A free program for young dancers exploring connection and culture through dance.
Teens (ages 8-18): July 18-22
Youth (ages 5-12): July 25 - Aug 5
Both programs run Monday through Friday, 9am-12pm.
For the last four summers, JAE has collaborated with Izizwe Dance Studio in Lawrence, MA, to offer a free summer dance institute based in Massachusetts. The 2022 program focuses on the theme of Kiltirèl Conexiones (Cultural Connections in Haitian Creole and Spanish), highlighting the similarities and cross-cultural connections between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, with dance as the main point of harmony.
“For my son, it’s just been an incredible experience, we’ve had a hard time putting into words how important it has been for him. I think to be a part of not just a dance community where he feels accepted but also to be able to broaden that is so important. The experience of exploring culture and diversity and coming together in a community in ways that you can’t always do unless you have something in common. Dance, music, the arts, is the common denominator.”
JAE and Izizwe Dance Studio understand now more than ever that connection to culture, education, and art are vital in creating individual and community success. The program includes classes for dancers ages 5-18, that are centered around movement, identity and social justice. We are thrilled that this program will occur directly after JAE runs a similar program in the Dominican Republic, giving our students a chance to connect to kids from another country through dance.
final performance and community celebration at Lawrence Heritage State Park
Saturday August 6th 12:00-3:00pm
All Summer Dance Institute students and families will be invited to attend this free performance and community celebration outdoors in Lawrence, MA. There will be short performances by the dance students, and opportunities for everybody to get on their feet! This celebration aims to share, uplift and connect Haitian, Dominican and African dance traditions.
Event Flow:
12:15-12:30pm - Performance by youth from the Summer Dance Institute as well as professional dancers from JAE, Izizwe, and local affiliates from the Merrimack Valley
12:30-1:00pm - Lecture/Workshop by JAE Cultural Strategist, Nadia Issa
1:00-2:30pm - Haitian/Dominican Folkloric Community Dance class
2:30-3:00pm - Learning Circle and Conclusion
Program details
The Summer Dance Institute in Lawrence draws on the strengths of both JAE and Izizwe in order to offer the following:
Classes in Yoga, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Haitian, African and Latin dance techniques
Literacy-based arts activities and creative movement for ages 5-12
Choreography and cultural connections workshops for ages 11-18
Instruction and choreography by professional dancers
Read what our past Lawrence Summer Dance Institute dance students have said about the program!
The 2020, 2021, 2022 Summer Dance Institutes were funded in part by the Essex County Community Foundation's (ECCF) Greater Lawrence Summer Fund.
The 2022 Summer Dance Institute was funded in part by Eastern Bank.
The 2022 Lawrence Summer Dance Institute’s Final Community Celebration was funded in part by the White Fund Lecture Series.
The program is especially made possible by individual donors like you!
Program information in PDF format.