Celebrating Spoken Word and Performance Art During the Month of February
Join Student Life as we celebrate the performing arts this February. We are hosting various student workshops, keynote poetry performances and kicking off Black History Month with Step Afrika, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping!
Upcoming Opportunities:
• The Art of Spoken Word – Writing Workshop. Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. The purpose of this workshop is for students to write one complete rough draft of a spoken word poem. We will explore poetry structure, developing a creative voice, finding a story through unconventional means (such as newspaper clippings, current events, Facebook, music, art,. etc.). Students will learn editing skills through “workshopping” their poems in class and offering creative constructive feedback to one another. Register Here. (Registration limited to students only.)
• Student Life Presents: Kyla Jenee Lacey. Thursday, Feb. 4, from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. Kyla is primarily a spoken word artist who has performed at over 100 colleges and universities in over 30 states. Her first poem was published when she was ten years old. She has been a three-time finalist in the largest regional poetry slam in the country and nominated for numerous awards for college performers. She has a modest Facebook following due to her slight humor, her love for logic, her cynicism and love for cats. She is also a feminist, blacktivist, LGBT ally, budding blogger and tree-hugger. Register here to watch the performance!
• Kick Off Black History Month with Step Afrika! Friday, Feb. 5, from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Sign up to watch Step Afrika’s Celebration of African-American History! Celebration explores the richness and diversity of African-American life through the eyes of one of America’s most renowned dance companies. A collection of video content that was filmed and created in 2020 provides viewers with a unique way to mark Black History Month while deepening understanding of little-known moments in African-American history. Celebration is approximately 45-minutes long. The event will conclude with a live tutorial with your favorite Step Afrika dancers via this zoom link. Register in advance for this event! After signing up for this session, a separate email will be provided with a YouTube link to watch the presentation!
• Open Mic Night Hosted by Black Student Alliance. Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting Link to come. Meeting ID: 883 2590 7919; Passcode: 012558
• Identity and Self Awareness through Poetry – Writing Workshop. Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. This workshop is to help students use poetry as a medium for self-awareness. We will explore creative writing activities to delve deep into personal questions about identity. Although students will be encouraged to share their writing with one another, it is not a requirement. The only requirement is honesty, openness and a willingness to participate. Register Here! (Registration is limited to students only.)
• Student Life Presents: Ashlee Haze. Thursday, Feb. 24, from, 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Ashlee is a poet and spoken word artist from Atlanta, by way of Chicago. Earning the nickname “Big 30″ because of her consistency in getting a perfect poetry slam score, she is one of the most accomplished poets in the sport of poetry slam. She has been a part of the Atlanta Poetry circuit for over a decade and has been writing over 15 years. Ashlee Haze is a three-time Queen of the South Poetry Slam Champion, two-time Women of the World Poetry Slam Finalist and two-time National Poetry Slam semi-finalist. She recently appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk series alongside Queen & Slim composer Blood Orange. Her sophomore book “Smoke” is available now. Register Here!