This community-centered class takes us on the journey of Jazz–from its birth by enslaved Africans in the Americas to where it finds itself today. Each session includes a warmup, across-the-floor work introducing the foundational steps of Jazz, and a combination that weaves together what we’ve explored. Rooted in community, improvisation, and knowledge-building, the class offers modifications to support safety, individuality, and expression for all levels.
Mpoe Mogale (they/them) reigns from Lebowakgomo, South Africa and currently resides in amiskwaciy, within the colonial state of Canada. They hold a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Political Science (thesis title: The Representation of Blackness in Edmonton’s Art Community), and a wealth of expertise in community-based research, facilitation, and arts administration.
Mpoe’s primary artmaking form is dance, with a curiosity in the place of Blackness in spaces that deny it, as explored through several projects including "What (Black) Life Requires" (produced by Mile Zero Dance and Azimuth Theatre) and their ongoing project “Rediscovering our Place-Ancestors in the Prairies” (produced by Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre). With over 5 years of teaching mainly styles created by Black folks, Mpoe is committed to go beyond the step they teach, and instead offer the knowledge, culture, and historical aspects that accompany dance forms such as Afrobeats, Jazz and Hip-Hop.
Mpoe has taken up positions within the arts community to facilitate the creation of better and abundant workplaces for arts workers, and does so by facilitating spaces where nourishment, imagination, and joy abound. Their work at Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre Society has led to the development of shared leadership models in arts organizations. Mpoe met Nikki Shaffeeullah through this process, and the two have collaborated on various projects such as “Producing Spectrum” (housed under Undercurrent Creations) and “Stages of Transformation” (hosted by the National Arts Centre) that seek to create new patterns and possibilities for the theatre sector using a transformative justice framework.
Drop in $15
GWDC Class packs apply.
Payment can be made via e-transfers at
aW5mbyB8IGdvb2R3b21lbiAhIGNh. Cash, debit or credit card in person.
Physical Accessibility Description of Shumka Dance Centre:
https://goodwomen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Physical-Accessibility-Description-of-Shumka-Dance-Centre.pdf
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