The Feature Artist Program, created and launched in 2022, is a two year program that includes an Experiential Learning Phase and an Implementation Phase for a selected BIPOC artist. The featured artist envisions their own project and completes it within their own parameters, with support from GWDC. They have creative autonomy without the expectation that their work will fit into GWDC’s dance aesthetics and values. The program invites different perspectives across all levels of our organization and we intend to incorporate learnings into our hiring and programming practices so that they better align with GWDC values and better celebrate BIPOC artists. GWDC selected break dancer Jeffrey Baglinit for our 2023/2024 Feature Artist Program.
Our relationship with Jeffrey began in 2022, when we first hired him as an instructor for our weekly classes. We were immediately struck with his innovative and nuanced approach to teaching, which challenges traditional class structures and provides tools for individual agency/autonomy. We learned quickly that Jeffrey is passionate about the potential in collaboration and that he envisions a sustainable, rich dance environment similar to that laid out in GWDC’s mission and values. He is connected to numerous communities here in Edmonton, as founder of both Grant MacEwan’s Hip Hop Dance Club and the University of Alberta’s Open Styles Dance Club, and through his work with The Stunt Garage, One for the City, and Freestyle Movement. His online video project, Discover Dopamine, is an unscripted account celebrating individual artists and what makes them happy. Jeffery’s capacity for bringing communities together and his expertise in the worlds of teaching and event production made him the clear choice for our FAP.
Jeffrey begins his Implementation Phase this season. He envisions Body Conditioning and Interdisciplinary Exchange opportunities that connect and fortify our local dance ecology by strengthening the relationship between Contemporary and Breaking communities. Stay tuned for schedules and events!
Photos from DANG! A break dance competition as part of Jeffrey’s first year in the Feature Artist Program.