On Thursday, September 19, 2024, OKRA Director Shireen Dickson presented an embodied interactive lecture-demonstration American Rhythmic Traditions: Continuity, Connection, Community at the Experiencing Time/Embodying Rhythm Symposium at Columbia College Chicago.

Presented twice by request for National Dance Education Organization, Shireen traces the legacy of African American resilience, innovation and universe-building in movement, music, and evolutions that span the dance floors, basement parties, playgrounds, lunchrooms, and street corners of the United States, touching on over 400 years of American history.

Suitable for multi-generational audiences and especially relevant professional development for dance classroom educators and other classroom teachers who are interested in authentic and organic arts integration into lesson plans, the presentation makes connections between what audiences already know and offers space for discovery and paths for further exploration.

^{SLIPPAGE Director Thomas F. DeFrantz and OKRA Director/SLIPPAGE Shireen Dickson | photo by Julie Lucas}

This presentation which runs approx. 50 minutes (not including Q&A or “dance quiz”) is available in person in the Chicago area or virtually! Contact us for more information or sign up for our mailing list below!