Dancing Between Two Worlds 🩰🌍
This week's newsletter features a personal story about the intersection of identity & dance - please give it a read! Scroll for RUD highlights, IAHH7 news, a tip from Phil Wright, and more!
Dancing Between Two Worlds: My Experience as a Black Dancer with African Roots and Faith
by Kawsandra Lassanah (Dancer, Instructor, and Director of The Den at Richmond Urban Dance)
“As a Black dancer, I’ve had my fair share of difficult experiences, but my perspective is also shaped by the fact that my family’s roots aren’t in America. I see things from a different lens than those whose families have been here for generations. My upbringing was a blend of African culture, American influences, and my faith, which shaped how I navigated the dance world.
I think the dance industry is hard for everyone—making a name for yourself and getting that big break isn’t easy. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue dance. The issue I have is when dancers enter spaces without knowing the history behind the styles they perform.”
Keep on reading by heading to the full blog on our website!
Instructor Spotlight!
Ft. Makeia Clark
"Hey y’all heeeeyyyyyy! My name is Makeia Clark and I was born and raised in Richmond, VA with a little bit of Chase city living. I’m a 30 yr youngin’ who is a dedicated dancer with a deep love for all forms of art. My journey in dance began when I was a kid but I didn’t start to get serious about it until I was 12 years old, and it has shaped who I am today. Beyond dance, I enjoy immersing myself in various artistic expressions, constantly seeking inspiration and growth. Whether it's through painting, and/or music, I find joy in every creative endeavor because art is not just a passion for me; it's a way of life.”
Anyone Else Camera Shy? 🫣
Checkout some advice from Phil Wright from our last workshop!
Intermediate Tap is here!
Take Intermediate Tap at Richmond Urban Dance! Held weekly on Saturday mornings (time subject to change). Whether its a technique or choreography style class, you’re in for a good time learning rhythm tap!
Checkout a recent class from one of our instructors, Bri Lopez.
Ever wonder what our classes are like? Been wanting to come but not sure what to sign up for? Check out samples of our classes on our Richmond Urban Dance Youtube Channel. Try them out at home and see which is the best fit for you!
Come see The Company perform!
What: The Company is performing at a VCU Basketball Game!
When: 1:30pm Sunday, 2/23
Where: VCU Siegel Center
I Am Hip Hop 7. Battle of the Blocks.
See you Friday, June 6th at the National.
6:30 Pre-Show.
7pm Showtime.
(Still need to sign up to perform? Do so by 3/1!)
Other Studio Happenings
✨ Fundraising where you dance for dollars
RUD-rai$ing, a fundraiser like no other! Looking for a unique and easy way to raise funds for your organization, team, or cause? We’ve got the perfect solution for you! Checkout our website for more details!
👟 Seeking sneaker donations
Bring your used sneakers to the studio for us to dispose of! We send them off to a recycling program and are able to raise some money for our programs. Bring ‘em anytime.
✨ Do ya shop at Kroger?
Have a Kroger rewards card? Select Richmond Urban Dance as your community rewards organization and at no cost to you, Kroger will contribute an annual donation based on a percentage of your purchases! You can use Kroger.com or the Kroger app. Checkout our Instagram post for step-by-step details on how to sign up. Send us a screenshot when you’re done for a free class!
Call for Blogs!
Have an idea for a blog for a future newsletter - About your dance journey? About why dance is important? Inclusion in dance? Why you support Richmond Urban Dance? We want to hear from you! Feel free to send it in, or let us know your idea and we can help you out.
Email info@richmondurbandance.com to get in touch with the team.