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Sunday, September 11, 2022 // 10 AM - 12 PM (Details below) // Olson Park Pavilion

You Can Dance–Outside! Ann Arbor
West African Dance

Family Friendly
Free
Public Workshop
Photo Credit: Peter Smith
 

You Can Dance–Outside! returns for another summer of movement and community across southeast Michigan.

This year, UMS is doubling down on the dance fun by offering two dance sessions! Each day will begin with a 45-minute Introduction to Dance workshop that creates space for participants ages six and up to ground themselves in the basics of the movement form. This will be followed by an hour-long Curious Movers workshop for participants ages 12 and up who want to deepen their dance experience through further exploration of forms and rhythms.

Little to no dance experience is required to participate, and workshops are free and open to the public. Register to attend one or both workshops  – there will be a 15-minute break in between. We ask that participants 12 and under have a parent/guardian present at all times.

Experience traditional West African movement to live drums. All movement levels are welcome!

10–11:45 am // Introduction to West African Dance // Ages 6+

11–12 noon// Curious Movers: West African Dance // Ages 12+

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have dance training to participate?
You do not need any formal training. UMS encourages broad participation and invites a mix of people of different ages and abilities to participate. We aim to create a comfortable environment for everyone.
What should I wear for the workshop?
You should wear clothing and shoes in which you are comfortable moving. Ground surfaces may not be even, so please wear supportive footwear.
Will there be parking available?
Olson Park has one main vehicle entrance off of Dhu Varren Road with one large parking lot. The entrance is located on the north side of Dhu Varren Road between Pontiac Trail and the Food Gatherers (Carrot Way).
If I didn’t pre-register, can I just walk up?
Pre-registration is strongly recommended. However, depending on the demand for the class, walk-up registration is available beginning 5 minutes before each scheduled workshop and is open until spots are filled.
How can I cancel my registration if I am no longer able to participate?
To cancel your registration, please email UMS’s Community and Audience Programs Manager Alexandria Davis at adavism@umich.edu. We appreciate your prompt communication notifying us of the cancellation so that we can make room for other participants
Will the event be canceled due to inclement weather? If so, how will I be notified?
Classes will be held outdoors under covered partial structures that offer some protection from the elements. If extremely inclement weather makes the workshop impossible, registered participants will receive an email notification from UMS on the morning of the workshop. There will also be a general public post on UMS’s social media announcing the cancellation.

Meet Your Artist Facilitator

Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell

Heather Mitchell, artist facilitator

Health & Safety

This is an outdoor event. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask is welcome and encouraged to do so, but masks are not required for participation.

Sun, Sep 11, 2022
10:00 AM

Venue

Olson Park Pavilion

1515 Dhu Varren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Sunday, September 11, 2022 // 10 AM - 12 PM (Details below)
Olson Park Pavilion

You Can Dance–Outside! Ann Arbor
West African Dance

Family Friendly
Free
Public Workshop
Free with Registration

Heather Mitchell, artist facilitator

Health & Safety

This is an outdoor event. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask is welcome and encouraged to do so, but masks are not required for participation.

Venue

Olson Park Pavilion

1515 Dhu Varren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

You Can Dance–Outside! returns for another summer of movement and community across southeast Michigan.

This year, UMS is doubling down on the dance fun by offering two dance sessions! Each day will begin with a 45-minute Introduction to Dance workshop that creates space for participants ages six and up to ground themselves in the basics of the movement form. This will be followed by an hour-long Curious Movers workshop for participants ages 12 and up who want to deepen their dance experience through further exploration of forms and rhythms.

Little to no dance experience is required to participate, and workshops are free and open to the public. Register to attend one or both workshops  – there will be a 15-minute break in between. We ask that participants 12 and under have a parent/guardian present at all times.

Experience traditional West African movement to live drums. All movement levels are welcome!

10–11:45 am // Introduction to West African Dance // Ages 6+

11–12 noon// Curious Movers: West African Dance // Ages 12+

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have dance training to participate?
You do not need any formal training. UMS encourages broad participation and invites a mix of people of different ages and abilities to participate. We aim to create a comfortable environment for everyone.
What should I wear for the workshop?
You should wear clothing and shoes in which you are comfortable moving. Ground surfaces may not be even, so please wear supportive footwear.
Will there be parking available?
Olson Park has one main vehicle entrance off of Dhu Varren Road with one large parking lot. The entrance is located on the north side of Dhu Varren Road between Pontiac Trail and the Food Gatherers (Carrot Way).
If I didn’t pre-register, can I just walk up?
Pre-registration is strongly recommended. However, depending on the demand for the class, walk-up registration is available beginning 5 minutes before each scheduled workshop and is open until spots are filled.
How can I cancel my registration if I am no longer able to participate?
To cancel your registration, please email UMS’s Community and Audience Programs Manager Alexandria Davis at adavism@umich.edu. We appreciate your prompt communication notifying us of the cancellation so that we can make room for other participants
Will the event be canceled due to inclement weather? If so, how will I be notified?
Classes will be held outdoors under covered partial structures that offer some protection from the elements. If extremely inclement weather makes the workshop impossible, registered participants will receive an email notification from UMS on the morning of the workshop. There will also be a general public post on UMS’s social media announcing the cancellation.

Meet Your Artist Facilitator

Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell

Heather Mitchell is an African Diasporic Dance performing artist in the Kalamazoo community for over 10 years. Her work also includes Choreography at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and The Civic. She is a Teaching Artist with Education for the Arts, as well as a collaborator with Rootead Youth Enrichment Center, Women Empowering Women, Freedom Schools, Wellspring Cory Terry and Dancers, and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

As a dance artist Heather has facilitated numerous workshops and classes that sought to connect people of various backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and abilities to the cultural knowledge, pure joy, and sense of community that African Diasporic dance brings. She believes that dance is the language of the spirit and is meant to be shared with her community!