“Celebrating Chicago’s Black History Through Movement and Technology: The Big Bang: Movement Theory + the Black Dancing Body”
– Princess Mhoon Cooper is being watched as she discusses her film, The Big Bang: Movement Theory + the Black Dancing Body, which presents the history of how Black bodies have contributed to dance.
– Cooper aims to “open doors for other cultures to understand us more” and use the dancing body as an instrument to show that we’re more alike than different.
– The film showcases various dance styles and evolutions, from tap dancing to flappers and B-Boys, highlighting obscured connections between different eras.
– The film is being projected alongside the Chicago River Walk through September as part of the Art on The Mart program, captivating viewers and bringing the familiar movements to life.
– Cooper faced initial rejection for the ambitious scope of the project but persevered, believing that timing and alignment are essential in overcoming adversity.
– The Big Bang: Movement Theory + the Black Dancing Body is a product of the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, aiming to address the lack of funding for communities of color in the city.
– Cooper believes that the celebration of Black tradition in American dance should extend beyond the confines of Black History Month.
– The film integrates traditions like Chicago footwork, cross-pollinating conversations to make the city a better place.
– Cooper, a Chicago native, is excited to showcase the city’s creative community on a national scale.
Source: www.essence.com