NEW ORLEANS – Dancing Grounds (DG) and the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) present the Dance for Social Change (DSC) 2022 Festival: Through Our Eyes, a four-day program led by New Orleans youth that examines the mental health impacts of the pandemic and dreams of healing and recovery in our future. All festival events include Through Our Eyes, DSC Teen Company’s new immersive multidisciplinary work, and Overcharged, a Teen Visual Art Exhibition curated by DG and the CAC, featuring 19 impressive visual and mixed media artists from across the New Orleans region. The exhibit will be on view at the CAC’s first-floor Atrium Gallery from April 20-June 19, 2022.
The 2022 Festival is a follow-up to last years film, Ya Heard Meh: Youth Stories in a Global Pandemic, winner of Special Jury Mention at the 2021 New Orleans Film Festival in the documentary short category.
DSC is supported by major local institutions working together to lift up the creative talents of New Orleans youth, including CAC, Mayor’s Office, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, The Helis Foundation, and many more. Festival events will reach 300 teens citywide as audience members and participating artists.
Wednesday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – High School Field Trip Day
A free day for high school groups to witness the performance, engage in art-making activities and group discussion and have lunch together.
Thursday, April 21, 6-9:30 p.m. – Premiere Party
6-7:30 pm Patron Reception
7:30-8:30 pm Performance
8:30-9:30 pm Dance Party
An immersive experience to benefit Dancing Grounds with performance, film, food, drinks, visual installations, a dance party with Dj Pr_ck & more.
$25 single GA | $40 pair GA
$75 single fundraiser | $125 pair fundraiser
Fundraiser tickets include an exclusive patron reception from 6-7:30 pm with dinner and one free drink ticket.
Friday, April 22, 6-9 p.m. – Teen Night ft Big Freedia
6-7 pm Dinner
7-8 pm Performances
8-9 pm Dance Party with Big Freedia
A free, teen-only night with dinner, performances, and engagement activities for young artists to connect and commune together.
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Family Day
10-11 am Yoga, Body Poetry & Bounce Fitness Workshops
11am-12:30pm Performances
12:30-1:30pm Luncheon
A free, all-ages community event with free dance & yoga workshops, performances from Dancing Grounds’ K-8 programs, and a community lunch to celebrate DSC graduates.
Tickets and detailed schedule here
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