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Welcome back to STU Arts Dance blogs! How are you? Hope you are doing well. This month is black history month. And what better way to recognize than to celebrate black history in Dance. In our previous blog we talked about some of the most influential black dancers that shaped, altered and influenced dance today. In this blog, we’re going to be talking about how to celebrate black history month as a dancer yourself! Whether you are a absolute beginner dancer or a pro, these steps can get you moving and grooving, while also celebrating and recognizing black history month.
1. Do your research
While this is not necessarily dancing. This is an important part to learn about different styles of dance and how they were influenced. African culture has heavily impacted and inspired many dance styles you see today, such as Hip Hop, Krump, and Stepping. Each of these styles have their own history and is important to learn if you are dancing these styles. If you are interested in learning more about dance inspiration, I suggest checking out our blogs “The Last week of Black History Month; A look into History and Dance” and “The New Generation of Dance; an Ode to Black History Month”. Each of these blogs will get you started on learning what styles of dance you are doing and how they influenced the way you move today!
2. Join new classes
What better way to learn about these classes than by joining one of them. For example, if you are really interested in learning about crunk, look up dance studios that host these classes. Reach out to the company/ teacher of the class and join. If you would like to learn more about the style of dance I’m sure the teacher would be happy to answer all your questions! Showing appreciation to black artists/ teachers by learning and appreciating is a great way to celebrate black history and support small businesses!
3. Support black businesses
Now this isn’t restricted to only dance. But many small business owners cater specifically to black/ people of colour dancers and supporting their business is a great way to celebrate them! If you are looking for new leotards, leggings, or workout clothes in general. I highly suggest you support your local black business owners. It will not only show your support but you can also meet some friendly new faces who you can share your dancing journey with!
4. Support your local dancers.
In addition to supporting your local businesses, supporting your local artists is just as important and fun! Nothing is better than seeing a local thriving in their industry! Supporting them in anyway shape or form is a great way to showcase black dancers, their hard work, their artistry and contribution to dance community. You can support them by attending classes/ workshops they teach, buying tickets to their shows, or even just by sharing their content on social media!
5. Amplify the voice of others.
Like the point listed above, you can help amplify the voices of those by sharing their content. If you see a cool dance choreographed and/or danced by a black artist share them on your social media pages! This is one of the easiest (and most powerful) ways to celebrate Black History and Black Dance History any day of the year!
In the heart of it all acknowledging and celebrating Black creators in any field it may be, whether they are dancers, choreographers, artists, shop owners, designers, entrepreneurs, writers and so many more. Celebrate not only throughout Black history month, but throughout the rest of the year, it is our homage to the Black community to not only embrace the work that has been contributed but celebrated. It is important to learn from the Black community for it drives us to inclusivity and historical recognition. If you would like to contribute to STU Arts Dance, check out our workshops! Click here to learn more!
Happy Black History Month!
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