Guy Thorne In-Residence at Unit One/Allen Hall 1/24-1/28

Event Information
Event Date: 
January 24, 2016 - 7:00pm - January 28, 2016 - 7:00pm
Venue: 
Unit One / Allen Hall
Address: 
1005 W Gregory Dr, Urbana, Illinois
Description: 

Dancer, Choreographer, and Multi-media Artist, Guy Thorne will be In-Residence at Unit One/Allen Hall 1/24-1/28

Guy Thorne is a co-founder, artistic director, choreographer, and dancer at FuturPointe Dance. Thorne’s current choreographic work explores the confluence of folklore and popular and contemporary dance forms infused with his short film and multi-media creations. Thorne was on the dance faculty at SUNY-Potsdam where he taught ballet, modern dance, and Caribbean urban and folkloric dance. In 2012, he was a Jubilation Foundation fellow. Guy used his Jubilation grant to introduce children to Jonkanoo, a West African and Caribbean performing art that combines costume-making, singing, dancing and drumming. Thorne has toured extensively and taught master classes throughout the world. He has received critical acclaim from the New York Times and other major publications.

All programs are free and take place in Allen Hall, 1005 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana.
Free parking is available after 5pm in the garage across the street.

Sunday, January 24
7pm - “Guy Thorne: Weird That Works” (South Rec Room)
Guy Thorne will give examples of his work and how having a multicultural background has influenced and opened roads on his journey as an artist. “Jamaicans are a mix of Asian, African, Indian, and native Amerindians. Caribbean people cook curry, fufu, fried rice, chop suey, and mac & cheese. I thought, ‘how can I make art that reflects this multiculturalism?”

Monday, January 25
7pm - Nyabingi Community Circle (Main Lounge)
Nyabingi means a pledge of ‘Love To All Human Beings.’ We’ll learn Mudras, brain training exercises, mindfulness techniques, body beats (corporeal percussion), and therapeutic drumming patterns. (Bring a drum if you have one, but it isn’t necessary.)

9pm – tea time: Making your way as an artist/creative person (guest apartment)
Need advice or inspiration? Come hang out, ask questions, and eat snacks.

Tuesday, January 26
7pm – Out of Many One: A Mini Film Festival (South Rec Room)
Famous scenes from ground breaking Jamaican films stitched together with artistic flare shown as a single movie. With post movie discussion on examining cultural stereotypes.

9pm – tea time: Jamaican culture (guest apartment)
Hang out, eat snacks, and learn about Jamaican culture

Wednesday, January 27
8pm - Performance and cultural presentation: ‘Rasta in the Concrete Jungle’ (Main Lounge)
‘Rasta in the Concrete Jungle’ is a one-man-show that is designed to challenge ideas, stir emotions, and leave audiences thinking and talking. It is an ever-evolving Caribbean- American dance work born of a sophisticated fusion of traditional and modern Caribbean dance forms. Thorne uses dance, speech, song, and digital technologies such as kinetic typography and projection to imbue "ordinary" bodies with extraordinary powers. The combination of elements is simultaneously contemporary, urban, and global.

Thursday, January 28
7pm - Dancehall Bashment: Energetic Reggae Dance Party! (Main Lounge)
“DJ GuY Dance” will spin tracks from Reggae’s pioneering 50s through to the latest reggae and dancehall beats. Guy will give lessons in easy to learn dance steps rooted in the folklore and popular dance steps of Diaspora. Learn Ska, ‘Pon de river,’ ‘Thunder Clap’ and more. We’ll also have Jamaican food and drinks.

9pm – tea time: Dance Videos (guest apartment)
Hang out, say goodbye to Guy, eat snacks, and watch dance videos together.

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