Ten Tiny Dances® has become a favorite of Dance Complex audiences, challenging daring feats in a small amount of space - a four foot by four foot platform! - and a limited time - five minutes or under! Ten choreographers take to the table top sized stage in an hour long program that invites choreographers and performers to use constrictions of space and time as a means to expand choreographic structures and movement invention, and ultimately how and what they communicate to their audiences. Within the casually intimate environment of Starlight Square, the show offers a great intro to multiple dance styles - this year including flamenco, Bharatanatyam, fusions of Odori and Butoh and circus feats!! - in bite sized portions!

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS

Ten Tiny Dances® has become a favorite of Dance Complex audiences, challenging daring feats in a small amount of space - a four foot by four foot platform! - and a limited time - five minutes or under! Ten choreographers take to the table top sized stage in an hour long program that invites choreographers and performers to use constrictions of space and time as a means to expand choreographic structures and movement invention, and ultimately how and what they communicate to their audiences. Within the casually intimate environment of Starlight Square, the show offers a great intro to multiple dance styles - this year including flamenco, Bharatanatyam, fusions of Odori and Butoh and circus feats!! - in bite sized portions!

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS

The Dance Complex celebrates our diverse and eclectic Boston Dance Community with the eighth annual Festival of Us, You, We & Them; inviting the community at large to sample new movement styles, engage in conversation, and witness and interact with performances- each participant taking a deeper step into their journey as a moving body and into our community.

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS

The Dance Complex celebrates our diverse and eclectic Boston Dance Community with the eighth annual Festival of Us, You, We & Them; inviting the community at large to sample new movement styles, engage in conversation, and witness and interact with performances- each participant taking a deeper step into their journey as a moving body and into our community.

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS

The Dance Complex celebrates our diverse and eclectic Boston Dance Community with the eighth annual Festival of Us, You, We & Them; inviting the community at large to sample new movement styles, engage in conversation, and witness and interact with performances- each participant taking a deeper step into their journey as a moving body and into our community.

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS

The Dance Complex celebrates our diverse and eclectic Boston Dance Community with the eighth annual Festival of Us, You, We & Them; inviting the community at large to sample new movement styles, engage in conversation, and witness and interact with performances- each participant taking a deeper step into their journey as a moving body and into our community.

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS

The Dance Complex celebrates our diverse and eclectic Boston Dance Community with the eighth annual Festival of Us, You, We & Them. On July 24, Classes and Showings will feature: 1-2 PM- TBD 2-3 PM- Paul Kafka Gibbons and Jim Banta; Emily Bloomenthal Paul Kafka Gibbons and Jim Banta will appear in Neck, a series of dances developed at The Dance Complex over the last few months. The work premiered at the Thang festival at the Armory in Somerville. Emily Bloomenthal will perform a solo dance to the David Brubeck Quartet's song "Take Five." Bloomenthal is a longtime dancer and first-time solo artist. 3-4 PM- Flamenco w/ Yuling Flamenco Yuling Flamenco will host an open class for all participants.

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This all levels class begins with a complete warm-up that blends modern technique with Afro-Haitian styles of dance. Accompanied by live drummers, the dancers will learn movements and rhythms of Haiti including but not limited to Yanvalou, Ibo, Kongo, Nago, and Petwo. The movements are intricate and technical – yet loose and expressive at the same time.

Cost: $20

REGISTER HERE

Partner Organization: The Dance Complex

In this 30 minute class, Jean Appolon will give students a great cardio warm-up using African dance movement, guide through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises, and finish by teaching a combination for all to learn. Dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome! 

Please note that entrance to Starlight Square for Monday classes is from the corner of Norfolk Street and Bishop Allen Drive due to the Farmer’s Market.

Cost: $10

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

Drawing inspiration from West African Dance, Pasy Afro Dance Training was created by Papa Sy to help get people in shape through a combination of unique dance moves. Pasy Afro Dance Training helps increase flexibility, endurance, and cardiovascular stamina all while giving you a burst of energy!

Cost: $16

REGISTER HERE

Partner Organization: The Dance Complex

West Africa offers a rich cultural heritage of the arts that has long been a traditional source of self-integration, community cohesion, and spiritual communion. Students will learn a traditional dance from the Senegalese/Guinean areas of West Africa as well as explore the functions of the dance in relationship to their own lives.
 
The class begins with a warm-up that informs West African dance technique and rhythmic sensibility followed by an introduction of the dance the class will be learning, where it is from, why it is danced etc. as well as an introduction for new students to some basic drum language. The main part of the class will be learning steps to the dance and dancing them in time with the rhythm or 'embodying the rhythm'. This will include moving with each individual step across the floor in a line with others. We will finish the class putting the steps we have practiced together and create our own dance. Our wonderful drummers will be playing during most of the class including warm-up, dancing across the floor, and for our ending class dance. This class is an inclusive class and invites everyone to share in these healing traditions.

Cost: $16

REGISTER HERE

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

This all-levels class begins with a complete warm-up that blends modern technique with Afro-Haitian styles of dance. Accompanied by live drummers, the dancers will learn movements and rhythms of Haiti including but not limited to Yanvalou, Ibo, Kongo, Nago, and Petwo. The movements are intricate and technical - yet loose and expressive at the same time.

Cost: $20

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

The Dance Complex presents Routes & Roots, two evenings gathering spectacularly talented dancers and choreographers from throughout New England and beyond on one stage. Routes & Roots considers both the geographic and creative journey of the artist and how their own roots have contributed to the routes that their choreography has taken.

REGISTER HERE

Presenting Organization: The Dance Complex

Showcasing a wide range of movement styles, this performance celebrates the vibrancy of the variety that occurs at The Dance Complex every day. Experience new and recent works by Teaching Artists, performed by both professional and dedicated student dancers, in this eclectic program. New to the Starlight edition of this program is a celebration of the musicians of The Dance Complex - you may have heard them perviously while out and about in Central Square!

REGISTER HERE

Presenting Organization: The Dance Complex

In this class, Mcebisi (also known as Bisi) will give students a great cardio warm-up using African dance movement, guide through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises, and finish by teaching a combination for all to learn. Mcebisi Xotyeni (he/him/his) is a Jean Appolon Expressions company dancer.

Dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome! Please note that entrance to Starlight Square for Monday classes is from the corner of Norfolk Street and Bishop Allen Drive due to the Farmer's Market.

Cost: $16

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

MC'ing, DJ'ing, Graffiti, Dance, and Knowledge -- These are the five elements of Hip Hop.  For close to five decades now, rhymes, beats, top rocks, and street art have been the artistic outlets for a culture based on peace, love, unity, and having fun (the four principles of Hip Hop).  Moreover, Hip Hop has reached every part of the globe, a unique kind of ambassador that can call to it people from all walks of life who want to feel the joy, the expression, the liberation that it offers.  When you move beyond likes, reposts, and hashtags, you can start to allow yourself to get to know Hip Hop more intimately. You might learn a bit more about its history, its complexity, its beauty.  

In a two-night event, Boston-based Black Hip Hop artists offer a snapshot of their relationship with Hip Hop, a love story they reveal through their mastery of one the elements of Hip Hop. Through lyrics, beats, visual arts, and groove, artists will share how they love Hip Hop and how Hip Hop helps affirm their Black identity.  MCs, DJs, Dancers, and Graffiti artists will weave this multi-modal story on stage at the Starlight Theatre October 16 & 17.  Your head will bop, your fingers will snap, and your hearts will open.

This event is curated by Aysha Upchurch, The Dancing Diplomat, with additional sponsorship from HipHopEX, an intergenerational classroom that centers Hip Hop in education. 

REGISTER HERE

Presenting organization: The Dance Complex

This class starts with understanding salsa music’s rhythm and timing in addition to a brief history of the music and dance. You will learn the basic steps and some isolation drills to help you loosen up. It will then move on to cover basic body movement, right turn, hesitation left turn, and some simple and fun footwork to get you out on the dance floor. 

Cost: $16

REGISTER HERE

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

This all-levels class begins with a complete warm-up that blends modern technique with Afro-Haitian styles of dance. Accompanied by live drummers, the dancers will learn movements and rhythms of Haiti including but not limited to Yanvalou, Ibo, Kongo, Nago, and Petwo. The movements are intricate and technical - yet loose and expressive at the same time.

Cost: $20

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

Due to rain, we are no longer holding the performance at Starlight Square.

We will be moving indoors at The Dance Complex to present a virtual version of the performance at 8pm. Due to state regulations, we are not able to offer this performance as a public, in-person event.  You can still enjoy the show from home! Find it on the Hip Hop EX Lab page https://www.facebook.com/hiphopexlab/

We are sorry for any inconvenience. Catch us at Starlight tomorrow at 7:30!

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MC'ing, DJ'ing, Graffiti, Dance, and Knowledge -- These are the five elements of Hip Hop.  For close to five decades now, rhymes, beats, top rocks, and street art have been the artistic outlets for a culture based on peace, love, unity, and having fun (the four principles of Hip Hop).  Moreover, Hip Hop has reached every part of the globe, a unique kind of ambassador that can call to it people from all walks of life who want to feel the joy, the expression, the liberation that it offers.  When you move beyond likes, reposts, and hashtags, you can start to allow yourself to get to know Hip Hop more intimately. You might learn a bit more about its history, its complexity, its beauty.  

In a two-night event, Boston-based Black Hip Hop artists offer a snapshot of their relationship with Hip Hop, a love story they reveal through their mastery of one the elements of Hip Hop. Through lyrics, beats, visual arts, and groove, artists will share how they love Hip Hop and how Hip Hop helps affirm their Black identity.  MCs, DJs, Dancers, and Graffiti artists will weave this multi-modal story on stage at the Starlight Theatre October 16 & 17.  Your head will bop, your fingers will snap, and your hearts will open.

This event is curated by Aysha Upchurch, The Dancing Diplomat, with additional sponsorship from HipHopEX, an intergenerational classroom that centers Hip Hop in education. 

REGISTER HERE

Presenting organization: The Dance Complex

In 2016, local artists Baindu Conte-Coomber, Marianne Harkless Diabate and Mckersin Previlus embarked on the journey of creating a dance festival that brings together artists from different dance styles, all connected by their African roots, all having had a major influence on American culture. With the mission of bringing communities together, and increasing cultural awareness and understanding, Racines was born. In its fourth year, Racines Black Dance Festival brings Boston-area artists to the Starlight Stage with programming curated by festival founder Marianne Harkless Diabate.

REGISTER HERE

Presenting organization: The Dance Complex

In 2016, local artists Baindu Conte-Coomber, Marianne Harkless Diabate and Mckersin Previlus embarked on the journey of creating a dance festival that brings together artists from different dance styles, all connected by their African roots, all having had a major influence on American culture. With the mission of bringing communities together, and increasing cultural awareness and understanding, Racines was born. In its fourth year, Racines Black Dance Festival brings Boston-area artists to the Starlight Stage with programming curated by festival founder Marianne Harkless Diabate.

Register Here

Presenting organization: The Dance Complex

In this class, Mcebisi (also known as Bisi) will give students a great cardio warm-up using African dance movement, guide through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises, and finish by teaching a combination for all to learn. Mcebisi Xotyeni (he/him/his) is a Jean Appolon Expressions company dancer.

Dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome! Please note that entrance to Starlight Square for Monday classes is from the corner of Norfolk Street and Bishop Allen Drive due to the Farmer's Market.

Cost: $16

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

Get back on your flamenco feet dancing Flamenco with Laura Sánchez.

This general technique class is perfect for any flamenco student looking to reconnect with this art form and feel in their bodies the energy we have been missing dancing online! A combination of footwork technique, bodywork, and a piece of choreography by Alegrías will be taught. Bring your flamenco props (shawl) because we might use it! Don’t miss this opportunity to fill your heart full of flamenco!

Cost: $16

REGISTER HERE

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

Modern dance class for dancers 55+. Class is infused with a continuous warm up, and a focus on modern technique and phrases set to world music selections. We begin with strengthening, stretching, breathing gently on the floor. We stand and continue to strengthen and work on balance. We finish with a phrase of movements taught, explained and demonstrated. Modifications for personal needs and abilities are always available, so no need to stress as there is a version for everyone. Elders, beginners and those recovering from sitting or injuries always welcome. Dance is a musical, satisfying, overwhelming, strengthening, challenging, freeing discipline that applies to and enhances each day of our lives. Enjoy!

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Cost: $20

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

• Posted in dance complex, class

In this class, Mcebisi (also known as Bisi) will give students a great cardio warm-up using African dance movement, guide through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises, and finish by teaching a combination for all to learn. Mcebisi Xotyeni (he/him/his) is a Jean Appolon Expressions company dancer.

Dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome! Please note that entrance to Starlight Square for Monday classes is from the corner of Norfolk Street and Bishop Allen Drive due to the Farmer's Market.

Cost: $16

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

This all-levels class begins with a complete warm-up that blends modern technique with Afro-Haitian styles of dance. Accompanied by live drummers, the dancers will learn movements and rhythms of Haiti including but not limited to Yanvalou, Ibo, Kongo, Nago, and Petwo. The movements are intricate and technical - yet loose and expressive at the same time.

Cost: $20

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

Modern dance class for dancers 55+. Class is infused with a continuous warm up, and a focus on modern technique and phrases set to world music selections. We begin with strengthening, stretching, breathing gently on the floor. We stand and continue to strengthen and work on balance. We finish with a phrase of movements taught, explained and demonstrated. Modifications for personal needs and abilities are always available, so no need to stress as there is a version for everyone. Elders, beginners and those recovering from sitting or injuries always welcome. Dance is a musical, satisfying, overwhelming, strengthening, challenging, freeing discipline that applies to and enhances each day of our lives. Enjoy!

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Cost: $20

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

This class works to be inclusive to various movers whether you are newer to dance or a professional. The priority is to connect, sweat, and express. Each week a phrase is built on a theme that will be explored throughout a warm-up, moments of improvisation, and always a somatic lens.

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Cost: $20

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

In this hour long class, Mcebisi (also known as Bisi) will give students a great cardio warm-up using African dance movement, guide through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises, and finish by teaching a combination for all to learn.

Dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome!

For more information about this class and to register, click here.

Cost: $16

Partner organization: The Dance Complex

Performing artists investigate the constrictions of space and time as a means to expand the strictures and structures of their form- movement, comedy, music and spoken word may find new freedom through tight spaces and time limits! In the open air of Starlight Stage, Tiny & Short: Micro Performances immerses audiences in the exciting and dynamic results of these creative challenges.

Performances take shape in three ways: 1 minute solos; taking place solely on a 4 x 4 foot stage; and "short" works of 8 minutes or less. With curatorial associate Jimena Bermejo, a performance artist who pushes the boundaries of intimacy between audience and artist, offering her fresh perspective this event will create an environment where the definition of performance will be challenged and the range of works will offer something for everyone.

REGISTER FOR TICKETS

Partner organization: The Dance Complex