BLAKK JAKK DANCE COLLECTIVE

SANKOFA/JOY 

Pt 1: Sankofa 

This piece is a tribute to the groundbreaking 1993 film SANKOFA, directed and written by the talented Haile Gerima. SANKOFA tells the story of Mona, a Black American social media influencer, who finds herself shooting a TikTok at a sacred African burial ground in Ghana. Through a series of events, Mona is transported back in time to a plantation in North America where she assumes the identity of Shola, an enslaved African woman. In this powerful journey, Mona confronts her ancestral identity and experiences the brutal realities of slavery. Despite the unimaginable suffering, Shola’s interactions with her fellow enslaved Africans are a testament to the humanity, respect, and dignity they show for one another. 

Pt 2: JOY

This piece is about finding Joy and inspiration through music and movement. Displaying how different groups can unite and celebrate dance through the African diaspora. There are concepts of ripples, moving in & out of phrases, and a steady Groove that makes you want to move!

ABOUT BLAKK JAKK DANCE COLLECTIVE 

Blakk Jakk Dance Collective, Founded by RonDale Simpson, was formed in the summer of 2020 as a community project-based dance company. The styles include Hip-Hop fusion, Modern, Afro Beats, HBCU dance style, and stepping. BJDC was created to allow dancers of color opportunities to improve their skills, perform and build a network of emerging and professional dancers. To create works of Artistic excellence and broaden the appreciation of dance in our community.  

Blakk Jakk Dance Collective’s vision is to preserve, transform and unify our communities with the arts with a focus on dance in the African diaspora.  To be rooted in the advancement of cultural awareness, social mindfulness, and self-empowerment. We hope to protect our culture, challenge social norms, and validate our experiences by extending, exploring, and investigating the Black narrative through dance. 

Blakkjakkdanceco.org  

Photo by Eric Floyd.

SHRI KALAA MANDIR

YIN YANG – DIMENSIONS OF DUALITY 

Yin Yang is a fundamental concept deeply rooted in ancient philosophy and culture. It symbolizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things in the universe, encapsulating the dynamic balance between opposing forces. 

In “Yin Yang – Dimensions of Duality” we present the harmony and dichotomy of elements that define life, establish balance and unity, and keep the creative forces in constant cyclic motion. 

ABOUT SHRI KALAA MANDIR 

Founded by Sujatha Srinivasan, in 1993, Shri Kalaa Mandir (Center for Indian Performing Arts) is a leading Indian classical dance company in Ohio.  Shri Kalaa Mandir has been offering authentic Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance from South India through performances, education, and training.  Using traditional choreography, artistic director Sujatha has produced traditional and innovative dance productions to cater to a new landscape and audience.  SKM dance creations have captivated and educated audiences across Northeast Ohio with artistic collaborations, multi-genre and multimedia dance narratives making art accessible and enriching communities in Cleveland.

SKM strives to balance presenting traditional repertoire and offering new choreography with concepts and themes infused with relevance and originality thus preserving and perpetuating Bharatanatyam in all its classical rigor whilst steering it to nurture cultural conversation through dance.  Several SKM company dancers are the front-runners in the next generation of the North American Bharathanatyam scene and are creating new paths for themselves. Shri Kalaa Mandir is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of its cultural heritage and seeking new avenues to celebrate the language of dance.

Social|fb@skmdance, Instagram: sujathasrinivasan.skm

Photo by Srini Ranganathan.