Splash Biography

From Madame CJ Walker’s press and comb, to Angela Davis’ ‘black power afro’, hair for black women has been a marker of their identity – political, cultural, social, and otherwise – and was either her crown of glory, or a reminder of her ugliness (Rooks, 1996; Grier & Cobbs, 1968; Banks, 2000). Hair still is often seen as the all encompassing definer of the black woman; with the natural hair identity most usually being equated with authenticity, strength, and self-love; and the relaxed, chemically altered, or extended hair identity being equated with a quest to fit in with the European ideal, and for some, even a hatred of self (Grier & Cobbs, 1968; Banks, 2000). In this class we will interrogate these assumptions, and explore how these ideas came about, and continue to be perpetuated; and how they not only affect black women, but both women and men of all "races."

We will begin with a warm-up that combines technical dance (ballet, and modern) with hip-hop dance to ensure that muscles are properly stretched. We will then learn an intermediate level routine - it will be a bit harder than a beginner level class. Each student will then have the opportunity to perform the dance in groups of 3 to 5 students (depending on the class size). If you think you are a superstar, you will have the opportunity to perform solo or as a duo!