“Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.” -Alvin Ailey
J Rêve International completed it’s inaugural Global Art & Culture Program. The weeklong exchange included studies in Afro-Cuban dance, culture and arts, in addition to yoga, historical tours, and discourses with local community leaders Alexey Rodriguez of Cuban rap band Obsesión, and Roberto Zarbano .
Participants included educators, artists, and culture enthusiasts from New York City, Washington, DC, and Chicago, IL. “Going to Cuba was my best trip ever. I can’t wait to go back. I was inspired to build a stronger relationship with the people and highlight the amazing culture,” explained filmmaker and author Ytasha Womack.
Zina Burton-Myrick, District Representative with the United Federation of Teachers commented, “What an awesome way for me to connect two communities Harlem to Havana, priceless experience and lifetime friends were made. I learned. I grew! I danced! I explored! I experienced! I journeyed to higher heights! An amazing trip of discovery, knowledge and connections!”
“Our goal is to bring people together through intercultural creative exposure,” says Jacqueline Cofield, founder of J Rêve International. “Art, wellness and spirituality are the basis of our artistic process and so we continue to research other communities that value spirituality and the arts,” explains Erica Bowen, Director of Arya Movement Project, a collective of artists that uses the healing and performing arts in their daily lives and artistic works.
J Rêve International fosters a dynamic culturally creative community wherein education, civic engagement and leadership are hallmarks. J Rêve International has serviced over 1000 artists, art enthusiasts, students, and educators with global exhibition, production, exchange, and educational programs. Subsequent programs for 2017 are in the works. Stay tuned for announcements!
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