Program Description: “Dancing Though History” explores the cross-pollination of concert dance and social dance in the United States from the mid-20th century to the present. This program will explore the ways that dances are translated from the streets and clubs to the stage, addressing the sometimes complicated pathways of their arrivals and departures and the human impulse to make community through movement. This three hour program will include a lecture and a movement workshop. No previous dance experience is required, all levels and abilities are welcome. Come curious and ready to move!

Facilitator Bio: Laila J. Franklin is an independent, multidisciplinary dance artist based in Boston, MA by way of Washington, DC. Recently featured as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” (2024), Laila's work is interested in meta-commentary, deconstruction, and bits, approaching themes surrounding the human experience with complexity, nuance, curiosity, and humor. Her work has been commissioned by Brown University, Salem State University, and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and shared through Public Space One (IA), Loculus Collective’s Sideways Door Festival (MA), Cotuit Dance Festival (MA), School of Contemporary Dance and Thought (MA), and Movement Research at The Judson Church (NY). Her performance credits include projects with Miguel Gutierrez, Stephanie Miracle, and Melinda Jean Myers. She is an archival assistant to Jennifer Harge and research assistant to Stew Stewart. Laila holds an MFA from the University of Iowa, a BFA from The Boston Conservatory, and is a proud alumna of Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Photo credit to Cameron Kincheloe.