The Dance Bridge Workshop introduces participants between the ages of 13 and 18 to theatre games, writing assignments, and discussions topics that inspire new ways of dancing, connecting, and communicating. We provided a safe space for teen artists to use dance making and artistic expression as a tool for story telling. Participants are challenged to push past their personal barriers to broaden their horizons and allow for ensemble building. Every season the program holds a final sharing, where participants present their own choreography to family, friends, and community members. Our aim is to establish a Bronx community of young people who are continuously CREATING and LEARNING the skills needed to speak their truth.
The 2018 spring and summer master class instructors include: Ana "Rokafella", Jason Rodriguez "Slim Ninja", Candace Tabbs, Madelyn Sher, Roberto Parris, and Raymond Falcon.
Beverly Lopez launched the workshop in 2015 as a final project at Battery Dance Company's Dancing-to-Connect Institute 2015. Through financial support from the Bronx Council on the Arts ( 2017 BRIO Grant awarded to Dance Bridge Workshop facilitator and director, Beverly Lopez), the program returned in spring 2018 with the "I AM" Dance Bridge Workshop at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!). In this 5-day workshop participants moved through and discussed self-love, important affirmations for everyday, and their own personal/social truths and goals. The summer season was just as rewarding with new and returning teen artists taking part. At the 3-day Dance Bridge Summer Workshop the youth focused on the theme "Building Tomorrow" and created dances about two important goals, "Creating the Space to Build" and "Building With You." The summer workshop took place at Herbert H. Lehman College thanks to Amy Larimer, the director of the Dance Program at Lehman College.
For more information on how to get involved, volunteer, or sign up for the Dance Bridge Winter Workshop 2018, contact: dancebridgeworks@gmail.com
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Beverly Lopez, founder and Artistic Director of REDi Dance Company joins Bob Lee for a preview of the Dance Bridge Spring Workshop at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance.
See Dance Bridge students in action at the "I AM" Dance Bridge Workshop, spring 2018.
Beverly Lopez is a dancer, choreographer, and educator. She is the Artistic Director of REDi Dance Company and the recipient of the Bronx Council on the Arts 2017 BRIO Award. Beverly has presented work in New York City festivals, including Triskelion Arts’ Comedy and Dance Festival, Collective Thread, HVCCA, and BAAD! ASS Women Festival. Most recent performances; I Am Pulse, by Sekou Mcmiller, a Hosto's Community College, Land of Concrete, at the Hudson Guild Theatre, Monopoly: The Land Lord’s Game, at Mark Morris Dance Center, Harlem Voices, at the Harlem school of the Arts, and Bountiful by Luis Salgado of R.Evolucion Latina. Beverly earned a BFA in Multi-Media/Performing Arts. She has worked as the Dance Education Associate at the AATT Academy at BAAD! and is currently the director of Arts in Education at Dorill Initiative. Beverly works as a teaching artist at the Dream Yard Project and Global Arts to Go. She trained at the Dancing-to-Connect Institute under Battery Dance Company and created the Dance Bridge Workshop for teen artists in 2015. She continues to serve the Bronx community through dance and fitness workshops and community based events.
REDi Dance Company is a community of story tellers that explore the power of listening and contributing with the body. The company advocates for interpersonal understanding and use a wide range of performance tactics to reflect human experiences. The contemporary dance company infuses Latin dance styles, House, and modern dance to communicate and inspire healing connections. REDi Dance Company supports the health and wellness of Bronx through the Picante Dance Series and the Dance Bridge Workshop.