nyc intensive 2023
NYC Jazz dance Intensive at BDC 2023 - Group picture with Mishay Petronelli
UPROOTED’s first New York City Jazz Dance Intensive was held at Broadway Dance Center on 45th on June 17th & 18th. We had an incredible line up or teachers and a screening of the full documentary film ‘Uprooted - The Journey of Jazz Dance’
Our classes included African Dance, African and American Social dance, Theatre Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Tap, Jo Jo Smith Rep and Afro Latin Fusion.
Our amazing teachers included ~ Khori Michelle Petinaud, Robin Gee, Cat Foster, Mishay Petronelli, Germaine Goodson, Sue Samuels, Sekou McMiller and Al Blackstone.
Our incredible hosts and partners at BDC gave all the participants swag bags and certificates for completing the intensive. We had dancers from Australia, the UK and all over the states in the studio dancing with us. Below are some of the amazing testimonials we received from the dancers who attended.
“The Uprooted Jazz Intensive was a unique and educational experience. All 8 teachers brought a different style and approach to jazz dance, showing how it is so diverse and expansive. History was explored and honored while bringing new paths and ourselves to the movement. Attending the Uprooted Jazz Intensive will leave dancers with more advanced performance qualities, a new approach to technique, an appreciation for the art, and an encouraged passion to continue their movement. All were welcome and embraced during the impactful two days. I hope to attend future intensives/dance opportunities from the Uprooted Film.” Miriam Czaja
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“I have been following the film for over 2 years now and when I saw that they were creating opportunities for education, growth as well as an actual screening of the documentary, I knew I had to go. It exceeded my expectations and then some! I was surrounded by such great dancers and people. I was humbled on many occasions about how little I knew and perhaps what I have learned or thought to be, needed more research.
This Intensive was like no other. We just didn’t learn moves and combinations. We took the time to raise awareness and understanding to where it all derived from, had discussions on the importance of why we must reiterate ALL of the information while celebrating the history and art form to its truest authenticity.
I learned other ways to incorporate social dance and community in all of my classes and can’t wait to share! I left feeling validated that my teaching methods and values were on the right path to line up with those who I value most.
I grew most as a human, followed by a teacher then as a dancer, and I couldn’t be happier. To everyone out there, Keep asking questions, keep the conversations going and as @catdancerpro encouraged all of us to do, “Stay Curious!” Rose J. Bèdard
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“I studied A-Level dance in the UK and a section of the course went into the history of jazz. I wish this wealth of an intensive had been available when I was still studying for my exam, as a lot of the theory needed for the exam is provided for you in the Uprooted film as well as the depth of knowledge and experience from great teachers . I recommended the next London intensive to my ex teacher straight away after! It is the perfect complimentary resource for students studying A-level dance and in general, for dancers to move in a different way, understand why they are moving like that, where and who that movement has descended from.” Alice Cooper
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“Coming from the U.K. was well worth the trip. I can guarantee that the intensive was all I expected it to be and more. These teachers, masters of their art, each have a unique style that they imparted upon us. The training that I’ve received from doing this intensive was invaluable and, on a personal note, has inspired me to take further measures so that I can continue to learn in the US with the intention that I be around creatives of their calibre and build myself as an artist.” Tobias Richards