SOLD OUT – Open Rehearsal of ‘Black Dancing Bodies: SpeakingMyMind’ with the Ladies of Hip Hop

SOLD OUT!
Join the Ladies of Hip-Hop for an Exclusive Open Rehearsal of ‘Black Dancing Bodies: SpeakingMyMind’
Date & Time: Monday, January 8, 2024 6-7PM

Be a part of an behind-the-scenes experience as the dynamic dance collective, Ladies of Hip-Hop, prepares for their at the highly-anticipated Works & Process at the Guggenheim world premiere of ‘Black Dancing Bodies: SpeakingMyMind’. 

‘Black Dancing Bodies’ is a compelling and thought-provoking performance that explores the profound intersection of black culture, identity, and movement. By attending this rehearsal, you will gain unique insight into the artistic process that fuels this groundbreaking work, offering a glimpse into the dedication, passion, and talent that brings ‘Black Dancing Bodies’ to life.

Following the rehearsal, don’t miss the chance to engage with the artists themselves during an insightful and interactive artist talkback session. Hear directly from the choreographers, dancers, and creators as they share their inspirations, challenges, and the artistic vision behind ‘Black Dancing Bodies.’ This is your opportunity to ask questions, delve into the creative process, and deepen your connection with the performers.

Black Dancing Bodies Project: ‘SpeakMyMind’
Part of an ongoing performance and documentary effort focused on Black women in street and club dance culture, this session of The Black Dancing Bodies Project continues to explore the power of the “choreopoem,” a word coined in 1975 by playwright and poet Ntozake Shange (for colored girls who åhave considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf). In SpeakMyMind each member of the collective responds to the question, “If I could speak my mind, what would I say?” In this world premiere, experience new writings, music, and movement spanning dance styles from African to waacking, vogue, hip-hop, and house, all curated under the direction of Michele Byrd-McPhee.

‘Black Dancing Bodies: SpeakingMyMind‘ was commissioned by Works & Process, developed in Works & Process LaunchPAD residencies at Bethany Arts Community (2022, 2023, and 2024) and Catskill Mountain Foundation (2022), and Office Hours Residency at The Kennedy Center (2023). Iterative performances have taken place at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, SummerStage, Dancers Responding to AIDS Hudson Valley Dance Festival, and New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. 

‘Black Dancing Bodies: SpeakingMyMind’. is a 2023 New England Foundation for the Arts’s National Dance Project grantee, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and Mellon Foundation. 

The Black Dancing Bodies Project  work is made possible with the support of the NEFA National Dance Project Production Grant.

Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival: Ladies of Hip-Hop: SpeakMyMind (premiere)
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
January 13, 2024 3–4 pm EST
January 13, 2024 7–8 pm EST
TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE:
https://www.guggenheim.org/event/works-process-ladies-of-hip-hop-speakmymind 

THE DANCE COMPANY
Ladies of Hip-Hop Dance Collective (LDC)  is an all female intergenerational dance collective that creates dance works illuminating the strength, power and diversity of  women in Hip-Hop.  Ever present in the work are the freestyle, cipher, and call-and-response origins of street and club dance culture, all while exploring the space of proscenium performance.

Under the direction of founder Michele Byrd-Mcphee, Ladies of Hip-Hop Dance Collective (LDC) interweaves the embodied experiences of women, creating a communal fabric that paints a picture of a more global women experience. Through their work, LOHH is reclaiming and transforming spaces, not only in the realm of dance but also within the broader cultural landscape. LDC asks audiences to celebrate the strength, resilience, and creativity of women from all walks of life, while sparking important conversations about gender equality and representation.

*LDC creates works that celebrate and center feminist narratives examining the intersections of gender, race, and resistance.

Website: www.ladiesofhiphop.com / Instagram/Twitter/Tiktok @ladiesofhiphop / Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ladiesofhiphop