The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter Dancing Beyond Boundaries: Connecting Communities with CJay Phillip of Dance and BMore
Welcome, listeners, to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, guided by the insightful Rob Lee. Today our special guest is CJay Philip, an accomplished award-winning actress, director, and choreographer, who serves as the Artistic Director of Dance & Bmore, a dynamic Baltimore-based ensemble renowned for their innovative fusion of movement, music, theatrics, and spoken word, driving socially conscious and interactive performances. With a focus on multigenerational engagement, Dance & Bmore crafts imaginative programs nurturing community connections and well-being. Notably, the transformative FazaFam Family Jam bolsters family bonds through music, movement, and play, while Forever Fit & Fun preserve cherished memories of seniors through memory-based movement, storytelling, and artistic expression. CJay's illustrious career encompasses Broadway, international tours, and impressive productions, including a sold-out European run of her musical adaptation of Carmen. A dedicated arts educator and Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow, CJay's influence reverberates through Baltimore's arts scene, bridging generations and fostering collaborative creativity.
In this episode, we explore:
- How Dance and BMore passionately fosters creative connections, transcending generations and life stages, igniting a captivating conversation about the transformative power of movement, music, and artistic expression for individuals of all ages.
- Dive into the heartwarming initiatives of Dance and BMore, as we delve into the impact of programs like FazaFam Family Jam and Elder Arts, unraveling heartwarming stories of families and elders united through the harmonious blend of movement, music, and storytelling.
- Join us in a behind-the-scenes glimpse of CJay Phillip's choreography process, as we explore the art of finding inspiration in solitude and the intriguing journey of how ideas and concepts unfold within the quiet sanctum of creative reflection.
- Tune in for an enchanting exploration of joy as a central driving force in Dance and BMore's performances, as we delve into the enchanting realm where laughter, connection, and shared experiences converge to create a harmonious tapestry of emotion and connection.
This is one episode you won't want to skip! CJay discusses her journey as an actress, director, and choreographer, and how she found her passion for creating connections through movement, music, theatrics, and spoken word. She shares the story of how Dance and BMore was born out of a desire to bring families together and reconnect people in a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected due to technology. CJay also talks about the various programs offered by Dance and BMore, including Fazafam Family Jam, Elder Arts, and Voices of Carmen, and how they aim to help people make creative connections at every age and stage of their life. She emphasizes the importance of joy in their performances and the power of audience engagement and participation. CJay also shares her choreography process and a memorable experience that solidified her career as a choreographer.
Mentioned in this episode
Dance & Bmore
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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
- Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
- Edited by Daniel Alexis
- Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
- Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
- Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.
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