MODPOD

Afro-Trinidadian immigrant and Museum of Dance Artist in Residence, Clyde Evans Jr, shares his challenges landing in the United States as a child, how Hip-Hop helped him weave into the fabric of American culture, and the doors dance opened for him. His journey allowed him to work with A-list celebrities like Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert Redford, Jay Leno, Mark Wahlberg, even at the beginning of his career. He also became a founding member of the groundbreaking Hip Hop company, Rennie Harris Pure Movement. From there, Clyde Evans became an educator and the founder of his own dance company, Chosen Dance, with the goal of spreading positivity.

Museum of Dance Artist in Residence, Antwan Davis, tells us about his path from playing the football gridiron, to performing as a dancer/stepper/body percussionist in Las Vegas, to acting as an ambassador for the art form of body percussion and Step Dance. He has taken these experiences to create a Step Dance crew that bridges the gaps between art forms and dance styles, and to imagining youth in education and community programs to enhance healing, personal expression, and universal human understanding.

Jason Nious, artist in residence for the Museum of Dance, joins us to explore the social history of Stepping and Body Percussion and other folkloric dance forms of the African Diaspora, particularly of North America. He talks about his own journey, development, and creative process as he examines the roots and development of Stepping, and it's legacy for adding to the rich diversity and evolution of American dance.

Ready to be moved? Experience the incredible lives of award-winning choreographers, Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton. With 60 years of professional experience, spanning from New York to Europe to California, Garrett and Moulton retrace their contributions to the dance field. Listen in as they share their vision of dance as a transformative medium that fosters community.

Everyone can dance! Skeptical? Learn more about San Francisco’s Rhythm & Motion, founded in 1979 by acclaimed dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Consuelo Faust. For over 40 years, this Bay Area staple has cultivated a vibrant dance community — bringing health, wellness, and the joy of movement to all people regardless of age, ability, or background. Join Faust and Artistic Director, Dudley Flores for an inspiring dance conversation.

Ever wondered what life is really like for a professional ballet dancer? Get an inside look with San Francisco Ballet principal dancer, Sasha de Sola, as she eloquently articulates the joys, challenges, and triumphs of her day-to-day life. Learn what it takes to maintain one of the most prestigious careers in the dance world.

Hear the stories and life experiences of Carlos Carvajal, a first-generation Filipino American and dance professional who co-founded the Bay Area’s widely popular Ethnic Dance Festival. Join Carvajal on his life travels in dance, beginning in Folklore steps to wearing the Red Shoes, embracing Europe in the ’60s, and San Francisco’s Summer of Love in the ’70s. Share in Carvajal’s wisdom and learnings, whether persevering through a shattered ankle or the pandemic.

Just 29, Mr. Ajala is the Founder and Owner of "Leap of Dance Academy" in Lagos, Nigeria. A self-taught dancer, Ajala founded his dance school with no money in his pocket, but with a deep love for ballet and a commitment to his local community. Where ballet has always been considered elite, Ajala was determined to make it available to every student who wanted to learn. His successes have been unprecedented, and his leap of faith has paid off.