Thursday, December 6, 2012

"We are family" by Leslie Liao


“We are family...I got all my sisters with me...We are family...Get up everybody and sing...” ...My mother's favorite song when I was growing up. She would sing in her beautiful broken english accent and I would revel in the moment and dance along.
 
Like most families, we were dysfunctionally functional. We had no idea how to communicate with or help each other. So, I used dance as an escape...an escape from family, my own thoughts, the world. But rarely did I ever share that with my family. I danced for myself.
It’s not that my family didn’t like to dance. In middle school, I often came home to my older brother and sister and their goofy high school friends trying to do the running man or the cabbage patch in our living room. I was too shy to join them but I would watch with envy from the stairs with my face lodged between the rails. Eventually, I would go off to college and join the working world, and finding a dance group/community, wherever I lived, became essential to my standard of living.
 
Recently, I had been living in San Francisco when my mother had an aneurysm. It was almost a miracle that they found it. I couldn’t handle the thought of losing her. So, I decided to move back to Maryland and vowed to help her address the very real disease that plagues her and millions of other Americans—stress. I knew it was an incredible opportunity that I had just been given. Yet, I was worried because I didn’t know if there was much of a dance community here in DC.
Clearly, I didn’t do my homework. Thankfully, Tsunami introduced me to Urban Artistry
 
and put me in touch with Junious Lee Brickhouse, the company’s Executive Director, Founder, ultimate mentor and guide. So, I began going to the house classes, but it wasn’t until several months later, when I joined Urban Artistry, that I realized Urban Artistry would change my life.
“It’s not really about dance," - a common sentiment we hear from Junious, about Urban Artistry. At first, I didn’t know what he meant. But after half a year of practicing together twice a week, going to classes twice a week, performing with the group, eating with and getting to know people in the group, organizing events with the group, cyphering and going to the clubs with the group, I have come to understand that it truly is not just about dance. What is taught in the classes and beyond are tools to help you feel comfortable in the cypher, and ultimately, with yourself. What is created at practices is the safe space to try new things and fall in the process, yet to get back up and try again. What is demanded of every member in the group is a commitment to be authentic ambassadors of culture, to truly challenge and support each other, and to be unselfish with our knowledge, skills and opportunities. So, it’s about honoring the process of finding dignity, integrity, and grace within oneself and extending the same to others, which naturally leads to growth in one's identity as an artist.
Through being a part of Urban Artistry, I am finally conquering my fear of being in the cypher—a fear that I’m realizing is rooted in not knowing how to communicate. This has become clear in the past year since I’ve moved home and begun to address long-standing issues with my family. As I try to enter the cypher more often and work through issues with family members, I realize that this may be a long journey, for there are no shortcuts. But the path is becoming clearer – the more I attempt to communicate with my family, the more confident I become in the cypher and in my artistry.
I see the circle of life in UA. We come together because of dance, we then build and grow and are committed to each other because of our humanity, and then we exchange and inspire and teach through dance. So now, I want to share dance with my family, with my Urban Artistry family, with friends and others. Now, instead of dancing for myself, I dance for them. I dance for family.

Lesilie Liao is a Board Member and artist with Urban Artistry

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Bienvenue Kamikaz Crew (Algerie)

This week, Urban Artistry has the honor of helping the State Department welcome Kamikaz Crew, a hip hop-inspired performance group that frequently uses their talent to uplift Algerian youth, including orphans, children who are ill, and children living with disabilities. The Kamikaz Crew was recently voted the most talented group after participating in a competition sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Algeria. They also recently won the Algerian National Dance Championship and the 2011 Algerian Talent Competition.


Kamikaz Crew is participating in a 3-week study program coordinated by Global Connections, titled "Youth Empowerment through Hip-Hop" for the State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program.  They will be touring D.C., Mississippi, L.A., and New York, and we hope to expose them to the many sides of cultural dance that D.C. has to offer during their short time with us. 

On Sunday, they were invited to our company rehearsal.  Their passion and charisma amazed both our Artistic Directors and the youth in our company. Diyanna, an Artistic Director with Urban Artistry and first year student at Trinity University, said, "They were dope!" We'll have many more opportunities this week to bond and break bread with Kamikaz. 


Tuesday, December 4th @ 6pm

Explore one of the U Street Corridor's newest artsy and casual additions- Satellite Room.  Kamikaz and Urban Artistry will dine in the diner-inspired setting tucked back behind the 9:30 Club. It's a perfect spot for a pre- or post-show burger thanks to its late-night hours.  Then we'll head over to Bus Boys and Poets for Open Mic Night. 


Wednesday, December 5th @ 9pm

Along with @OKAYAFRICATropicalia DC and DJ Underdog, we welcome you to be apart of the essence of progressive African rythmes and house music at "Okayafrica DC". House Dance, Azonto, Zouk and stretch out with dj's Underdog, Native Sun, DrewCool, Kimozaki and Nykoskiie.


Thursday, December 6th @ 6pm

Kamikaz will join Urban Artistry students and family for our weekly classes in Bethesda, MD. Arts education is a key component of our mission, so to learn from and with Kamikaz is an honor.




Friday, December 7th @ 11am 


Kamikaz will be guests on our weekly live radio show, The Urban Artistry Show, which airs live on WLVS: http://listenvision.com/listen_live.  This will be an opportunity to share Algerian hip-hop culture and dance traditions to American and international audiences.   While dance itself is a language, and a way of communicating, one can gain different understandings of the movements through discussion about where and when they came from. Urban Artistry has begun having more conversations about dance on our new live radio show. It is a chance to interact with DJs, musicians, visual artists, historians, dancers, and educators who continue to shape the culture that is dance. 

@11pm: Finally, to celebrate the end of Kamikaz's week in Washington, DC, and to wish them well on the continuation of their journey across the United States, we have invited Kamikaz to join us for a night of dancing at U Street Music Hall.


As excited as we are to show Kamikaz how we experience urban dance styles in Washington, D.C., members of Urban Artistry are even more interested in seeing, hearing, feeling, and being inspired by the similarities and differences of the experiences of Kamikaz.



Bienvenue aux Etats-Unis, Kamikaz!



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Urban Artistry does Class Acts Arts: Fiesta 2012




Live performances, food, and libations to benefit arts education!

On Friday, November 16th, 2012, from 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Class Acts Arts will host their 3rd annual fundraiser at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center(7995 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD).

Class Acts Arts (
www.classactsarts.org) is a non-profit organization that brings interactive performances, workshops and residencies representing a broad range of artistic disciplines and cultural traditions to children, youth and families in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. 

Urban Artistry has long been on the Class Acts Arts roster of artists (http://www.classactsarts.org/artist/urban-artistry), doing shows as far away as Port Republic, MD, and as close as Arlington,VA. By bringing positive and historical representations of urban dance cultures to suburban and rural communities, we keep the histories alive. But sometimes, it is the schools- their students, parents, and teachers that keep us alive and focused.

Urban Artistry Artistic Director and DJ, Russell Campbell noted recently after doing a Class Acts show at Mutual Elementary School, "It makes me feel good to know that kids can walk away from a show feeling like they can move like we do. It reminded me that music and dance are for everyone and sometimes the most timid are the most talented. This is another reason why we push to do more."

When we host cyphers, demonstrations, and question and answer sessions after our own performances, we learn that the youth (and their teachers) are just itching to share their artistic talents. Their movements and the support from their peers in the audience are inspiring.


Come and get down this Friday like the kids do! 

For more info and online tickets sales, 
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/331370/09e164a467/1467595727/10e649b92d/

Tickets will also be available at the door.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Urban Artistry Show on @WLVSradio




The Urban Artistry Show
 Airs Friday's 11am EST


@urbanartistry on twitter!

"Sometimes you have to just take some time to talk about dance." - Junious Brickhouse

While dance itself is a language, and a way of communicating, we can gain different understandings of the movements when we talk about where and when they came from.


Urban Artistry has begun having more conversations about dance on our new live radio show, The Urban Artistry Show.  The show airs on WLVSthe largest streaming-online broadcasting brand in the DC metropolitan area. WLVS is unique, commercial-free “radio you can watch” at the progressive edge of broadcasting’s wild new future.  

@WLVSradio on twitter!


The Urban Artistry Show presents a global perspective on dance culture from various music and movement communities. Every Friday from 11am-12pm, viewers from around the world are exposed to dance culture by youth and adults from urban, classical, world, folk and traditional genres of dance.  It is a chance to interact with DJs, musicians, visual artists, historians, dancers, and educators who continue to shape the culture that is, dance. 



The Urban Artistry Show is more than talk radio. It's movement on the airwaves, through generations, and to your soul. In the past month that the show has aired, we have had guests like Bus Howard, well known actor and motivational speaker. In episodes hosted by Junious Brickhouse, Urban Artistry's Executive Director, as well as other Artistic Directors, we have talked about the parallels between the pulse in Lindy and the jack in House dance. We have had international featured artists from Senegal and Sweden as well as local youth who cypher in the studio.

And in his weekly segment, "Can You Dig It," DJ Baronhawk Portier makes poignant connections between LPs and cds- giving the history behind remixes and samples... All while keeping it funky.

The best part is that you don't have to be in DC to experience the magic. You can tune in from anywhere! The Urban Artistry Show gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling. It's the family reunion with cameras always on.


T



Check out the recent TWEETS about the show!!








If you would like to support or be featured on The Urban Artistry Show, please contact Emily Wessel, Director of Operations: eewessel@urbanartistry.org.

We are currently looking for new folks to serve as the featured artist (adult- any dance style) and youth spotlight (any dance style) reach out if you want to be on the show!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

TURN IT UP!



Baronhawk Poitier is an artistic director, producer, sound engineer, and DJ for Urban Artistry (www.UrbanArtistry.org). He has performed, engineered music, DJed, and/ or choreographed events featured at some of DC's biggest venues including U Street Music Hall, Eighteenth Street Lounge, Cobalt DC Town Dance Boutique, 930 Club, Mova DC, The Artisphere, The Kennedy Center, The Shakespeare Theater, and The Lincoln Theater. He DJed B-boy and Popping events such as The International Soul Society Festival, The Illest Ingredient, and Who Can Roast The Most.


Baronhawk utilizes his original production, record collection, dance knowledge, and broad genre exposure to ignite a unique and dynamic experience for his audience.

Recently, DJ Baronhawk just earned a residency at Mova DC. Every second and fourth Saturday from 10pm-2am, Baronhawk will host "Turn It Up!
(http://www.facebook.com/events/339258962829416/) With no cover for the 21+ crowd, Baronhawk will be playing a creative mix of
Hip Hop/ R&B/ Classic Throwbacks/ Top 40.



For the first event, this past Saturday, DJ Baronhawk pulled out Aaliyah, Missy Elliot (remember the bright trash bag looking onesie), Quad City DJs (C'mon 'N Ride It- the train) and Nicole Wray. If you are looking for a place where you can indulge in your guilty pleasures of the Top 40 while reminiscing on you awkward teenage years, come on out!

Until the next Turn It Up! on September 22nd, check out some tracks and mixes: www.soundcloud.com/djbaronhawk.

90's party at MOVA DC w/ DJ BARONHAWK

Urban Artistry partners w/ ALBUS CAVUS

This Fall the Albus Cavus workshops at The Fridge DC are back and Urban Artistry is joining in for the fun! Starting this Saturday and every Saturday this Fall join the artist collective for a different workshop with a noteworthy local artist.

http://albuscav.us/classrooms/?page_id=529 (FULL SCHEDULE DETAILS)

Sunday, 10/28/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: Urban Artistry
Workshop: Dance
Fee: $20


Fall 2012 Albus Cavus Workshops are continuing popular educational series that we have offered on Capitol Hill since 2010. Each workshop is a unique platform that combines an artist talk, a performance and a hands-on learning session. You will learn about the roots of each presented technique or a style and get to meet some of the most notable local artists in informal and personal settings. The instructors were selected based on the participants’ requests.
Time and Location: If not noted otherwise, Saturday workshops are from 3pm to 5pm in Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street SE, Washington, DC. The workshops are followed by a social in the same location. Sunday workshops are from 10am to 12noon in The Fridge DC, 516 8th Street SE in rear alley, Washington, DC. Both locations are in walking distance from Eastern Market Metro Station. If arriving by car, please find a spot on near street.
Attire: In general Saturday workshops are indoors, mostly using materials that do not require work-clothes or any safety devices. However, we encourage being ready to get dirty. On Sundays, we plan on using spray paint (except the dance workshop by Urban Artistry) and we suggest wearing clothes that you can get paint on and have a respirator. We provide gloves but feel free to have your own gear.
Fees: Suggested donation is $20 per participant per workshop and $260 for the entire Fall series (15 workshops in total) . We collect the fees upon arrival. Please inquire about scholarships. The workshop fees are used to make this experience possible and they are fully used for the instructor honorarium, all materials and tools, safety supplies, and to support the hosting organizations that provide us with the space. We offer scholarships sponsored by the by AIGA DC and all donors and supporters who visited BLENDED exhibit in June.
Suggested donation for “Art Chill” is $3. “Art Chill” is a happy hour that follows Saturday workshops. It is free for the workshop participants.
Max Occupancy: We try not to turn anybody away, but sometime we must close the door after the limit has been reached. There are no reservations, please plan on arriving a few minutes early to secure your spot.
Schedule:
Saturday, 9/15/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: DECOY (Alicia Cosnahan)
Workshop: Wheatpasting
DECOY will present the history of poster-making and wheatpasting, relating it to her own popular and prolific work. You will experience all the steps the instructor uses in making her art and you will be encouraged to create your own posters. You can take your posters home or test them by pasting them onto a wooden substrate during the workshop.
Materials: Paper, house paint, rollers, markers, acrylic paint, projector, wheatpaste
Fee: $20
Saturday, 9/15/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Saturday, 9/22/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: CRI (Juan Pineda)
Workshop: Drawing Heroes and Ordinary Characters
The artist will present his unique style, discuss helpful drawing guidelines and explain all steps that go into drawing on a small scale and enlarging the drawing into a large mural.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers, rulers, projector
Fee: $20

Saturday, 9/22/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Saturday, 9/29/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: WHO? (Matt Riegner)
Workshop: 3D Art in 2D Space
The instructor explores all three dimensions in his own paintings and drawings. He will share the tips and steps to consider if you want to draw letters or objects that appear rising up from the paper.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers
Fee: $20
Saturday, 9/22/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Sunday, 9/23/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: WHO? (Matt Riegner)
Workshop: 3D Graffiti
The instructor will continue the workshop from the previous day by explaining and presenting the same principles using spray paint on an outdoor wall.
Materials: Spray paint
Fee: $20
Saturday, 10/6/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: Aniekan Udofia
Workshop: Weapons of Choice
The instructor builds the workshop around his popular series “Reloaded” that portraits weapons that spread creativity, imagination and peace. These weapons are pencils, markers and other creative tools. As you meet the artist, you will learn not only about his philosophy behind the artwork but will create your own piece with his directions and help.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers
Fee: $20
Saturday, 10/6/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Saturday, 10/13/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: JAZI (Kevin Irvin)
Workshop: Stencils
The stencils are some of the oldest art tools that humans ever used. Recently, stencils have gained notoriety as an effective and fast tool for street artists. JAZI will summarize history and highlight some of his favorite international artists. Hands-on section will contain basics of image preparation, material selection, safety tips and instructions on how to cut paper and acetate.
Materials: Paper, projector, acetate, x-tacto knives, acrylic paint, sponges, pencils, markers
Fee: $20
Saturday, 10/13/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Saturday, 10/20/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: REI XXI (Bryan Conner)
Workshop: Art and Graphic Design
The instructor’s unique and clean style in his pieces goes hand in hand with his graphic design experience. He applies the same principles to a variety projects, whether they are on a brick wall, computer monitor or a printed brochure. You will get an insight into his creative process and valuable tips on how to create understandable and well-composed work of art.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers, color paper, scissors, glue, rulers
Fee: $20
Saturday, 10/20/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Sunday, 10/21/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: REI XXI (Bryan Conner)
Workshop: Aerosol Art
The instructor will continue the workshop from the previous day by explaining and presenting the same principles using spray paint on an outdoor wall.
Materials: Spray paint
Fee: $20
Saturday, 10/27/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: Mark Jenkins
Workshop: Tape Sculpture
The instructor’s art is well known in DC and globally. You will learn about his beginnings and influences and will create your own tape sculpture. This is a rare opportunity to create art with Mark who is constantly on the road making art all around the world.
Materials: Packing tape, scissors, cutters
Fee: $20
Saturday, 10/27/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Sunday, 10/28/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: Urban Artistry
Workshop: Dance
Fee: $20
Saturday, 11/3/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: CON (Tim Conlon)
Workshop: Graffiti Letters
The instructor, an experienced graffiti artist will lead the discussion about the history and tradition of graffiti and presentation of styles from around the world. You will learn about color schemes, letter concepts and perspective while you work on your own sketches, developing your own style.
Materials: Markers, pencils, paper
Fee: $20
Saturday, 11/3/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Sunday, 11/4/2012, 10am-12non in The Fridge
Instructor: CON (Tim Conlon)
Workshop: Graffiti Letters
The instructor will continue the workshop from the previous day by explaining and presenting the same principles using spray paint on an outdoor wall.
Materials: Spray paint
Fee: $20
Saturday, 11/10/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: Jay Hudson
Workshop: Bike Art
Cranky Style is a DC-based business that specializes in complete customization of bicycles. The instructor will present his most recent models and will share his secrets on how to create your own rideable masterpiece.
Materials: Markers, pencils, paper, scissors, glue, metal pipes
Fee: $20
Saturday, 11/10/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
Saturday, 11/17/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: PORE (Bobby Moore)
Workshop: From Characters to Abstract
In his own art the instructor lets his imagination run. Come hang out with him and see how he masters various techniques to draw and paint various types of cartoon characters. They are getting more and more complex, sometimes on the border of abstract art.
Materials: Markers, pencils, paper
Fee: $20
Saturday, 11/17/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.
No workshops on weekend of 11/24/2012: Thanksgiving Break
Saturday, 12/1/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: VICE VERSA (Eric Ricks)
Workshop: Metal Sculptures from Recycled Paint Cans
The instructor’s beautiful murals contain stenciled artwork as well as miniature sculptures and mobiles in shape of butterflies. He creates them by cutting empty and recycled spray paint cans. You will explore this technique under his guidance and create your own sculptures from sheet metal.
Materials: Recycled metal cans, sheet metal, metal working tools
Fee: $20
Saturday, 12/1/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.