Black History Month Celebration
As an organization, MYB is determined to work towards a universal platform of diversity and inclusion throughout the student body, faculty, administration, and Board; ensuring that all dancers feel seen and supported regardless of the color of their skin, gender, orientation, or background. It is in this spirit that each February, we present our MYB Black History Month Dance Celebration.
Join us for a month of virtual and in-person events.
Friday Night Dance Series
Join MYB for a FREE class every Friday in February from 7:30-9 pm. Ages 10+
FEB 3 Afrobeat with Heinz Adjakwah
FEB 10 Umfundalai with Miriah Auth
FEB 17 Afrobeat with Heinz Adjakwah
FEB 24 West African with Jalia Inman
Afrobeat: A fun and diverse style of dance originating predominantly from Sub-Saharan Africa. It is an evolution from traditional African dance styles following the creation of Afrobeats music. Afrobeats music is anchored in West African music styles, particularly Nigerian Afrobeat and Ghanaian highlife, with American jazz, funk, reggae and dancehall added to the mix, creating a hybrid sound from across continents.
Umfundalai: Contemporary African dance technique that includes movement vocabulary from dance traditions throughout the Diaspora presented in a way which makes it accessible for anyone to perform traditional African dances.
FREE SIGN-UP
Panel Discussion: Evolution of Dance in the 21st Century – Race, Social Media and Beyond
FEB 5, 5:00 pm
Join our panel live at MYB as we discuss whether or not the proliferation of dance on social media affects the credibility of the professional dance world–especially professional dance training. In addition, with so many creators of viral dances being people of color, how does that help or hinder the progress of other dancers of color in the more classical genres of dance.
Moderated by Larry Miller
Panel: Truly Austin, Alvin Mayes, Vincent Thomas, Maggie Waller
Panelist Bios
FREE RSVP
BHM23 Concert
FEB 11: 3:00 pm*, 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm*
This year’s concert, performed live at MYB with select shows also livestreamed, brings together dancers and choreographers from throughout the area including the University of Maryland, Kidensha Dance Company, Morton Street Dance Center, Ballet Nouveau, Dance Institute of Washington, Viva School, and MYB.
Tickets: $5/person; Livestream*: $10/household GET TICKETS
Choreography Workshop
FEB 18: 2:30-4:30 pm
Intermediate and advanced dancers are invited to join us for a choreography workshop with Gregory Dawson. Mr. Dawson is a former dancer with LINES Ballet, Artistic Director of dawsondancesf, the Assistant Chair of Dance for the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), and is on faculty for the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA and Professional Training programs.
$10 SIGN-UP
Sunday Morning Stretch
FEB 5, 12, 19, & 26: 9:15-10:30 am
Special Stretch class every Sunday in February with MYB Alum Allegra Kirksey 9:15-10:30 am.
$5 SIGN-UP
Adult Program Guest Teacher
Join MYB faculty member Jazmine C. Rutherford for a special guest appearance in one of our Adult Drop-In classes.
FEB 17, 10:15-11:45 am – Adult Intermediate Ballet
FEB 26, 11 am-12:30 pm- Adult Beginner II Ballet
FEB 28, 12 -1:30 pm – Adult Adv Beginner Ballet
Regular Drop-In Rates Apply SIGN-UP
