May 16 to 20, 2022 — 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.)
$75 with the support of Emploi-Québec (or $210, non-eligible rate)
Open to artists of all disciplines
Language of instruction: English
Capacity: 20 people — priority for full week attendance
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CONTENT // Memphis Urban Dance ’, is an umbrella term to incorporate the style originally entitled Gangsta Walking and all the styles that branch from it. The Gangsta Walk was created in the mid 80’s to the sound of Memphis rap music. A loose, groovy, footwork based style; jookin’ puts emphasis on who can walk the coolest or most “gangsta”. In this class, students will learn a well-rounded perspective on Memphis dance and music culture. One of the main characteristics is the idea of “getting buck” or becoming extremely confident, wild, and carefree. With this Memphis persona in mind, students will learn Memphis jookin’ history, characters, foundational moves, combinations, and how to create their own movement within the style. This class will give a solid understanding and look into the Memphis Urban dance styles, as well as allow students personal growth through locomotive movement. Students will be able to transfer the movement into any other forms of movement expression they desire.
ACCESSIBILITY // This class will be fun and explorative. It will start off with a warm up of the entire body with traditional Memphis groves to southern hip hop. The warm up will be used daily to set the tone for a party-like atmosphere. We’ll begin by exploring movement that encompasses the usage of the upper torso for style building. This will be followed by a focus on movement utilizing the lower torso to complete the style. Class will include standing, walking, jumping and run type movements. I will demonstrate and guide in all movements. Class will include cypher and other forms of social interaction through dance. There are no physical requirements – classes can be altered for all body types. We will explore our mental faculties to reach creative reservoirs in our being using meditation and mindfulness.
BIO // Marico Flake, as Dr. Rico, is a Memphis born street dancer. Dr. Rico is known for his work in helping promote and develop Memphis Jookin, a Memphis born street dance that carries the spirit of the Blues City. Dr. Rico has been featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance , Dancing with the Stars and also nominated for a Grammy for Best Choreography for his work with Janelle Monae on her music video “Tightrope”. Dr. Rico is a founder and leading member of legendary Jookin crew G-Force responsible for establishing the first known Jookin Academy and Assassin’s warriors of light. Dr. Rico is also the co-author of “The Jook” a book that codified jookin and ballet. Now as a member of Urban Artistry out of the D.C area, his goal is to further the human genome project through the anthropology of dance. He has traveled to several countries around the world sharing the various cultures of dance he represents in a quest to keep traditions alive and innovation ever present simultaneously.