PRE-CONFERENCE Moving Mindfulness for BIPOC Folx: Breath, Motion & Embodied Listening

ZOOM LINK: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/93884963937?pwd=WG9kWjRNa0ZWWnRZM0lSbjNzUGRSUT09

*This workshop is a BIPOC-centered version of the one presented during the PNA Conference*
This is a guided movement improvisation workshop incorporating mindful movement in a way that fosters mindfulness & embodied listening (to self & to partners), sharing personal truths, and kinesthetic responsiveness. Participants will be encouraged to move & play with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness. Some of the prompts utilized will aim to facilitate deep & generous listening & sharing with the whole body. Drawing from several body centered movement practices, participants ultimately will have an opportunity to work individually as well as collaboratively in pairs or small groups to express & connect virtually through dance. Participants will be able to reflect on each other’s experiences as well as their own personal histories.

*Please note, this workshop is not for white identified people. Check the conference schedule for white affinity space offerings. To learn more about why race based affinity space is important, check out this link: https://www.mandalaforchange.com/resources/articles/race-based-affinity-groups-why-do-them/

Wayne M. Smith is a native of Memphis, TN. He is a dance and theatre artist, specialist & professor with expertise in improvisation, choreography and performance. Wayne is also a professional ensemble member of Playback Memphis where he performs, sometimes conducts or facilitates workshops throughout the Memphis community. As an independent professional dance artist & educator, he works under the auspices of his company SmithWorks, as well as teaching as a professor at the University of Memphis. He also works extensively as a dance teaching artist & choreographer with Memphis’ Company d, a dance organization for dancers with different abilities including Downs Syndrome. Plus, Wayne works regularly with the annual conference Texas Dance Improvisation Festival (TDIF) held at various institutions throughout the state of Texas. Smith holds an MFA in Dance from The Ohio State University, and a BFA in Theatre/Dance (minor Mathematics) from the University of Memphis.