation, so it’s not a an extra special time for us. But this year, I got the chance to spend some time talking with Dr. Rita Fields, SHRM-SCP. If you’re not familiar with Dr. Fields, get familiar.
Born and raised in Detroit, Dr. Fields overcame extreme adversity, including street homelessness. Though she experienced what some might call set-backs in life, she didn’t allow that to stop her path to success. Today, she’s dual CEO of both 313 Industries, a CNC machining and milling corporation and Copper Phoenix Consulting, LLC where she offers expertise on talent and operations management. She is also a professor at the school of management at the University of Michigan, a healthcare administrator at Central Michigan University, and a dissertation advisor in the PHOD Program at Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition, she sits on several boards including the South Oakland Shelter and Coalition on Temporary Shelter, is a mother, and all around black excellence. So imagine my excitement when I got to spend my Valentine’s afternoon speaking with a truly inspiring human.
After initially discussing our respective backgrounds and experiences with hardship, the millennial perspective on success (do more, be better), and living a life with gratitude and reflection, we got into the heart of why Dr. Fields is a supporter and sponsor of Living Arts.
KCR: Can you describe yourself in 5 words?
Dr. Fields: I am living on purpose. Yeah…I think that’s exactly how I’d describe myself.
KCR: I love that! I’m going to adopt that if you don’t mind.
Dr. Fields: Not at all.
KCR: So, let’s dig in. How did you become involved with Living Arts and what has your involvement looked like over time?
Dr. Fields: I connected with Alissa [Executive Director, Alissa Novoselick] a year ago. We went to one of my favorite places to talk and we connected. She invited me to be on the steering committee for last year’s event [An Evening For Living Arts]. I don’t really do that sort of thing, but I’m pro-Detroit and pro-children of Detroit. And I just think the work Living Arts does is absolutely incredible.
KCR: What motivates you to support the work of organizations like Living Arts? Why did you choose to support Living Arts as a business sponsor for An Evening for Living Arts?
Dr. Fields: Like I said, I’m very invested in Detroit, and the children of Detroit especially. I just think that the work Living Arts does in schools, in the community, is so important, so I felt it was important to support the work.
KCR: What makes you passionate about the arts and arts education?
Dr. Fields: Almost all of my life, I’ve been business focused and linear. I’m pretty new to the art world and I certainly wouldn’t consider myself an expert. But I started working with arts education organizations and really started to see how art transforms people. And I started to read business articles about how being creative makes you better at business. Art is so expansive and adds a more vibrant side to living.
KCR: Where do you see the work of Living Arts making a bigger impact in the community?
Dr. Fields: Living Arts will make a bigger impact when more people know about it. I think Living Arts should tell its story and let the children tell their story. This upcoming 20th anniversary celebration will show just how meaningful the impact Living Arts has on the community.
Dance Me a Story: Developing Early Literacy Skills through Movement and Creative Dance
On Saturday, February 2nd, the Living Arts Youth Dance Ensemble was invited to participate as honored guests at the Detroit Dhamaal 2019 Bollywood Fusion Competition.
Held at the historic Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Detroit, the competition featured Bollywood dance troupes from colleges across the nation. Board member Matthew Nahan spoke about the Living Arts programs and the value of teaching artists in the community. Nahan also introduced the Youth Dance Ensemble performance.
Photos: Erika Villarreal BunceAt the age of 9, Lorna Park started her work with young children. Ms. Park is proudly still in early childhood care as an educator at House of Joy Child Care in Detroit. Using her body artfully is important to Ms. Park "Nurturing a love of learning is a priority to me. The arts help us to get where we need to be mentally, physically, and spiritually to receive experiences. Movement helps us to follow the child".
In partnership with Help Me Grow Michigan, Living Arts hosted two professional development workshops for early childhood educators at the Detroit PAL on Friday, February 15th and Saturday, February 16th. Seventy educators, including Ms. Park, attended the workshops over the course of both days. The workshops, lead by Master Teaching Artist Kimberli Boyd, provided educators with methods to incorporate movement and dance in their work around early literacy.
Using chants, songs, stories, and props, Boyd demonstrated developmentally appropriate strategies to support literacy skills in the early childhood classroom. Beyond literacy, these strategies support social and emotional growth, as well as whole body awareness and fine and gross motor skill function.
Young children are able to gain understanding of the world around them by learning how they move through the world. “I believe that the Arts are powerful enough to cause transformation, and that dance is empowering enough to move hearts, minds, and bodies — and to revolutionize learning,” said Ms. Boyd. Participants of the workshop received certification for their time.
Dhamaal 2019 Honors Youth Dance Ensemble
On Saturday, February 2nd, the Living Arts Youth Dance Ensemble was invited to participate as honored guests at the Detroit Dhamaal 2019 Bollywood Fusion Competition.
Held at the historic Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Detroit, the competition featured Bollywood dance troupes from colleges across the nation. Board member Matthew Nahan spoke about the Living Arts programs and the value of teaching artists in the community. Nahan also introduced the Youth Dance Ensemble performance.
Photos: Zack Bissell, Tara Toumaala
Video: Tara ToumaalaOn Saturday, February 2nd, the Living Arts Youth Dance Ensemble was invited to participate as honored guests at the Detroit Dhamaal 2019 Bollywood Fusion Competition.
Held at the historic Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Detroit, the competition featured Bollywood dance troupes from colleges across the nation. Board member Matthew Nahan spoke about the Living Arts programs and the value of teaching artists in the community. Nahan also introduced the Youth Dance Ensemble performance.
"Dhamaal was in an old building, and it's a place where famous dancers have performed," remarked twelve year old, Jasmin Aleman. "I like how we were the honored guests and got to go perform.” Music Hall has featured esteemed performers including Fred Astaire, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and more.
The piece performed by the YDE was collaboratively choreographed by Dance Program Director Marianne Brass, teaching artist Rachel Herbert, and the young dancers. “We began working on the piece in the summer of 2018 and it was premiered in August at the Detroit City Festival. We asked the dancers to explore themes that relate to their current experiences and how their decisions play a role in the shaping of their identities,” stated Brass. After investigating these concepts, the dancers developed individual solos that were choreographed into the group work.
“I consider this dance a piece of living art because it’s continuously evolving as we dig deeper each week in rehearsal. Through guided discussion, reflection, and movement exploration, dancers are continuing to evolve this work of art in collaboration with their mentors.”
"It was a great experience; I was really happy to be there. I'd like to go there again,” said Aleman.
The Youth Dance Ensemble will be performing this collaborative work, along with other dances from their repertoire at our 20th Showcase in June 2019.
Detroit Dhamaal generously donated a portion of the proceeds from the evening to Living Arts. We are so thankful for their continued support and partnership.