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Dancehall is a style of dance, music, and culture from Jamaica. The music began in the 1970s among working class people who weren’t allowed into upscale parties. The style of dance then came into existence in the 1980s. The dance was birthed out of an ongoing need for expression and escape from hardship. The dance itself can be fun, innocent and energetic, but it also can include themes such as violence and sexuality as it is an expression of all aspects of Jamaican culture.
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I became interested in both the music and dance form of dancehall while living in Jamaica back in 2013. Since moving back to the states in 2014, I have been training in this style by Jamaican dancers living in NYC as well as going back and forth to Jamaica to take classes and learn from dancers in the country. Having deep ties to Jamaica and being able to speak the language has helped me further understand the origins behind this particular style. My dance partner, Hershey, has been training in this style for over 15 years. This started off as dancing at parties in high school and then joining dancehall crews in Boston. She is also a crowned DHQ.
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Students can expect to learn about the origins of dancehall as well as the difference between old school, mid school, and new school dancehall. Each class will start with a brief history and then will include stretching, going over some key moves, and then learning a 1 minute choreography. All levels are welcome as the goal is to come and learn something new and have fun while doing it.
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Jamaica means so much to me as an island, as a culture, and as a second home. After being trained in many other styles throughout my life, this is the one style that I feel deeply connected to and brings new life into me.
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Instagram: @dhqhershey Instagram: @elzz_herself YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7JaGxZy4ZX4jHwfzDJ9Iw |
| Registration: |
Eventbrite: dancehallplaygrungpt2.eventbrite.com |
| Cost of Class |
Single Workshop Class $15; 5 Class Pack $60 |
| Contact Information | Ellice Lemons: elise.lemons@gmail.com / 508-439-2327 |
Tue, Jul 19 @ 07:00 pm
7:00 pm — 8:30 pm (1h 30′)
Elly & Hershey
Street shoes are not allowed in the studio at any time.
