LaTasha Barnes, who appeared in Ann Arbor as part of Caleb Teicher’s SW!NG OUT in April 2021, presents The Jazz Continuum, a new production centering the prolific artistry of Jazz music and dance as a cornerstone of Black American culture and community.

Supported by a live music ensemble, including a DJ/Turntablist, the all-star powerhouse cast of Explorers brings mind-bending musicality, spectacular athleticism, and boundless joy to each offering. This interdisciplinary and intergenerational experience investigates the energetic relationships and throughlines from Jazz and Lindy Hop to vibrant contemporary styles such as House, Hip-Hop, and more that developed from them. Each offering is also curated to amplify the cultural contributions of the local geographic area to the continuum.

The Jazz Continuum celebrates music and dances from across the diaspora, conjuring the spirits of Black dance elders and transporting audiences from Harlem and Cuba to New Orleans and Brazil in its ever-evolving celebration of being, dance, and music.

LaTasha Barnes, who appeared in Ann Arbor as part of Caleb Teicher’s SW!NG OUT in April 2021, presents The Jazz Continuum, a new production centering the prolific artistry of Jazz music and dance as a cornerstone of Black American culture and community.

Supported by a live music ensemble, including a DJ/Turntablist, the all-star powerhouse cast of Explorers brings mind-bending musicality, spectacular athleticism, and boundless joy to each offering. This interdisciplinary and intergenerational experience investigates the energetic relationships and throughlines from Jazz and Lindy Hop to vibrant contemporary styles such as House, Hip-Hop, and more that developed from them. Each offering is also curated to amplify the cultural contributions of the local geographic area to the continuum.

The Jazz Continuum celebrates music and dances from across the diaspora, conjuring the spirits of Black dance elders and transporting audiences from Harlem and Cuba to New Orleans and Brazil in its ever-evolving celebration of being, dance, and music.

Recognized by The New York Times as “Best of Dance” for 2022 as well as a 2021 “Breakout Star” in dance, LaTasha Barnes is an incredible artist with an even more incredible mission: to be of service to her community and culture, create space and opportunities for like-minded artists to do the same, and re-center the awe-inspiring impact of Jazz music and dance to the fabric of contemporary Street and Club dance culture.

A noted Tradition-Bearer and scholar of Black American Social dance, Barnes guides an all-star cast of music and dance explorers through The Jazz Continuum. It’s a joyously evocative celebration of the fullness of Black American dance, music, and unapologetic being—with musical direction by Christopher McBride and emceed by brilliant dramaturg Melanie George. The Jazz Continuum transports audiences through histories of Jazz, Lindy Hop, Hip-Hop, House, and other social dance forms.

This production features a uniquely intergenerational and multidisciplinary cast of over 20 Black dancers and musicians. Fulfilling its collective mission of “edutainment,” The Jazz Continuum brings the fascinating relationships between often under-recognized cultural forms into clear view.

This fantastic, never-the-same production will be a specially tailored offering in homage to director LaTasha Barnes’ origins in the Washington, D.C. region!

The Jazz Continuum was commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim and supported by a Works & Process bubble residency in 2021.

Recognized by The New York Times as “Best of Dance” for 2022 as well as a 2021 “Breakout Star” in dance, LaTasha Barnes is an incredible artist with an even more incredible mission: to be of service to her community and culture, create space and opportunities for like-minded artists to do the same, and re-center the awe-inspiring impact of Jazz music and dance to the fabric of contemporary Street and Club dance culture.

A noted Tradition-Bearer and scholar of Black American Social dance, Barnes guides an all-star cast of music and dance explorers through The Jazz Continuum. It’s a joyously evocative celebration of the fullness of Black American dance, music, and unapologetic being—with musical direction by Christopher McBride and emceed by brilliant dramaturg Melanie George. The Jazz Continuum transports audiences through histories of Jazz, Lindy Hop, Hip-Hop, House, and other social dance forms.

This production features a uniquely intergenerational and multidisciplinary cast of over 20 Black dancers and musicians. Fulfilling its collective mission of “edutainment,” The Jazz Continuum brings the fascinating relationships between often under-recognized cultural forms into clear view.

This fantastic, never-the-same production will be a specially tailored offering in homage to director LaTasha Barnes’ origins in the Washington, D.C. region!

The Jazz Continuum was commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim and supported by a Works & Process bubble residency in 2021.