Dancing Grounds’ teen dance company, DG Uprising, will debut a new, thought-provoking piece titled Solastalgia that questions gentrification and displacement. The debut takes place at the 6th annual Dance for Social Change Festival. The performance will feature dance, poetry, music, and theater as tools to examine the impact of gentrification on the city of New Orleans and express sentiments for a more impartial future.
In addition to the Solastalgia performance, there will be pre-performance workshops and post-performance discussions led by a group of 25 young artists to further engage audiences. The performance, workshops, and discussions strive to educate audiences, initiate vital conversations, and encourage widespread action. The work showcased in the 2020 Dance for Social Change Festival is the result of two years of research, community involvement, and artistic creation.
Dancing Grounds is a New Orleans-based arts organization focused on developing young leaders of color. The organization provides inclusive and accessible dance programs to New Orleans residents of all ages. The Dance for Social Change initiative is a youth arts program that teaches participants how to channel their artistic capabilities into actions for positive change in their communities. Led by a group of 25 high-school artists, the group convenes on Saturdays during the school year to dance, engage in discussion on advocacy, and develop their creative skills.
Dance for Social Change 2020 performances will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and on Sunday, March 29 at 2:00 pm at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC). Ticket prices range from $5 for youth tickets to $30 for general admission, with discounts available for students, seniors, and Dancing Grounds/CAC members. Tickets are available for purchase now at https://cacno.org/danceforsocialchange.
Dancing Grounds values that their performances are accessible to all New Orleans residents. No one will be denied access due to lack of funds. For information on financial assistance, email [email protected] or call 504-535-5791.
