“The Hip Hop Year” continues with performances, talks and meet-the-artist events in February and March
The “Hip Hop Year” continues at Connecticut College as the Dance Department presents a series of hip hop performances, free master classes and workshops, talks and meet-the-artist events in February and March, sharing the hip hop phenomenon with students and members of the local community.
From Wednesday, Feb. 10, through Saturday, Feb. 13, five company members of the Rennie Harris Puremovement: Academy of Legends will be working with Connecticut College students, faculty and staff as well as local schools and community members. Harris' Legends explores the continuing global impact of hip hop dance through a series of free classes and workshops featuring hip hop pioneers who honor, preserve and document the tradition of hip hop dance.
Later in the spring, on Wednesday, March 9, The Ladies of Hip Hop Residency will offer two free events open to the public.
These residencies are funded by the College’s Dayton Artist-in-Residence Program, which enables students to encounter and learn from artists and performers who are not typically accessible in an academic setting, giving them the opportunity to explore a wider variety of artistic approaches and techniques. The program also funds some public performances and events to engage the local community.
Here are the events available to the public:
- On Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 11:50 a.m. - 1:05 p.m., in the Martha Myers Studio, College Center at Crozier-Williams, there will be a welcome and introduction to the Rennie Harris Puremovement: Academy of Legends.
- The following master classes and related events require advance registration. Call the Dance Department for more information and to register by Thursday, February 4, at dance@conncoll.edu or telephone Aimee Couture at 860-439-2830.
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 5:30-7 p.m., Open Master Class, Hip Hop Dance Styles Sampler, in Myers Studio.
Friday, Feb. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m., Open Master Class, Myers Studio.
From 8-10 p.m., a Dance Party in the 1941 Room, open to all registered participants.
Saturday Feb. 13, a full day of master classes, lectures, demonstrations, an open jam session, and a final evening reception.
On Wednesday, March 9, The Ladies of Hip Hop residency takes place, including an artist’s talk with choreographers and dancers Teena Marie Custer and Tina Flagg, and a Q & A to follow, at noon. There will be an performance featuring choreography by Teena Marie Custer at 7:30 p.m. Both events are in Myers Studio.
To end the season and The Hip Hop Year, on April 14-16, the Dance Department presents the Senior Thesis Concert, featuring choreography by senior dance majors of the class of 2016, guest artist Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, and Associate Professor of Dance Lisa Race. Performances in Palmer Auditorium are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings, with a 2 p.m. Saturday performance. For tickets call 860-439-ARTS (2787) or purchase at the door. Tickets are $12, and $6 for students & seniors.
January 27, 2016