Youth Performance Residency - Summer 2024
Feline Finesse Youth Summer Residency with Chinyakare Ensemble. Summer 2023, Bayview, San Francisco
Gbedu Town Radio x Feline Finesse
Pan Afro-Urban Performance Intensive for Youth
The Youth Performance Intensive with GbeduTown Radio will offer young individuals a transformative journey into the world of performing arts. Led by experienced instructors, participants will engage in theater, singing, dancing, and many other workshops. All work will lead to an end-of-session showcase that will be open to the public.
Mondays - Thursdays | 3-6 PM
June 24 - July 11, 2024
Feline Finesse Dance Company House of Finesse
4430 3rd St., San Francisco
ABOUT
Afro Urban Society is an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances, and productions.
Gbedu Town Radio Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
Feline Finesse Dance Company, est 2014, is a youth sisterhood stemming from the origins of the Bayview-Hunters Point community, in San Francisco. Our mission is to create a haven for all young ladies to freely, creatively, and artistically express themselves through dance while empowering them to reach their full potential, goals, and dreams. We self-identify thru genres of Hip-hop and West African; but most importantly, we philosophize a sisterhood of love and self-respect. We not only teach choreography, but we educate our young ladies in dance fundamentals, technique and overall etiquette.
AFRO DANCE MEGA 2023!!!!! Dance Workshop & Jam
Afro Urban Society x BAMBDFEST x Fua Dia Congo
AFRO DANCE MEGA 2023!!!!! Dance Workshop & Jam
The Messengers That Move & Belong
Sat, Aug 19, 2023
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts
1428 Alice Street, Oakland | 2nd flr Studio A
For accessibility info: info@afrourbansociety.com
Instructors
Tango Leadaz (Dancehall), Special Guest from L.A.
Toba (Afrobeats)
Jamie Carter (Hip Hop)
Kanukai Chigamba (Afro Dance)
ABOUT
BAMBDFEST BIENNIAL 2023 INTERNATIONAL is a multi-day, multi-venue festival in celebration of the Black Arts Movement Business District, Black Arts & Culture, and economics in Oakland, CA. Founded in February 2019, produced by the Lower Bottom Playaz, Inc. in collaboration with BAMBD, CDC, funded by a Creative California Communities grant from the California Arts Council the festival was an annual event through August of 2021.
AFRO URBAN SOCIETY is an incubator and presenter of Afro-Urban performing and visual arts, culture, media, and social discourse. Through original and curated arts & event production, popular arts education, and cultural engagement, we ignite our communities to make meaningful connections, be inspired, and live vibrantly.
FUA DIA CONGO, founded in 1977, is guided by a Kikongo proverb, Wa Dia Fua Yika Dio, meaning “What you inherit, you must add value to.” For forty years the organization has been resolute in its dedication to preserving and presenting the music, dance, cultural arts of the Kongo Kingdom (the peoples of the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and parts of Gabon) as well as the Central African Republic. Its founder, Malonga Casquelourd, left a pioneering legacy of artistic excellence for the African and African Diaspora arts community in the Bay Area.
Theatre in Video: Mixtape of the Dead & Gone #1 + Artist Q & A
Afro Urban Society x Dance Mission present
Theatre in Video: Mixtape of the Dead & Gone #1- Egwu Ahamefula and
Nigeria Trip Report-back & Q & A with Gbedu Town Radio #510ToDa234
Sat March 11, 2023 | 7:30-9:30pm
Dance Mission Theater
3316 24th Street, San Francisco
For accessibility contact: info@afrourbansociety.com
Tickets are on a $0-$100 sliding scale. Your $ supports the continuous development of this project. Your generous contribution is greatly appreciated.
A one-night only Theatre in Video showing of ‘Mixtape of the Dead & Gone #1- egwu ọnwụ Ahamefula’, a shit-just-got-real Afro-dance-theater piece following Ahamefula moments after her death, in a tussle with Asa-#7, a Messenger called from ‘Onye Ozi’ Ancestor app, sent to collect them. This piece was initially staged and performed in June 2022 at CounterPulse. If you missed it then, you’ll want to make sure you’re there this time! If you’ve seen it before, then you know you want to see it again!
by Robbie Sweeney
After the showing, there will be a Q & A moderated by Michael French, with the creator/director Nkeiruka Oruche and some of the cast members to learn more about the process of creating the stage production, a report-back on their cultural exchange trip to Nigeria following the June 2022 performance, and what future plans lie ahead. You’ll also be invited into some interactive activities with song, movement and practices surrounding grief.
‘egwu ọnwụ Ahamefula’ is the first stage in the ‘Egwu Onwu: Mixtape for the Dead’ (MDG) series as part of the ‘Obi gbawara’m//My Heart Shattered or What happens after I die?’ (OGB) project. Created and facilitated by multimedium cultural artist and producer Nkeiruka Oruche, OGB is a multimedia performance, & cultural reclamation project reactivating the practice of death and grief performance from the Igbo Ọdịnanị & Ọmenala tradition. Drawing from pre-colonial Igbo traditional forms, as a point of departure, MDG will recreate & reimagine grief songs, dances, and poems remixed with Pan Afro-urban forms to explore the questions How do we hold pain, grief & joy for ourselves & as a community? How do we define & self-determine our liberatory practices? And how do we remember who we are in societies designed to make us forget?
This event is presented in partnership with Afro Urban Society, Dance Mission, Priority Africa Network, and World Arts West.
‘Obi gbawara’m//My Heart Shattered or What happens after I die?’ is supported in part by Afro Urban Society; Black Cultural Zone; the City of Oakland; Alliance for California Traditional Arts through the Sankofa Initiative of the San Francisco Arts Commission; the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Zellerbach Family Foundation; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts; The East Bay Community Foundation East Bay Fund for Artists; California Arts Council; CounterPulse; CA$H | Theatre, a grants program of Theatre Bay Area; and individual supporters
Afro Dance Fest: Badagry - Performance Showcase
Join Gbedu Town Radio & Okachamma Dance Troupe International for the inaugural Afro Dance Fest: Badagry.
Two days of dance workshops, performances, and communing featuring a combo dance workshop by Gbedu Town Radio and Okachamma at the historic Badagry Theatre, and a curated showcase of performances based on the theme ‘Dancing Through Grief’
Afro Dance Workshop
Sun Dec 17, 2022 / 2-4 PM WAT / Free
Sycomore Hotel, Badagry, Lagos
Performance Showcase
Sun Dec 18, 2022 / 1-5 PM WAT / N1000
Badagry Theatre, Badagry, Lagos
FEATURING
Ijolomo Dance Company | Bariga, Lagos
Hilary Jackson Dance Academy | Mile 12, Lagos
Span Dance Crew | Lagos Island, Lagos
Ijotayor Arts Concept | Alimosho, Lagos
Alimosho Performing Troupe | Alimosho, Lagos
D M X. Dance Troupe | Badagry, Lagos
Flamesart Africa | Ikorodu , Lagos
Okachamma Dance Troupe | Badagry, Lagos
Gbedu Town Radio | Oakland, California
Afro Dance Fest: Badagry - Workshop & Jam
Hip Hop, Amapiano, Kuduro, Ogene - A workshop like no other, with some of the top dancers in the Badagry & the Bay Area! with Gbedu Town Radio & Okachamma Dance Troupe
Afro Urban Society x Gbedu Town Radio x Okachamma Dance Troupe
Join Gbedu Town Radio & Okachamma Dance Troupe International for the inaugural Afro Dance Fest: Badagry.
Workshop Details
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022
Time: 2pm - 4pm WAT
Sycomore Hotels Limited (Sege Road, 103242, Badagry, Nigeria)
Join Gbedu Town Radio for another round of our Afro Dance workshop. This month we are going in with Badagry, Lagos & Bay Area Vibes, with some of the BEST movers. Different styles in one … all coming together for an experience like no other.
Afro Urban Society. an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances and productions.
Gbedu Town Radio. Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
Okachamma An entertainment group in traditional dance, drama, folk song and many more, we teach traditional dances and collaborate in other theater productions. Okachamma is based in Badagry, Lagos.
Bay Area Afro Dance Workshops w. Gbedu Town Radio
Afro Urban Society x Dance Mission Theater presents:
Afro Dance Workshops w. Gbedu Town Radio
Join Gbedu Town Radio for our monthly Afro Dance workshop outdoors. Each month, The Gbedu Town Steppaz will lead the workshop focusing on different dance styles. Get the vibe!
Dance workshop open to all levels. Schedule details below:
Tues. September 27, 2022
6pm-7:30pm
Latham Square, Downtown Oakland
Masks Required
ABOUT
Afro Urban Society is an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances and productions.
Dance Mission Theater is a nonprofit performance venue and dance school located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. The theater is operated by Dance Brigade, a female dance troupe with a focus on social change.
Gbedu Town Radio Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
Bay Area Afro Dance Cyphers
Afro Urban Society x Dance Mission Theater presents:
Afro Dance Dance Cyphers w. Gbedu Town Radio
Join Gbedu Town Radio for our bi-monthly Afro Dance Cyphers outdoors. Directed by Nkeiruka Oruche, The dance cyphers will focus on different dance styles. Get the vibe!
Dance Cyphers open to all levels. Schedule details below:
2022 | Wednesdays & Saturdays
Apr 6, Jun 18, Aug 17, Oct 15, Dec 17
3-5pm | Outdoor Location TBA | SF & Oakland
Masks Required
ACCESS NEEDS: If you have questions, we're happy to discuss. Please send an email to afrourbansociety.dance@gmail.com if you have access needs that aren't included below.
COVID SAFETY:
We'll maintain COVID safety protocols appropriate to conditions in the community at the time of audition. Bring a well-fitted mask, hand sanitizer, and your own reusable bottle of water.
BATHROOMS:
Latham Square: we'll be outside the entire time, so that means no bathroom access, although there may be public bathrooms around the square.
ADA & WHEELCHAIRS:
Latham Square is centrally located in an ADA accessible space in downtown. Latham Square is wheelchair accessible
TRANSIT:
Latham Square is about 3 blocks from the 12th and 19th BART stations and right next to an AC Transit hub. There is no dedicated parking. Parking available is street parking.
SCENT FREE SPACE: To support our community needs for those who have fragrance sensitivities and allergies, we ask all attendees not to wear any scented products on days that you attend workshops/auditions-- lotions, shampoos, essential oils, etc. Natural scents like essential oils and incense can still have these effects. Here's a useful resource from East Bay Meditation Center on what products do and don't contain scents (it includes info around black/POC specific hair/body products): https://eastbaymeditation.org/res.../fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
If you have questions, we're happy to discuss. Please send an email to afrourbansociety.dance@gmail.com if you have access needs that aren't included above.
ABOUT
Afro Urban Society is an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances and productions.
Dance Mission Theater is a nonprofit performance venue and dance school located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. The theater is operated by Dance Brigade, a female dance troupe with a focus on social change.
Gbedu Town Radio Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
Bay Area Edition- 90s | Turf | House. Afro Dance Workshop
90s Hip Hop, Turf Dancing, House- A workshop like no other, with some of THEE top dancers in the Bay: Ebonie Barnett, Carmu, Amber Julian!
Afro Urban Society x Gbedu Town Radio x Dance Mission
Afro Dance Workshop: Bay Area Vibes
Ebonie (90s Hip Hop), Amber (Afro-House), Carmu (Turf)
Join Gbedu Town Radio for another round of our Afro Dance workshop. This month we are going in with BAY AREA vibes, with some of the BEST Bay Area movers. 3 Different styles in one workshop 90s Hip Hop, Turf, & House… all coming together for an experience like no other.
Ebonie Barnett. One of Bay Area's most dynamic Afro-Diasporic dancers. Born in San Francisco and raised by her grandmother in Richmond, Ebonie developed her passion for dance at the age of 6. Studying multiple styles such as Guinea West African, Haitian, hip hop, Brazilian and Congolese with different Bay Area premier groups including Dimensions Dance Theater, Fua Dia Congo, Diamano Coura, to name a few. Ebonie continues to travel throughout the diaspora studying the Black experience through dance and returning to her community to mentor the youth. IG: e.bunnys
Carmu. A turfin/ freestyle dancer from San Francisco, ca who's been dancing for 12 years in various styles including turf dancing, tutting, contortion, pop locking, waving and footwork. IG: @wavymuu
Amber Julian. A professional dancer of over 20 years whose style is often described as fierce, strong, and groovy. Her background and primary training is in Hip Hop and House, and she considers herself a freestyle dancer with an emphasis on somatic healing. The experience: Vibe with groovy Afro-House steps while activating the root, core and crown. Explore range of expressions with fluidity, rigidness, and smoothness. IG: @create.elevate
Afro Urban Society. an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances and productions.
Dance Mission Theater. a nonprofit performance venue and dance school located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. The theater is operated by Dance Brigade, a female dance troupe with a focus on social change.
Gbedu Town Radio. Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
This workshop is presented with support by San Francisco Dream Keeper Initiative and Dance Mission Theater @dancemissiontheater.
Feline Finesse Residency Closing Celebration : Akụkọ ịhụnanya maka ndi ichie
Afro Urban Society x Dance Mission Theater x Feline Finesse presents:
Akụkọ ịhụnanya maka ndi ichie/Stories of Love about the ancestors
Join Afro Urban Society’s Gbedu Town Radio and the youth from Feline Finesse Dance Company for a moment of remembering, sharing love stories, and celebrating our ancestors through spoken word, dance, songs, and ancestor offerings. The ceremony is open to people of African Descent only.
Thurs. July 28, 2022
7-8 pm
Bayview, San Francisco
Free
Masks Required
Dress Code:
Solid Orange/Coral & White
Black or White T-shirt or Top that commemorates someone that you’ve lost or anyone who is dead
NO VISIBLE Logos or Brands (independent/small/local Black-owned is fine)
Bring framed photos or 1-2 artifacts that memorialize a loved one who is dead.
ABOUT
Afro Urban Society is an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances and productions.
Dance Mission Theater is a nonprofit performance venue and dance school located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. The theater is operated by Dance Brigade, a female dance troupe with a focus on social change.
Gbedu Town Radio Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
Feline Finesse Dance Company, est 2014, is a youth sisterhood stemming from the origins of the Bayview-Hunters Point community, San Francisco. Our mission is to create a safe haven for all young ladies to freely, creatively, and artistically express themselves through dance while empowering them to reach their full potential, goals and dreams. We self-identify thru genres of Hip-hop and West African; but most importantly, we philosophize a sisterhood of love and self-respect. We not only teach choreography, but we educate our young ladies in dance fundamentals, technique and overall etiquette.
This workshop is presented with support by San Francisco Dream Keeper Initiative and Dance Mission Theater @dancemissiontheater.
Afro Dance Workshop w. Gbedu Town Radio x Feline Finesse
Afro Urban Society x Feline Finesse x Dance Mission Theater presents:
Afro Dance Workshop w. Gbedu Town Radio
Join Gbedu Town Radio for our monthly Afro Dance workshop outdoors. Each month, The Gbedu Town Steppaz will lead the workshop focusing on different dance styles. Get the vibe!
Dance workshop open to all levels. Schedule details below:
2022 | Tuesdays
Apr 26, May 24, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 23,
Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 22
6-7:30pm | Location TBA | SF & Oakland
Masks Required
ABOUT
Afro Urban Society is an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances and productions.
Dance Mission Theater is a nonprofit performance venue and dance school located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. The theater is operated by Dance Brigade, a female dance troupe with a focus on social change.
Gbedu Town Radio Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
ACCESS NEEDS: If you have questions, we're happy to discuss. Please send an email to afrourbansociety.dance@gmail.com if you have access needs that aren't included below.
COVID SAFETY:
We'll maintain COVID safety protocols appropriate to conditions in the community at the time of audition. Bring a well-fitted mask, hand sanitizer, and your own reusable bottle of water.
BATHROOMS:
Latham Square: we'll be outside the entire time, so that means no bathroom access, although there may be public bathrooms around the square.
ADA & WHEELCHAIRS:
Latham Square is centrally located in an ADA accessible space in downtown. Latham Square is wheelchair accessible
TRANSIT:
Latham Square is about 3 blocks from the 12th and 19th BART stations and right next to an AC Transit hub. There is no dedicated parking. Parking available is street parking.
SCENT FREE SPACE: To support our community needs for those who have fragrance sensitivities and allergies, we ask all attendees not to wear any scented products on days that you attend workshops/auditions-- lotions, shampoos, essential oils, etc. Natural scents like essential oils and incense can still have these effects. Here's a useful resource from East Bay Meditation Center on what products do and don't contain scents (it includes info around black/POC specific hair/body products): https://eastbaymeditation.org/res.../fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
If you have questions, we're happy to discuss. Please send an email to afrourbansociety.dance@gmail.com if you have access needs that aren't included above.
Mo' Roots Fest
Celebrating the Life, Love, and Legacy of Monica Hastings-Smith
We invite you to gather as an intergenerational community to honor and celebrate Monica Hastings-Smith, our mentor, auntie, and musical director, who transitioned to the ancestor realm in June 2021.
OFFERINGS / TIMES
PERFORMANCES:
Afro Peruvian Coalition 3:00PM
Gbedu Town Radio 3:30PM
MJ's Brass Boppers 4:00PM
BoomShake 5:00PM
INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES + WORKSHOPS:
Hella Healed 11:30AM-12:30PM — Kicking off a day of festivities, Hella Healed: Roots of Prosperity will focus on the root and foundation. From setting intentions and grounding energy, we will plant, nurture, and enjoy many seeds. We strongly encourage family attendance. We must heal and build together to get where we wish to go as a people. (This is a closed space for the Afrikan Black community.)
Rosesharon Oates 11:00AM-6:00PM — Healing modalities
Ietef "DJ Cavem" Vita 1:00PM-2:00PM — Plant based record music workshop
Abundant Beginnings + Mitali Purkayastha 1:00PM-5:00PM — The Dandelion Song
BoomShake Community 1:00PM-5:00PM — "Everybody Wants To Be In Oakland"
House/full of BlackWomen 1:00PM-5:00PM — Holding space for BIPOC women and non-binary folk to rest and engage in conversation on how insisting on our rest is a necessary strategy for our collective liberation and healing. Bring headphones and your phone to access suggested sound options for resting.
Girls Rock Camp 2:00PM-3:00PM — Drumming + make-your-own-chant workshop for Black and Brown youth (plus open jamming time)
ART + ALTAR INSTALLATIONS:
Afro Urban Society 1:00PM-6:00PM — Black Space: Interactive Black Ancestor Shrine + Photo Booth for Black/People of African Descent. Bring a printed photo paper of your Black ancestors to add to our shrine installation.
Christopher Burch 10:00AM-7:00PM — Live mural painting
Julia LaChica
Lola Caballero
Vivian Adriana Renteria
DANCING
DRUMMING
FOOD VENDORS
Drawing on Monica's life, love, and creativity, we will gather to celebrate their legacy and carry it forward. As we continue to learn and grow with Teacher Auntie Monica as our ancestor, BoomShake members, collaborating artists, and community participants will showcase songs, stories, musical compositions, performance pieces, visual art, and poetry.
Bring your drum + love offerings for the altar!
Mixtape of the Dead & Gone #1’- Egwu Onwu Ahamefula
Afro Urban Society presents ‘Mixtape of the Dead & Gone #1’, a shit-just-got-real Afro-Urban dance-theater performance exploring the limits of stunting and reality, vibes and inshallah, legacy, heartbreak, and acceptance.
The Art of Performance Afro Dance Tour w/ SayRah - Bay Area
Afro Urban Society's Gbedu Town Radio x Dance Mission Theater x CounterPulse:
The Art of Performance Afro Dance Tour with SayRah
Tues. April 26, 2022
6pm-8pm
CounterPulse
80 Turk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
MASKS REQUIRED
SayRah‘s The Art of Performance Afro Dance Workshop will allow you to delve deep in movements from the motherland. Exploring African street/social dances (mainly West African Street/social movements). These dances are then married in choreography! For this specific class series, SayRah will be focusing on the art of performance! Exploring the various components that make a great performer as if you were on stage or on screen, not just learning moves.
ABOUT
Sarah (SayRah) Olaniran, a Nigerian native has been dancing since a very young age. Well-versed in various styles including Latin, Ballroom, Ballet, Nigerian traditional dance, Jazz, HipHop, Salsa and, Contemporary, she also has Modern, Ballet en pointe, improv and Traditional West African in her vocabularty
Currently a top Afrobeats dancer and choreographer she has worked with prominent African artists including DavidO, Olamide, 2face, Timaya,Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Flavor, Tekno, Kcee, Wande Coal, Awilo Logomba, PSquare, Waje, JMartins, Omawunmi, Darey Art Alade, Efiya, CDQ, Orezi, Falz, Dammy Krane, Dbanj, and more
In between touring the world performing, she teaches Afro-fusion dance classes around the United States exploring African street/social dances (mainly West African Street/social movements) with a focus on Nigeria and Ghana.
IG @sayrahchips
Afro Urban Society is an exuberant network of brilliant artists and culture workers dedicated to celebrating the unique expressions of Urban Africans through programs, performances and productions.
Dance Mission Theater is a nonprofit performance venue and dance school located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. The theatre is operated by Dance Brigade, a female dance troupe with a focus on social change.
Gbedu Town Radio Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop. Gbedu Town Radio performances and workshops have graced many venues including Zellerbach Hall, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Stern Grove Festival, Oakland Museum of California, Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, UC Davis, The Umoja Festival, Yoshi’s SF, Dance Mission Theater, San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the Independent, the California Academy of Sciences, and more. And our performers have shared stages with Onyeka Owenu, Magic System, Seun Kuti, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, Burna Boy, Mokoomba, Tribu Baharú, Les Twins to name a few.
To learn more afrourbansociety.com | IG: @afrourbansociety | FB: Afro Urban Society
This workshop is presented with support by San Francisco Dream Keeper Initiative and Dance Mission Theater @dancemissiontheater.
Bay Area Afro Dance Workshop: Afrobeats, Hip Hop, Dancehall +
Afro Urban Society's Gbedu Town Radio presents
Afro Dance workshop outdoors. Get the vibes, get the moves, with a line up of different dance instructors and styles.
Ft. Uzo Nwankpa [Igbo]
Jamie Carter [ Hip Hop]
Philip Agyapong[ Afrobeats/Azonto]
Tango Leadaz [ Dancehall]
Tues. March 8, 2022
6-8 PM
Outdoor Location TBA | Oakland
Donation | Masks Required
Register & Info afrourbansociety.com
ABOUT
TANGO LEADAZ Tango Leadaz is a Los Angeles based movement instructor, choreographer and actor that has quickly made a name for himself as one of the leading choreographers for authentic Dancehall in LA. With well over ten years of Dancehall experience, he uses his extensive Dancehall vocabulary and knowledge to spread joy and help bring awareness to the culture. Prior to moving to LA, Tango Leadaz danced for years in the underground Dancehall scene in Florida and relocated to California for the purpose of spreading authentic Dancehall culture into the industry. He is the creator of globally popular Dancehall moves such as "Good Chemistry," which was used by major artists such as Chris Brown and Omarion, and "Get Use to It," which was globally performed by the one and only Beyoncé during Coachella and OTR2 tour. Described as being "animated" and "full of life" he is gaining notoriety for his high energy classes, flavorful choreography and creative skits. Tango Leadaz performs worldwide and has taught workshops in the United States, Asia, Canada, South America and Europe. Because of his ability to create amazing vibes and good energy, whether in a party or on set, he has been dubbed the Vibes Architect. Tango Leadaz’s credits include choreographing Omarion’s “Distance” and “W4W” and featuring in performance/music videos for Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, and Gwen Stefani, to name a few.
AFRO URBAN SOCIETY is an incubator and presenter of Afro-Urban performing and visual arts, culture, media, and social discourse. Through original and curated arts & event production, popular arts education, and cultural engagement, we ignite our communities to make meaningful connections, be inspired, and live vibrantly.
GBEDU TOWN RADIO Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop. Gbedu Town Radio performances and workshops have graced many venues including Zellerbach Hall, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Stern Grove Festival, Oakland Museum of California, Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, UC Davis, The Umoja Festival, Yoshi’s SF, Dance Mission Theater, San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the Independent, the California Academy of Sciences, and more. And our performers have shared stages with Onyeka Owenu, Magic System, Seun Kuti, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, Burna Boy, Mokoomba, Tribu Baharú, Les Twins to name a few.
Auditions for Gbedu Town Radio Ensemble
Afro Urban Society’s Gbedu Town Radio (Oakland, CA/USA) is currently looking for dancers, musicians, emcees, and performers of all genders for our 2021-2022 Season. Performers with experience in one or more Afro Urban styles including Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, Turf, Rumba, Samba Reggae, Kwaito, Amapiano, Soukous/Ndombolo, Afro/House, Spoken word/Rap as well as technical/classical/traditional from African cultures of the continent and Diaspora including Rhythm Tap, Capoeira, Jazz, and more.
Must be comfortable with improv, experimental, collaborative and freestyle-based creative and performance ways.
Our 2021-2022 Season will include development and production of new work created for outdoor locations, residential spaces, community centers, and theaters.
Must be available to take a 57-week commitment beginning March 19, 2022 and be open/available to touring regionally, as well as internationally.
GTR performers will receive compensation including rehearsal stipends, paid performance and other including incentives and resources.
HOW TO AUDITION
Complete the APPLICATION FORM by Monday March 11 2022 (11:59PM)
Attend both In-Person Auditions (dates below)
AUDITION DATES/INFO
Tuesday March 8 | 6-8:00pm | Dance Workshop/Tryouts
Saturday March 12 | 1-5:00pm | All-Performer Audition
Saturday March 19 | 1-5:00pm | Call-Backs
Outdoor Locations: Oakland, CA TBA
ACCESS NEEDS: If you have questions, we're happy to discuss. Please send an email to afrourbansociety.dance@gmail.com if you have access needs that aren't included below.
COVID SAFETY:
We'll maintain COVID safety protocols appropriate to conditions in the community at the time of audition. Bring a well-fitted mask, hand sanitizer, and your own reusable bottle of water.
BATHROOMS:
March 8 Fruitvale Plaza: we'll be outside the entire time, so that means no bathroom access, although there may be public bathrooms around the plaza.
March 12: EastSide Cultural Center has all-gender bathrooms in the building.
ADA & WHEELCHAIRS:
Fruitvale Plaza is centrally located in an ADA accessible space at the Fruitvale Village
EastSide Cultural Center is wheelchair accessible
TRANSIT: Fruitvale Plaza is about one block from the Fruitvale BART station and right next to an AC Transit hub. There is no dedicated parking. Parking available is street parking.
EastSide Cultural Center is on International Blvd. and is accessible by the AC Transit bus lines 1, 40 and 62, and a 20-30minute walk from the Fruitvale BART station. There is no dedicated parking. Parking available is street parking.
SCENT FREE SPACE: To support our community needs for those who have fragrance sensitivities and allergies, we ask all attendees not to wear any scented products on days that you attend workshops/auditions-- lotions, shampoos, essential oils, etc. Natural scents like essential oils and incense can still have these effects. Here's a useful resource from East Bay Meditation Center on what products do and don't contain scents (it includes info around black/POC specific hair/body products): https://eastbaymeditation.org/res.../fragrance-free-at-ebmc/
If you have questions, we're happy to discuss. Please send an email to afrourbansociety.dance@gmail.com if you have access needs that aren't included above.
ABOUT US
Over-articulated and barely translated, Gbedu Town Radio tells dynamic stories for the culture. Led by Artistic Director, Nkeiruka Oruche, and featuring a dynamic group of performers, GTR explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé & varieties of Hip hop.
Gbedu Town Radio is a project of Afro Urban Society, an incubator and presenter of Afro-Urban performing and visual arts, culture, media, and social discourse. A lively group of dancers, musicians and all-around performers representing the diverse African Diaspora, they are your bus ride to an upbeat romping, riveting and rousing time. Check out videos and media of us at