N’Jelle Gage-Thorne is a dancer and educator who has worked extensively throughout the United States, Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Gage-Thorne is co-founder, president, and choreographer of FuturPointe Dance, a genre-bending dance theater company based in Rochester, New York. She teaches master classes in Caribbean contemporary dance techniques at college residencies, festivals, and studios across the country. She studied modern technique and folklore/Orisha dance with the renowned Cuban ballet and at Instituto Superior/Escuela Nacional de Artes in Havana, Cuba where she earned a teaching and performance degree. All events are free and take place in Allen Hall, 1005 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana. Free parking after 5pm in the garage across the street.
Sunday 2/5/17
7:00 p.m.: “CULTURAL BAGGAGE”: unpacking the artist - Discussion, Performance Excerpts, & Scavenger Hunt (South Rec Room) – Part rant, part rave. Participate in an artist introductory talk about self & work, immigration, isms, schisms, Netflix favs, fears, fashion & family… you name it. Everything is on the floor for discussion & FINDERS KEEPERS for audience while ‘unpacking’ the artist’s suitcase.
*Random gifts & surprises for participants!
Monday 2/6/17
9:00 p.m.: MELLOW MOOD MEDITATIONS (South Rec Room) – Setting the tone for the week: Guided meditation, group therapy, head/ back/ foot massages, guided anti- stress movements & exercises.
Tuesday 2/7/17
7:00 p.m.: WELCOME TO JAMROCK the Musical: Fake It Till You Make It (South Rec Room)
HERE’S THE CHALLENGE: Create a crazy Karaoke style Reggae Broadway Musical in 90 minutes or less!
WHO’s NEEDED: Dancers, Actors, Lip-Syncers & Karaokistas, Designers & Make-up Artists, Set Builders, Makers, Fakers & Crew, Videographers & Audience members of course. JUST SHOW UP & ACT OUT!
**ABSOLUTELY NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION: Lets put on a show! Follow a script, memorize lines, build a set, dance & lip-sync for your life. This is the epitome of experimental theater, collaboration….& FUN!
9:00 p.m.: Wrap Party & Awards Ceremony with refreshments (South Rec Room) “…and the Award for BEST ONSTAGE MELTDOWN goes to….”
Open to Everyone!
Wednesday 2/8/17
7:00 p.m.: “OBEAH: An AfroFuture Mystic Tale” Multi-Media Performance (Main Lounge) – OBEAH: An AfroFuture Mystic Tale is a one woman multi-media theatrical experience inspired by Rastafarian culture that flows like a lucid dream through a landscape of Caribbean myth & magic.
Thursday 2/9/17
7:00 p.m.: ENTER THE DANCEHALL: Lovers Rock Edition Pre Valentine’s Day Party! & Dance Class (Main Lounge) – Luscious playlist & lessons in an assortment of social dances from a few sensuous cultures in the Caribbean Sea.
Thanks to Laura Haber of Unit One/Allen Hall for this information item.
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