We are excited to offer these virtual open classes focusing on self-care and well-being with teaching artists DejaJoelle, Lynn Barre and Wendy Anderson.
Cost: sliding scale $8, $12, or $15
(please register a minimum of 24 hours in advance)
Virtual We Dance TU with DejaJoelle
Thursday, January 14 (6:00-7:00pm CST)
Join teaching artist Deja Joelle for “We Dance TU”, a dance session that prioritizes BIG BODIES and welcomes participants age 18+. Utilizing African based movement, discussion and Self – Love/affirmation, this space is for all who were told they were “too (something)” to be a dancer—even if you were the one who told yourself. This space is to make discoveries in your body, your creativity, your YOU!
DejaJoelle uses Traditional West African Dance and Black social dance to create an aesthetic that promotes healing and Self – Love. DejaJoelle is an interdisciplinary artist who is guided by ancestral dance and healing. Deja believes Self – Love is the first step in healing from your past and ensuring the fullness of your present. Through dance, mindfulness, Self – reflection, and affirmation, Deja is developing a dance aesthetic that promotes/evokes healing. In addition to dance, Deja creates intentional spaces for otherwise marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ2, BIPOC and Deaf community. Recent intentional space holding created for the Minneapolis Institute of Art under the title Discover Yourself: Golden Season, which was a day-long healing conference in collaboration with local Healing Artists with workshops including: Black Pleasure, Finding your Divinity, Body Reclamation, Afro Futurism, Sound Bathing, and many more. DejaJoelle, believes dance and healing should be fully accessible, and curated this conference to be completely free including childcare and food. In addition, DejaJoelle is proficient in American Sign Language and is intentional about making space for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. DejaJoelle continues to activate this work at Northside Healing Space where she directs her dance company BLAQ and holds community Dance and Healing Sessions and activities monthly. She works closely with Dr. Joi Lewis, a nationally known Healer, Author, and Joy instigator to deepen her research in solidifying her healing practice. Her ultimate goals include guiding herself and others to their higher selves, creating stronger community ties, and building an accessible revolution. “I believe in movement that brings life to the dancer’s experience. I’m based in traditional West African dance and informed by life experiences. I believe in dancing from the inside out. With rhythm. With love.”
Virtual GYROKINESIS® with Wendy Anderson
Tuesday, January 12 (4:30-6:00pm CST)
Participants age 16+ are welcome to join and please have an armless chair/stool and yoga mat/blanket readily available.
This practice will keep the winter fire lit by fortifying the body and nourishing the heart, mind and spirit. Class will progress from warming and active practices towards deep and supported rest.
Photos: Wendy Anderson provided by Wendy Anderson, DejaJoelle by Maya Clark of Culture Piece Magazine, Lynn Barre by Luciana Pampalone.