“Axe is present in the human line of continuity with the past, every generation owes its being to the one before it.”  - Unknown

In a traditional Candomble ceremony, mortal man will evoke the energies of the Orixa for divination. In this contemporary performance piece, the transcendent Orixa (Ogum, Oxumare, Oxum) will reform to humanity. The Mae de Santo (Mother of Saints) is the respected and revered elder of the community acting as mediator, guide, interpreter of the ceremony evoking the spirits through song dance and prayer.

OGUM (color Blue) Lord of the “cutting edge”

OXUMARE (color Rainbow) The diviner of “balance”

OXUM (color Yellow/Gold) Goddess of “love and beauty”

Technique: Traditional Afro-Brazilian/Contemporary

A modern contemporary aspect of Brazilian folklore, Exu “The Trickster” returns to corrupt an old world town with greed, decadence and miseducation by literally painting the town “red.”

Technique: Contemporary

“Everything old is new again..”

The blending of the Lindy-Hop, Swing, Authentic Jazz and “old school” Hip-Hop. This choreography demonstrates comparative vocabulary of these dance genres, paying homage to Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Pepsi Bethel and “leaders of the old school.”

Jazz Dance I

Curriculum: The Early Years: “Jookin’ to Jazzin”

Curriculum: Afro-Brazilian Dance I