Kevin McEwen – Choreographer/Artistic Director, Kofago Dance Ensemble
Dive into the mesmerizing world of dance with our latest feature on the 2024 Arts Council Individual Choreography Fellows! The 2024 NJ State Council on the Arts Choreographers’ Showcase is set to dazzle audiences with the dynamic and diverse artistic visions of 14 incredibly talented choreographers.
Selected every two years, these choreographers represent the epitome of artistic excellence, chosen by an independent peer panel solely based on the quality of their work. And guess what? They’re bringing their A-game to the SOPAC stage, infusing it with the beauty and athleticism of dance that’ll leave you spellbound! 🎉🎶
But wait, there’s more! Did you know that these talented artists can receive up to $32,000 to further their artistic goals? Talk about a game-changer for the arts scene!
This program is made possible by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, in collaboration with the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Visit the Mid Atlantic Arts website to learn more about the Individual Artist Fellowship program and discover how you can support the arts in your community!
Kofago Dance Ensemble
Mark your calendars, because you won’t want to miss “Moving Into the Future: New Jersey Choreographers’ Festival,” a co-sponsored project of SOPAC and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. It’s going to be an unforgettable celebration of dance and artistry!
But that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce that Kevin McEwen will be featuring his poignant choreographic work, “Remembrance,” on Thursday, April 4th at 7pm. This moving tribute honors loved ones who have passed away, blending the emotional depth of loss with the rich traditions of African dance.
Get ready to be transported on a journey through grief, memory, and celebration as McEwen and his talented dancers grace the stage with their powerful performance! Don’t miss out – mark your calendars and join us for an evening filled with dance, emotion, and inspiration!
The art of dance is a crucial component of many cultures, serving as a medium for expression and preservation of cultural heritage. In recent years, the call for diversity and representation within the dance community has grown, particularly with regards to Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This includes representation within dance education and the role of dance educators.
RND Dance Educator Randee Grant teaching in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
The representation of BIPOC dance educators is crucial in providing access to accurate, culturally-sensitive education to students of color. Research has shown that students perform better academically when they can identify with their teachers, and the same is true for dance education. For BIPOC students, having access to BIPOC dance educators can serve as a source of inspiration, motivation, and validation of their cultural heritage.
Dance educators from BIPOC communities bring a unique perspective to dance education, combining their cultural heritage with academic knowledge to create a well-rounded education. They can provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of various dance styles, as well as their place within society. This type of education not only provides students with a better understanding of dance, but also with a greater appreciation for the cultural diversity that exists within the world.
Despite the benefits of representation, BIPOC dance educators are still vastly underrepresented within the dance education community. According to a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the majority of dance educators in the U.S. are white, with only 20% identifying as being a part of the BIPOC community. This lack of representation limits the cultural perspectives available to students, perpetuating the erasure of BIPOC voices within the dance community.
Kevin McEwen – Dance Educator
It is important to note that the lack of representation of BIPOC dance educators is not due to a lack of qualified candidates, but rather to systemic barriers such as institutionalized racism and implicit bias. In order to address this issue, dance institutions must make a concerted effort to increase diversity and representation within their hiring practices, and to create inclusive environments for BIPOC dance educators.
Representation of BIPOC dance educators is essential in providing students with access to accurate, culturally-sensitive education and in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the dance community. It is up to dance institutions to take action to increase representation and create inclusive environments for BIPOC dance educators.
Sources:
- National Endowment for the Arts. (2019). National Endowment for the Arts Dance: Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. Retrieved from https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/2019-dance-participation-report.pdf
- The Importance of Teacher Diversity. (n.d.). Teach For America. Retrieved from https://www.teachforamerica.org/stories/importance-teacher-diversity
As an educator, I’m concerned about what happened in Florida this past week. Florida governor Ron Desantis administration rejected a proposed AP African American Studies class in Florida high schools. This type of institutionalized racism is dangerous on so many levels. As a collegiate professor, this also makes the work that I have to do even harder.
For the past twenty years, my work has been to promote traditional West African dance and culture. One of the best ways of promoting culture is through finding interescionality with other departments and programs where I teach. The integration of black dance programs into Africana Studies programs at the collegiate level would have a number of benefits for students and for the field of Africana Studies more broadly.
Incorporating black dance into Africana Studies would provide students with a more well-rounded understanding of the African diaspora. Dance is an important aspect of many African cultures and has played a central role in the preservation of tradition and cultural identity. By studying the history and theory of black dance alongside the literature, history, and other subjects that are typically included in Africana Studies programs, students would gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and richness of the African diaspora.
The proposed intersection between black dance and Africana Studies would also provide students with an opportunity to engage with the material in a more hands-on, experiential way. Instead of just reading about the history and theory of black dance, students would have the opportunity to learn the techniques and choreography of different black dance styles, which would enable them to better understand and appreciate the cultural context in which these dances were developed. This can help to make the material more relatable and meaningful for students.
Incorporating black dance programs into Africana Studies programs at the collegiate level would provide students with a more well-rounded understanding of the African diaspora, allow them to engage with the material in a more hands-on, experiential way, and help to revitalize and invigorate the field of Africana Studies. Furthermore, it would be a counter to the racist attacks against African American studies by politicians like Ron Desantis.
This holiday season marks an exciting milestone for the Kwanzaa Celebration – it is the fifth anniversary since its inception! This performance, produced and directed by Kevin McEwen, has grown into a memorable tradition in New York City over the past five years.
The production was made possible through the collaboration of many organizations and talented individuals. Queensborough Community College, Rhythm N Dance, The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning and the Kofago Dance Ensemble all worked together to make this event one of a kind.
The show featured African Diasproic dance forms such as Sabar dance from Senegal, Hip-Hop, Modern and Afrobeats. It also included a live drum call led by D’Jembefola Jean Lemke Charlot and Master of Ceremony duties by 1Pablo (Paul Lee) who spoke to the audience about Kwanzaa’s cultural significance.
Kwanzaa Celebration has become a staple in our community, celebrating African Diasporic culture in the beginning of December each year. This year, we had two shows which seemed like the natural evolution of the work we’ve done for the past five years.
Batingua Arts Youth Ensemble
On December 9th, 2022, the first annual Kwanzaa Celebration Youth Performance kicked off with a bang, featuring some of the best performing arts groups in the area.
The Phoenix Dance Ensemble from First University Prep in Brooklyn put on an incredible show with their signature choreography by their director, Afaliah Tribune. The Sesame Flyers International Youth Dance Ensemble (under the direction of Acharo Smith and Vuyelwa Thom) from Brooklyn brought their mix of Caribbean rhythms and creative movements to the stage. The Batingua Arts Youth Ensemble, directed by Persephone Dacosta showcased dazzling African and Caribbean dance moves. Infinity Blueprint (directed by Tanasia McCorey) from Long Island provided a much-needed dose of soulful Hip-Hop choreography. And last but certainly not least, the A.R.E.A Collective from Harlem delivered an electrifying performance full of Hip-Hop beats and melodies.
Infinity Blueprint
It was truly a sight to behold! Not only did these talented young artists show off their skills, but they also demonstrated how powerful art can be when it brings diverse communities together for a shared purpose. As we celebrate this inaugural Kwanzaa Celebration Youth Performance, let us continue to support our young performers as they strive to reach their highest potentials!
The second show on Sunday, December 11th, was our signature show celebrating our fifth anniversary of our production. Featuring talented dancers from Kofago Dance Ensemble, Queensborough Community College Dance Program, REACH Collective and the Kwanzaa Celebration cast, this performance was truly an occasion to remember!
Every moment of the two hour long show was nothing short of remarkable. From Bakary Fall’s powerful traditional Sabar dances
Sabar Suite
to Tanasia McCorrey’s innovative hip hop numbers and Mama Taylor’s captivating Lengen routines, each piece brought its own unique flavor to the mix. Even Aicha Konaté’s Afrobeats choreography with the QCC Dance program managed to evoke emotions in all who experienced it.
From my position as the producer and director of the show, it was clear that each choreographer took great care in crafting their pieces for this special event – from artistic vision to technical execution. The entire performance flowed seamlessly from start to finish, providing an exciting show full of energy and passion.
This year’s Kwanzaa Celebration 2022 was both an inspiring cultural display and a world-class performance – an unforgettable experience that will linger in our memories for years to come!
Asé Dance Theater – Dance Africa 2021
Writing a paper on Haitian culture can go in so many different directions. I could write about the obvious bits of information that most people may know about. I could write pages upon pages about Haiti being the only country to be a European colony that fought and won its freedom from its colonizers. I could also write about the people who build such amazing pieces of architecture like the military fort known as Citadelle Laferrière in the town of Cap Haitien. I could even write about the contemporary culture of the Haitian people that gave us the musical gifts of Da Fugees founder and lead artist Wyclef Jean and their artist-turned-president Michel “Sweet Mickey” Martelly.
There are so many different directions a writer could go with writing about Haitian culture, however this essay will focus on the performance ethnography of the Haitian people. This information is tethered to the lifestyle of the Haitian people, which will allow us to briefly touch upon several different facets of Haiti that include, religion, spirituality, history and culture.
If you want to look for some the most battle-tested while simultaneously battle weary people of the African Diaspora, look no further than the island nation of Haiti. The people of Haiti have been in a perpetual state of war against their way of life since the French Revolution. It was during the French revolution when the slaves of African descent fought against Napoleon Bonapart and the people of France to become the only country to fight and win its freedom from its colonial oppressors. Since that historic victory, the people of Haiti have been under attack in some shape from opponents like the World Bank and even the United States government.
Rhythm N Dance – African Dance Class in Haiti – 2012
In our society, the mark of individual success is driven by one’s financial and social standing. If you subscribe to these societal norms, then the average Haitian would appear to not have much. The World Factbook reports a shortage of skilled labor, widespread unemployment and underemployment, saying “more than two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs.” Looking at it from this perspective, the situation in Haiti does look quite dire and bleak, however Haitians are known for being survivors that cling to a very traditional warrior spirit. This “Traditional Warrior Spirit” goes back to the days of the Haitian Revolution, where the enslaved population of the then “Saint-Dominique” drove out the Spanish, French, and the British colonizers to lay down the foundation for what we now know to be both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In looking at the historical aspects of Haitian culture, one cannot leave out the ceremony of BWA KAYIMAN (Bois Caiman), which took place August, 1971 near the city of Cap Haitian. It was this spiritual ceremony that began the Haitian Revolution. Led by the Vodou priest (which is also known as a Houngan) known as Dutty Boukman, the ceremony laid down the foundation for those who were enslaved to pledge themselves to the fight for freedom.
Kevin McEwen – Teaching West African Dance Workshop, Jacmel Haiti – Vin Pran Baget – 2016
In understanding what Haitian folkloric dance and drum culture is, one must understand how this country came to fruition. The same rhythms and music played at Bwa Kayiman are the same rhythms that are played today in Haitian folkloric dance workshops. Diving in further into the culture, the Vodou tradition has spiritual entities that are divided into two major categories; HOT or COOL. Cool spirits fall under the Rada category, and hot spirits fall under the Petwo category. This information is critical, as most dances performed within Haitian Folkloric dance, falls underneath these two different categories. For example, a dance done for Ezili Danto would be danced to a Petwo Rhythm, while a dance done for La Siren would be dance to a Rada Rhythm.
In closing, there are many facets to the people of Haiti and their culture. I always tell people that if you want to learn the truth about Haiti, you have to visit the Caribbean nation. You have to talk to the people, eat some of there cuisine and don’t buy into what Hollywood has been selling regarding its cultural identity and legacy.
Kofago Block Party, Saturday, August 7th, 2pm-8pm. FREE EVENT!
Living through a pandemic is something generations before us didn’t have to deal with. The Corona Virus and is global reach is something we will all tell future generations about. I will be honest in saying that it’s been quit the struggle as a professor to teach dance classes via Zoom and similar platforms. The technology itself wasn’t the issue, but it was the lack of connection to my students that I truly miss.
As more and more people get vaccinated, there’s been a loosening of the COVID restrictions (some would say that they rushed that part of the process). The members of Kofago Dance and I have been hard at work to bring you the content and events you didn’t even know you needed!
Our GENERATIONS dance workshops have been a huge success! In addition to the GENERATIONS workshops, we’re excited to bring to you our first (and hopefully annual) KOFAGO BLOCK PARTY! Growing up in Brooklyn, block parties where great events that brought the block/neighborhood/community together. The Kofago Block Party will do the same thing. We will celebrate life, community, culture and dance in a way that represents who we are as a company.
The event takes place on Saturday, August 7th from 2-8pm and we have a whole host of activities and entertainment waiting for you to come and check out:
- Akoko Nante Drum Ensemble
- Batingua Arts Youth Ensemble
- Royal Majesty Dance Company
- Escape Room by Nadia Simmons
- Body Ra Movement
- CarNYval Dancers
- Yoga with Keziah
- Plus three amazing DJs (DJ C-Live, DJ Matt, DJ Turn Up)
We’ve got some activities lined up for the kids as well (face painting, arts 7 crafts). All of these events and activities are with the sole intention of bringing our community back together after being separated for so long. It’s no coincidence that this event will take place at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC), which is the same location of our last live Kwanzaa Celebration performance in 2019.
Make sure you click the links above to follow the artists who will perform at the block party. For people who are interested in vending, please click the link here to register.
Join Kevin as he travels to the US Virgin Islands to teach a dance workshop in traditional West African dance and song technique. The workshop is free but please make sure you register at this link to attend.
Date: July 10, 2021
Time: 10am
Place: Dorsch Cultural Center, St. Croix
Kwanzaa Reflection
A true teacher in dance is one who provides guidance and mentorships for their students as they begin the journey inwards, letting their spiritual self shine through their dance. We meet our students as we are and as they are, right here and right now, finite but incomplete; we enlarge and expand in order to engage their minds and fire their hearts, and to provoke their imaginations, as well as our own. The other side of the Teacher/Student paradigm is the student who has a certain level of trust with their teacher. This trust comes with the understanding that the dance is a journey through “uncharted territory” where the teacher has the map leading to a higher level of understanding and elevation through movement.
Being a dance teacher affords me the luxury of combining the best of both worlds; dancing AND teaching! Although I’ve been a dancer for the past 16 years, I was also a corporate technology trainer. Dance education provides me with the perfect nexus for two things that I am truly passionate about.
The bond between teacher and student is a unique association akin to the young Shaolin Monk seeking guidance from the elder Shaolin Master; a melding of a thirst for knowledge and a timeless wisdom. The greatest moments between the student and teacher is when the students is able to understand and can truly grasp the concept, movement, rhythm and /or history of the dance.
These notions on what dance education means to me did not come from how I learned dance, but rather from a mixture of what I didn’t get while learning, as well as my desire to do better for the next generation of dancers coming up after me.
My journey as a dancer is not like most dancers. I didn’t learn about dance as an official dance major, nor do I have a degree in dance. I was led to dance 16 years ago by my ancestors in a process of listening their messages and submitting to my journey. This process relied on me having an unspoken level of trust with a higher order, taking me on the uncanniest journey a person could have. Through this journey, learning how to dance and how to teach others about dance was a part of a larger way of living that included many different facets (ie drumming, cooking, rites of passage, ethical standards, language, etc.). Through this journey and this lifestyle, I’ve learned a lot about myself, as well as what I’ve been put on this earth to do.
I come from a single-family home, where my father was never around. This led to me having a need to over-compensate on many of my interactions with people in a failed attempt at the relational balance and guidance I didn’t have growing up as a child. This type of background was my true foundation in forming my identity as a dance educator, which is a hybrid mixture of Observation, Experimentation, Experience and Determination
- Observation – In observing other teachers teach dance, I’ve seen both the good and the bad. I’ve seen those who could care less about their students, as well as those who would do anything for their students. Being able to observe both ends of the spectrum allowed me to experiment with the type of dance teacher I wanted to be once the opportunity to teach dance was put before me.
- Experimentation – During my career as a dance teacher, I jumped at chances to teach where I wasn’t even paid for teaching. My reasoning for doing so was that the opportunity to take what I observed and then experiment with the assessed information was critical in developing what my concept of dance education would be.
- Experience – If at first you don’t succeed . . . . . Trial and error was (and still is) a major part of my foundation as a dance educator. Not every concept/strategy will work with every group. This is something that a teacher can only learn through experience.
- Determination – Teaching is not something that will make you rich. It’s something you HAVE to be passionate about. That passion is synonymous with determination, which is the true foundation of success in any endeavor an individual, may take in life.
Educational theorist Maxine Greene states, “While it is not really necessary for everyone to be deeply knowledgeable in math and science, it is crucial for everyone to seriously contemplate who we are as individuals and as members of a culture.” Dance has not only become something that I am passionate about, it has become an integral part of my cultural identity. I identify culturally with dance because of the traditional forms of dance that I study. Most of these dances come from cultures where the dances are a part of every day life. These dances keep me grounded in a world where technology and social media have become society’s preferred way to communicate and socialize. It is the cultural traditions and information of the dance (and the lifestyle it perpetuates) that keep me balanced.
It is said that without a sense of identity, there can be no real struggle. Dancing and the art of dance is the ultimate manifestation of one’s inner spiritual identity. The ability to dance is closely tied to how intimately a person is connected to their metaphysical self. That metaphysical (or spiritual) self is directly tied to your family and ancestral lineage. Although some people are able to learn choreography by simply looking at it one time, others need months to learn that same choreography. This notion and perspective on dance doesn’t mean that only a certain type of person can learn dance, rather it exemplifies the notion that dance is for everyone simply because the journey through learning a specific dance form can lead to a certain level of growth for anyone (this of course is tempered by the fact that the personal growth is relative to the individual). Everyone has the innate ability to learn about dance, however not everyone is comfortable with the outward expression of their inner spiritual being.
Finally, the most critical notion of dance is that it is never about the destination; it’s about the journey to the destination that is most important in understanding what dance is to both the teacher and the student.
