(Photo credit: Robbins-Udel Images)
ArtSouth, a not-for-profit corporation, on Sunday, Feb. 25, inaugurated South Miami Arts Cooperative, (SMAC), a monthly event that is free and open to the public in Murray Park’s Gibson Bethel Community Center.
SMAC is an interactive series of multi-disciplinary intergenerational arts performances and workshops in music, visual arts and dance taught and performed by local practicing artists alongside South Miami Community Redevelopment Agency area neighbors.
The first SMAC event was enhanced with performances by the Miami Dade College Jubilation Dance Ensemble under the direction of their teacher and artistic director Michelle Grant-Murray.
“Rhythm of Life is a Hip-Hop dance choreographed by Stephen Cruz and showcases the energy and vibrancy of Miami’s cultural aesthetic,” said Grant-Murray.
Lamba, choreographed and arranged by Grant-Murray, “is an expression of love, community and peace.”
In addition to the dance performance, the group conducted a percussion workshop that engaged community participation in a drum circle.
Jubilation Dance Ensemble will celebrate innovation and solidarity at the MDC Artistry In Rhythm (AIR) Dance Conference, Thursday, Apr. 26, through Saturday, Apr. 28. For more information about the AIR Dance Conference program at MDC Kendall Campus, contact Michelle Grant-Murray at mgrantmu@mdc.edu, or call 305 237-2638 or 305 237-2282.
ArtSouth visual artist and educational coordinator, Roy Perez, guided an intergenerational papier mache mask-making workshop for children as well as their parents. They completed a variety of original mask creations to take home.
ArtSouth will resume South Miami Arts Cooperative on Saturday, Mar. 24, with new events recognizing the legacy and power of artistic expression combined with the strength of family.
