I A.M. Arts 2024/2025 season

I A.M. Arts produces collaborative solo dance works and global commissions that uplift and inspire our humanity; (w)holistic educational programs that utilize the creative arts as a tool for self- development; and spearheads community development initiatives that assist mid-career *women Creatives with spiritual, professional, and economic resources to thrive.

As we seek to re-design our community development model, beginning in 2022, I A.M. Arts launches its HUB program, a space for the education, preservation, protection, dissemination, and training in African indigenous knowledge and practice through on-going workshops and artist talks by internationally recognized practitioners and scholars.

Season 2024/2025:

DANCE PERFORMANCE AND TRAINING

I A.M. Arts seeks funding to continue research-based residency model for the advanced technical and artistic training of contemporary dancers in Minnesota.

The Black Light Research Training Module for advanced professional dancers.

Praxis.
Methodology.
Performance Study.

Black Light Research is a methodology of ritualized living and performance practice. Black Light Research is a rigorous process of Self Inquiry, disciplined research and analysis, and emotional recall.  Dancers learn how to study/observe the Self, a praxis of meta-cognition. They also learn sophisticated movement research and analysis techniques that will empower them to bring their research into a performative context. Black Light engages the nature, function of, qualities, and values of performance, masquerade, self love,  pleasure, liberation, and other vital concepts in the world of ritual performance.

The Black Light Research Training Module incorporates training in embodied technologies of Black Political Thought and the Black Feminist Politic, brought to you by visionary arts leader and healer, Alanna Morris. Participates contribute to a community where deep wisdoms and vital conversations can be shared.   

 

EDUCATION

1. A Mentorship/Coaching Program open to pre-professional  dancers of colour in Minnesota. Candidates are dedicated artists who are considering a career in dance and is at least a one-year engagement. Offered free of charge to the family.
2. The Breath and Boogie movement practice is a workshop series investing in BIPOC healers, artists and activists who are on the front lines of movements for social change.  Explorations and conversations cover body conditioning; Afro-centric and indigenous philosophical approaches to movement as life practice; mantra; breath work; and community-building with like-hearted people. Include multiple facilitators and guest speakers. In-person and virtual.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1. Introducing the HUB! An on-going space for robust training in African indigenous knowledge and practice. Welcoming guest speakers and practitioners from the local community and abroad.  Workshops include training in:

1. Traditional dances and history from Haiti, the First Black Republic
2. Traditional Sacred Dance Forms of Trinidad & Tobago and the Divine Feminine
3. Afro Cuban/Orisha dance and Caribbean histories and Caribbean futures. 
4. Embodied technologies unpacking Black Political Thought and the Black Feminist Politics.
5. Integrative health modalities and intersections of wellness and the healing arts, including various yogic lineages; womb work; meditation; and sacred martial forms.

2. A bi-annual retreat/residency program serving mid-career *women creatives, artists, healers and thought leaders. Part professional development, featuring workshops by leading practitioners--and part restorative practice, situated in a beautiful, rural setting.

You are invited to contribute to the next women's retreat/residency program for women cultural leaders in Minnesota for the 2024/2025 season!

Many thanks,

Alanna  Morris, I A.M. Arts Artistic Director

Staff members:
Ashe Jaafaru and Maria Garcia 

Advisory Board Members:
Lorna Morris, Michael Kleber-Diggs, Dexter Yee Yick, and Christine Van Tassel