EXPLORING JAMAICA'S DANCEHALL
History Design Studio, in partnership with The Office for the Arts Dance Program, is thrilled to present renowned Jamaican Dancehall choreographer and teacher Latonya Style for a workshop as part of Jamaican Sound System for Body and Mind symposium.
This exhilarating workshop explores the evolution of Dancehall through movement, introducing a broad range of vocabulary innovated from the Jamaican Dancehall scene throughout the last 50 years. Learn and embody this art form, which has influenced popular culture on a global scale.
Open to the community! For all bodies, all levels, and all abilities. No previous dance training or experience in Dancehall is required. All are welcome!
Latonya will be signing copies of her book Stylish Moves Guide and Activity Book after the workshop.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Harvard Dance Center is accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. If you have questions regarding accessibility, and/or need to request accommodations to participate, please contact dance@fas.harvard.edu.
About Latonya Style
Latonya Style is a world-renowned Dancehall choreographer, performer, and instructor. She has been a prominent fixture on the Dancehall scene since 1999 when she started choreographing and touring with top Dancehall artistes. Her illustrious career includes visits to more than 40 countries, teaching Dancehall workshops, and judging international Dancehall battles. Latonya is the founder and CEO of Dance Jamaica Academy, an umbrella agency that pushes Dancehall dancers to international festivals and brings foreigners to Jamaica to learn from local experts. She has certified more than 30 women worldwide to teach her licensed dance style, Stylish Moves, and she is a mentor to many upcoming Dancehall dancers. Latonya Style created ‘DanceJa Awards’, an awards ceremony dedicated to recognizing excellence in Dancehall dance. Style has been featured in many films related to Dancehall. She was a key consultant in Nick Canon’s King of the Dancehall movie, and a lead subject in the documentary, Out There Without Fear. Style published her book, the Stylish Moves Guide and Activity Book in 2021. Style is also an artiste; her single, "Female Dancehall," was a hit in 2020.
About Stylish Moves Guide & Activity Book
First Dancehall "How To" Manual since 2013... now an Official Book!
Written and Choreographed by Latonya Style (Jamaican Cultural Ambassador, Lecturer, Dance Master Instructor and Lecturer)
Dance Illustrations and Edit by Robin Clare (Jamaican Contemporary Artist based in Sydney, Australia)
Be sure to check out all of the Jamaican Sound System for Body and Mind Events