Supported in part by a grant from the University of Michigan Arts Initiative, Dance faculty Emma Davis and Beth Freiman co-produced the event, which brought together 80 dancers in an inclusive and inspiring mainstage performance
On Saturday, May 10, ten local dance groups joined together to celebrate community, diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration at the UM-Flint Theatre. “Flint Dances” began with a masterclass, led by Emma Davis, lecturer II in dance at UM-Flint, during which all dancers warmed up together, creating a space for dancers who had not previously performed together to learn and connect.
The evening featured performances from the Vista Center, Creative Expressions Dance Studio, El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil, Vertical Ambition Dance Company, Flint School of Performing Arts, Neelam’s Bollywood Dance Academy, Heart of Worship Dance Studio, Terry Matlock School of Performing Arts, the UM-Flint Momentum Dance Team, and UM-Flint Dance Program.
“Our goal was to partner with dancers from diverse ages, cultures, and dance styles, including youth from local dance studios and arts institutions, adults from professional dance companies and cultural groups, and mature dancers from the disability community in Flint,” said Beth Freiman, lecturer IV in dance at UM-Flint. “We had 80 dancers involved in the project, and 220 members of the community enjoyed the event.”
The collective diversity of this production demonstrates UM-Flint’s Fine and Performing Arts department’s commitment to supporting equity and inclusion by leveraging the power of the arts and hosting shared educational and performance opportunities that promote positive change.
“We expect the outcomes of ‘Flint Dances’ to include strengthening the dance program and the university’s engagement with both the campus and the Flint community, providing educational and arts-based opportunities for dancers of all ages and abilities, and building capacity for the arts on campus and in the Flint area,” said Emma Davis. “We hope this collaboration can foster new opportunities to connect and partner in more ways in the future.”
Interested in learning about upcoming events? Check out our Fine and Performing Arts events calendar.
Want to learn more about our programs in the arts? Check out the Fine and Performing Arts department page.
Would you like to partner with UM-Flint’s Fine and Performing Arts department on a community event? Contact our faculty in the Fine and Performing Arts.
