MADCO Facilitates Online Conversations Among Civil Unrest

The Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) will host HAND IN HAND – DEVELOPING COMMUNITY DIALOGUE THROUGH DANCE to facilitate conversations around race and social justice.

Held between 7-9 pm each night, this online three-day event will allow audiences to view excerpts of both MADCO concert works and works from local community artists that speak on the issues of civil injustice.

Following the showings each night, a moderated panel discussion with community leaders will be held via Zoom to investigate paths for forward movement in the community. Audience members are also encouraged to participate in the discussion by submitting questions via MADCO’s YouTube live stream.

Thursday, June 18th will showcase works from MADCO’s FREEDOM concert, originally debuted in the spring of 2017. This concert was developed in response to the shooting of Michael Brown and inspired by findings in the Civil Rights Collection located at Washington University in St. Louis’ Olin Library.

Friday, June 19th will showcase works from MADCO’s UNITY MOVEMENT concert, last performed in the spring of 2019. This concert used research collected from various neighborhoods in the St. Louis area to highlight the strength and difficulty that comes with unifying a group of people.

Saturday, June 20th is dedicated to works from the community. MADCO wants to provide a platform to local voices allowing us all to experience their responses to what is going on in our community and beyond.

“Our goal is to bring to light topics society has suppressed. We here at MADCO take pride in educating our audience on these topics, having the uncomfortable, yet necessary conversations, and promoting forward movement with suggested action.”

~ Belicia Beck Interim Director.

Throughout its 43-year history, MADCO has sought to engage the St. Louis community with dance performances that allow one to challenge their own ways of thinking. Given the climate of the nation, it is even more important that audiences not just watch, but engage the media they consume.

A portion of the donations collected during this three-day period will be donated to ­­­Color of Change to promote ­­­­­social equality in St. Louis and beyond.

ABOUT MADCO

MADCO provides community-inspired, innovative dance experiences through collaborations that provide a pathway for self-discovery, social connections, and excellent entertainment for audience members, students, teachers, presenters, and corporate clients. More information is available on social media via @madcodance or at www.madcodance.com.