In 2023 Essence Studios, partnering with Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theatre and Riverworks Arts Center, recognized and honored Black History Month by sharing a unique BHM celebration program, developed by our Horton Master Class instructor, Ms. Pascha Barnwell, in association with Maryland Youth Ballet! We are thrilled to be offering these classes again in 2024, with new instructors and classes added to the line-up!
Much like last year, each Friday evening of February Essence Studios will be offering virtual dance classes through MYB’s Zoom class option for their Friday Night Dance series. These classes include Afrobeat, Dunham, Umfundalai, and West African, which we will stream over our monitor in Studio A. The classes are once again FREE and open to the community! Small donations will be accepted to go towards MYB’s Black History Month programming, so that the choreographers, dancers, and artists involved will continue this amazing program year after year!
For more information on MYB’s BHM Programming, visit: BHM at MYB
5 Iconic Black Artists Who Changed Dance History
Can you name an African American artist who changed dance history? How about five? Go to https://dancespirit.com/black-artists-changed-dance-history/ to read about some of these historic figures. Essence Studios Dance and Performing Arts salutes these, and all artists, who strive to present their vision, break barriers and provide inspiration!
Celebrating Gregory Hines
On February 14 Essence Studios, Dance and Performing Arts celebrates the birthday of the incomparable Gregory Hines, one of the most celebrated tap dancers of all time. According to the New York Times, “Hines’s break with the sacred tap traditions was monumental. It jerked tap out of a pre-1950’s aesthetic and pushed it into the 1990’s and beyond. He renewed tap by roughing it up and giving it emotional weight.” Thank you, Mr. Hines, for your tremendous gift to the world of dance!
Click here to read the entire New York Times tribute to Gregory Hines.
