AIN'T NO HALF STEPPIN': DANCE FROM SOUL TRAIN TO B-BOYS @ THE MUSIC CENTER’S GRAND PARK JUNE 16

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

http://www.musiccenter.org/kafig?utm_source=onlinelisting&utm_medium=listing&utm_campaign=hiphop4days

Join a panel of dance legends of Soul, b-boying and theatre to discuss how their contributions impacted the meaning of dance and grafted new roots onto Hip Hop’s history. Featuring original Soul Train dancers Damita Jo Freeman and Thelma Davis; b-boy and founder of the Hip Hop School of the Arts, Lil’ Cesar; and Puremovement Company Director Rennie Harris. Facilitated by Professor Imani Kai Johnson (University of California, Riverside, Department of Dance).

Event seating is first come first served. Check in at sign-in table on Olive Court (between Grand Ave. and Hill St) beginning at 6pm.

PROFESSOR IMANI KAI JOHNSON 

Panel facilitator

Dr. Imani Kai Johnson's research focuses on African diasporic ritual cultures, Hip-Hop dance in global circulation, and the intersections of race, nation and gender. She is author of the manuscript, Dark Matter in B-boying Cyphers: Hip-Hope in a Global Context.  

DAMITA JO FREEMAN 

Panelist

An original “Soul Train” dancer, Ms. Freeman is considered one of the most creative in the history of the program. A trained ballerina, her work bolstered the show’s ratings, and she became a popular regular, dancing at one point with James Brown.

THELMA DAVIS

Panelist

Thelma Davis is one of the longest-performing dancers of the original “Soul Train” gang, who spent 10 years on the show and was known for her definitive style and originality. Trained in Jazz, Ballet and Modern Dance, Davis’ helped create positive images of women of color.

LIL' CESAR (RIVAS)

Panelist

Lil' Cesar is founder of the Hip-Hop School of Arts, and is widely recognized for his pioneering work in b-boy dance. Lil’ Cesar has performed live with acts as diverse as Madonna and Kurtis Blow and choreographed videos for Janet Jackson and Fatboy Slim. 

DR. RENNIE HARRIS

Panelist

Dr. Rennie Harris is founder, artistic director, choreographer and director of Rennie Harris Puremovement, a Hip-Hop dance company dedicated to preserving Hip-Hop culture. He is a recipient of numerous awards for his theatrical Hip-Hop dance performances.