CELEBRATE BLACK WOMEN IN RENAISSANCE GYAL GARDEN PARTY
HARTFORD AREA BLACK WOMEN DANCE & MUSIC MAKERS CELEBRATE THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN CULTURE
In an effort to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black women to American culture, the Hartford Area Black Women Dance & Music Makers will host the Renaissance Gyal Garden Party. This joyous event will take place on Sunday, June 11, from 3-6pm at the historic Butler McCook House & Garden in Hartford, CT. It promises an afternoon of friendship, music, and dance, showcasing the talents of Black women artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping American culture. At the heart of the Renaissance Gyal Garden Party is a desire to reflect the worth, beauty, and innovation of Black women back to themselves. Lauren Horn, the choreographer and executive producer of Renaissance Gyal, emphasizes the importance of honoring Black women's accomplishments and providing a space for care and healing. This event allows Black women and children to see themselves represented, to move, rest, and grow together.
Renaissance Gyal is a choreographic work that explores the profound impact of Black women on American culture while acknowledging their historical erasure. Set on a cast of Hartford area Black women, including Chantal Edwards-Matthew, Lauren Horn, Jasmine McPherson, and Loren Milledge, the performance delves into the ways in which Black women have set cultural precedents in movement, music, art, and style. Inspired by the renaissance, this production showcases Black creativity as a continuous cultural boom that deserves both reverence and celebration.
The garden party offers a glimpse into the full production of Renaissance Gyal, scheduled for Saturday, July 22, from 5-8pm at the same location. Audience members of all ages are encouraged to wear vibrant, garden-inspired attire and bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. As attendees enjoy the live performance, they can indulge in a variety of activities, including jewelry making, face painting, flower prop making, live painting, and holistic skincare. The event will also feature delicious Caribbean food and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. The Renaissance Gyal Summer Series is curated by Subira Vs. Movement in collaboration with Sageseeker Productions. This remarkable event has received support from various organizations, including the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, Sustainable CT, and the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Individual donations from supporters of film screenings have also contributed to its success. Funding for the project's development has come from the New England Foundation for the Arts' New England Dance Fund, with generous support from the Aliad Fund at the Boston Foundation.
This event not only showcases the talents of Black women artists but also provides a space for healing, reflection, and growth. As attendees immerse themselves in the vibrant performances and engaging activities, they become part of a larger movement to recognize and uplift the achievements of Black women throughout history. The Renaissance Gyal Garden Party is a testament to the power of unity, creativity, and celebration within the Black community
