AFROLOGICS NEWSLETTER: trippin the light fantastic

PEACE&TIME, Afronauts! Did you catch the lunar eclipse on the Solstice? Were you able, sustahs, to participate in the "Fill em Up" global chant? Or if in LA, did you see the incredible double rainbow? This week, the sky gave us quite the celestial show. Meanwhile, here in the mud, we kept on rakin'! While Wikileaks threatens to release documents on Bank of America, Don't Ask Don't Tell gets repealed with ultra-right wing Republicans vowing to waste our precious time and tax dollars repealing it first thing, next term. Whaaaat? Under whose authority? Oh, wait, I forgot. Okay. And the Dream Act does not pass, bringing into focus the fact that higher ed, though allegedly the ticket to a better life, has become in the last 5 years a ticket to the poor house. Turns out that the cost of a university education far outstrips the rate of inflation and the rate of wage growth. In fact, the thing that college degree seems to be doing the most is pre-screening potential workers for employers who are actually offering jobs that do not require a college degree. What to make of this? One, expect the bursting of the education bubble. Two, dance artists can tell you how frequently they were told to make sure they got a 4 year degree as something to "fall back on" to now find that they struggle to make their work because they have to pay for that piece of paper, that only got them the right and go get yet another piece of paper! Can I get an amen from the MFAs?! Stay down in the mud, or make that show like the sky did this week--that's the choice presented to artists of all kinds when considering the advanced degree. What would it be to exchange knowledge, like a gift? You give me some childcare, I give you some books to read and talk to you for a while? Well, The Free University of San Francisco is launching, so we will get a chance to see. If you don't want to wait for the results, if you are still feeling the magic of a double rainbow right after a solar eclipse on the solstice, then let's make some magic together.

Afrolicious. Afrologia. Afrodelic. Afrologica. How big is your 'fro?
Fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in service to lifting us all up!
That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, read up, be up

Holidaze are BLOWIN BACK DA FRO this week, with the epic, Emmy nominated LA County Holiday Show making its 51st appearance this year. For the first time, a dance company using African arts will make a presentation. I'm pretty excited because this is the group that I have been working with this Winter. This performance closes out our time together. How's that for the big finish! But if you know me, you know that this is only the beginning.  Holla if you want to take your work higher.

DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION

135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA USA 90012

51st Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration 

Friday, December 24th, 3 PM - 6 PM, doors open at 2:30; FREE admission and parking, but wristbands required for entry. Distribution begins at 11:30 AM

Traffic will be a mess, so go metro if you can.  From their site:

"Childhood Holiday Memories” is the theme for this year’s Holiday Celebration, broadcast live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on KCET-TV. 24 groups and nearly 800 performers will present music and dance of the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles.

Yup, everyone has just over 4 minutes, so this is an action packed show. Balle Fette will be on stage at approximately 4:15 PM, performing Goumbe a harvest dance & Simba, the tale of the Lion King with lightening speed and flash of Sabar. Wawwaw! I got to see a flash of Halau O Lilinoe during their tech rehearsal: hotness! So wade through the choral arrangements and wait for the hot dance numbers. Last year Catch Me Bird was in the show and has been featured in replays earlier this month. A wild show, but one that can be good to the local artist!

BARBARA MORRISON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Leon Mosley's Drum Day Give Away

http://www.facebook.com/drumdaygiveaway?v=info

Sunday, December 26, 2010, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm; FREE for those who donate non-perishable food items, or suggested donation is $5.00

"The 4th Annual Drum Day Giveaway in historic Leimert Park Village will be hosted by Leon Mobley, a lion on the djembe, and draws in some of the most notable drummers in the world, to donate their time in support of Mobley’s vision. Leon Mobley and Da Lion will perform along with invited guests such as legends Poncho Sanchez and Paulinho DeCosta. Profile drummers such as Marvin “Smitty” Smith (The Tonight Show w/Jay Leno) Munyungo Jackson (Miles Davis / Stevie Wonder), Kevin Picard (American Idol Band / Tonight Show), Long Beach Drum Crew and Balandugakun Drum Crew will also take the stage and participate in the giveaways. Giving Drums and Performances all day long."  BLOW OUT COMB! First day of Kwaanza, too?! Gotta get to Leimert for this. Car pool, parking can get tricky around the park. Bring cash for the numerous street vendors (food, tshirts, jewelry, art) and don't forget your food donation! See you in the drum circle!

ONGOING CLASSES

Just about everyone has canceled for the holidays, but if you are inspired by Balle Fette's performance at the Chandler, you can go and take class with one of the soloist, Babacar N'Daye on Sunday.

Crenshaw Yoga & Dance,  5426 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, Sunday 3 - 4:30pm

Any one have plans for a holiday blowout of a dance class? Let me know!

LOVELY!

This year is coming to a close with mind-shattering revelations almost daily. Be present when your personal bubble breaks: I hear we humans make pretty good piñatas when we are open to learning the lesson. Be your own rainbow.

In love, 

-Anna