I'm on a mission to share my passion for JAZZ!

Updates:

My trips to NYC and Baltimore have taught how exactly Community is a return to self through connection to others. I am honoured and was shocked to be welcomed with open arms in both places. I was shocked to find so many familial and ancestral connections in Baltimore.

In both these places more people did not equal more competition, but more opportunity! Still, I don't want to minimize what generational wealth could have done for opportunities for the Black diaspora had it not been robbed. Baltimore, specifically, gave me huge insight into Black history and had me feeling deeply validated for my opinions that Black folks deserve way better in the Americas.

In Toronto we look at people, stare even, and say nothing, in Baltimore the moment you make eye contact you are in conversation, in communication. New York City has this aspect as well, but Baltimore being less of an international city, you can look around and see peoples' pride in their city. In Baltimore, I could see community, I could feel community the moment I landed. In Canada, to varying degrees, I feel different, a minority and invisible/assimilated. In Baltimore I feel similarity, I am majority and feel incredibly seen. The presence, recognition and power of Black American lineage, legacy, people and their art is so powerful. Within the dance community Breai helped and encouraged me to cultivate, this affirmation of Black intelligence was strong. My trip to Baltimore gave me validation of my fullness.

NYC felt like a warm up for the experiece I had in Baltimore. UNFORTUNATELY, I didn't receive the travel grant for my trip to NYC (which was the only eligible trip of these 3) and so, I've had to raise my amount.

This summer I am travelling to NYC, Maryland and Louisiana to immerse myself in Black American culture which I have connections to and which nurture Jazz. I am participating in classes, collaborations and mentorship to discover ways of community building that keep my values and integrity at the forefront.

I'm going here: https://www.ladiesofhiphop.com

Learning from: https://roxivictoriandance.com/

https://www.latashabarnes.com/

https://bakerartist.org/be-part-of-the-art/curated-collections/breai-michele

https://www.patreon.com/Soul313

I have been offering classes through May and June (sign up here https://mitchellchenise.wixsite.com/chenise/courses)to help support my trips and connections and applied to a couple grants and I am still in need of monetary support to achieve this goal.

Thank you for your contribution to my journey and your Toronto dance community!