
Applications are now open to be part of the 2025 Northeast Ohio Dance Showcase at Playhouse Square! more
Phone: 216-991-9000
Address: 13110 Shaker Square, Suite 106, Cleveland, OH 44120
July 27 - 26, 2024 | 10:00am
type: master class
age: All Ages
Playhouse Square
10:00 am - 11:15 am outside in the Playhouse Square Plaza. What is Stepping? Stepping is a percussive, highly-energetic art form first developed through the song and dance rituals performed by African-American fraternities and sororities. In stepping, the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps and spoken word to produce complex poly-rhythms. Stepping has been described as “one of the most exciting dance forms created in the 21st century.” Where are the origins of Stepping? In the early 1900s, African-Americans began to attend colleges in greater numbers and, once on campus, they decided to create their own Greek-letter organizations to support the students academically; socially; and to serve the surrounding community. Stepping became a way that members of these student groups (known today as the Divine Nine) expressed love and pride for their organizations. The course will explore specific techniques, vocabulary, creative processes, dynamics, and musicality of STEPPING or body percussion technique. This Includes experiencing a variety of movement styles and techniques. Warm-up exercises such as body toning and stretching. Students will learn diagonal and center step combinations leading to choreography. Using adaptive dance approaches for dancers with mobility differences, Sara will participate in and demonstrate seated movement adaptations for Stepping, African, and Popular Dances classes.
About The Instructor:
RON'DALE SIMPSON (Artist/Choreographer/Producer)
Ron'Dale Simpson's passion for dance has allowed him to pursue a successful career as an artist, choreographer, and producer. He has experience in a wide range of dance styles, including hip hop, afro-fusion, Step , and modern dance. As the founder and artistic director of Blakk Jakk Dance Collective, Ron'Dale has created a platform for dancers of color to showcase their skills and build their professional network.
In addition to his work with BJDC, Ron'Dale has collaborated with various organizations in the community including the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, Karamu House Theater, Cleveland public theatrer, Cleveland dance movement, The movement project and the Rainey Institute. He has also worked with Cleveland Public Libraries and CMSD schools, bringing the joy of dance to local students.
Ron'Dale's ultimate goal is to own and operate a performing arts school and company, catering to community youth and local artists. He believes in the power of the arts to inspire and enrich the lives of individuals and hopes to continue sharing his passion for dance with others.
About The Adaptive Movement Instructor:
Sara Lawrence-Sucato is a Cleveland, Ohio based dance teaching and movement artist.
She currently serves as Director of Education for The Dancing Wheels Company & School
where she combines the roles of Director of Outreach & Community Engagement and
School Coordinator, oversees the design and implementation of a company trainee
program, and teaches physically integrated dance technique in residencies, workshops, and
master classes.
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