Renowned dancer, scholar and Tradition-Bearer of Black American Social Dance, LaTasha Barnes, will visit Wisconsin for a statewide residency from April 3 – 12, 2025. Barnes and her collaborator, Le’Andre Douglas, will offer free workshops and guided explorations in Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Viroqua, Wausau, and Eau Claire, WI. Participants will explore the continuum of Black music and dance, connecting Authentic Jazz and Lindy Hop of the 1920s with contemporary forms such as House, Hip-Hop, Funk and more. This unique project aims to share the traditions of Jazz and to share its power to build community through the kinesthetic and collaborative joy of moving together.
The residency will culminate in a free, all-ages, all-levels public celebration called “Swing into Spring” on Saturday April 12th from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Goodman Community Center on Madison’s east side. Ms. Barnes, accompanied by professional dancers and live musicians, will teach a continuum-inspired dance to participants, both in-person and via livestream, connecting with satellite locations all across Wisconsin. The Madison event will close with a reception featuring live music, refreshments, and conversation with Ms. Barnes and her collaborators. All are welcome!
Thank you to the Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment for supporting this residency as part of our statewide “Arts for Everyone, Everywhere” initiative.
LaTasha Barnes Swing into Spring: PUBLIC EVENTS
Thursday Apr. 3: Madison
6:30-9 p.m: Swing into Spring workshop at Madison Circus Space, 2082 Winnebago Street, upper studio | Madison, WI
RSVP for April 3
Saturday Apr. 5: Green Bay
1:00-5:00 p.m. Swing into Spring workshop AND Embodied Canvas workshop at the Art Garage, 1400 Cedar Street | Green Bay, WI
RSVP for April 5 workshop RSVP for April 5 embodied canvas
Sunday Apr. 6: Milwaukee
2-4:30 p.m. Swing into Spring workshop at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
RSVP for April 6 workshop
5-7 p.m: Master Class at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street | Milwaukee, WI
RSVP for April 6 master class
Monday Apr. 7: Milwaukee
7 p.m-9:30 p.m.: Swing into Spring workshop and social hosted by Cream City Swing at the Falcon Bowl, 801 East Clarke Street | Milwaukee, WI
RSVP for April 7
Tuesday Apr. 8: Viroqua
6:30-8:30 p.m.: Swing into Spring workshop at Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School, Gymnasium. 431 East Court Street | Viroqua, WI
RSVP for April 8
Wednesday Apr. 9: Wausau
6-8 p.m. Swing into Spring workshop at the Grand Theater, 401 North Fourth Street | Wausau, WI
RSVP for April 9
Saturday Apr. 12: Madison AND satellite locations Statewide! SWING INTO SPRING CELEBRATION!
In Madison at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street | Madison, WI
2-5 p.m. Live-Broadcast workshop/refresher, and SWING INTO SPRING observance in the gymnasium
5-6:30 p.m. Reception, refreshments and more dancing in the Bolz room.
RSVP for April 12