Postcards from the 2021 OAC Winter Institute
Logging on from 17 different US states as well as the United Kingdom, movers and makers of all ages came to the 2021 Organizing with Artists for Change (OAC) Winter Institute ready to dance, ready to connect, and ready to build creative tools and practices for working across generations.
From January 8 - 10, more than 35 participants learned flamenco from Angelina Ramirez and West African dance from Assane Konte and experienced creative sessions led by Sarah Ramey, Tashi Gore, Judith Bauer, and Elizabeth Johnson Levine (Learn more about the facilitators here). Each session was rich in opportunities to work collaboratively with each other and build skills for extending the social relevance that dance and dancemaking can have.
But don’t just take our word for it. At the end of every Dance Exchange OAC Institute, we ask participants to write an imaginary postcard to someone considering attending an Institute. Here are just a handful of those responses.
“This experience was uplifting. I want you to know that no matter your experience level, age, gender, identity, ALL are welcome to participate and everyone has something important to share.”
“This experience was filled with tenderness and exploration. If you have the opportunity to attend a Dance Exchange Institute, I want you to know that you will be actualizing the work in your body and in community. ”
“This experience was a fuel to ignite a vast flame. If you have the opportunity to attend a Dance Exchange Institute, I want you to know that it is safe to be fearless and share your layers of yourself. It is safe to trust that you will be met on a bridge and SEEN.”
“This experience was refreshingly creative during this time of quarantine. I want you to know that community and connection can still be found. ”
“Amazing, uplifting, rejuvenating, fun, magical, and beautiful. You will be changed for the better in ways both large and small.”
Sound like an experience you’re interested in? Learn more about Dance Exchange’s Organizing with Artists for Change Institutes and stay tuned for details about the 2021 OAC Summer Institute by joining our mailing list.