Dreamscapes: co-creating the world we wish to abide

This work aids healers and somatic practitioners who want a praxis that is aligned with their values and ethics of justice, self and communal care. Those seeking to decrease physical pain and discomfort. Who are looking for an ontological framework to integrate their light and shadow self. To Who want to increase their body-mind awareness. This practice is great for people who wish to stop swinging from emotional extremes and bring more balance into your life. For overwhelmed parents. And unique for those who suffer from chronic, musculoskeletal pain. Black Light Research is for practitioners who are looking to ritualize their life.

The first hour of Dreamscapes is a movement practice that builds upon postural restoration, classical American modern dance techniques, traditional archives of the Malinké/Manding cultures, Haitian dance, Afro-Cuban dance, and contemporary movement. Much attention will be given to breath work and restorative practice.

In the second hour Alanna will guide participants through aspects of Black Light Research: a methodology for ritualized living and performance practice--a movement practice which integrates body, mind and heart in a sophisticated ways, informed by somatic therapies, analytical psychology, Advaita Vedanta, Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, Black feminist politic, Black political thought, and other frameworks of social and environmental justice. The cohort will work as co-researchers as Alanna guides the building of a ritual dance together. The last day will culminate in a celebration from 2-3 pm!

Alanna's story:
I am...

An award-winning dancer and choreographer: 10 year career as a featured dancer with TU Dance / Dance Magazine’s”25 to Watch!” / Minneapolis City Pages’ “Artist of the Year” and “Best Choreographer.”/ McKnight Foundation Dance Fellow / McKnight Foundation Choreography Fellow / Springboard Danse Montréal Fellow

Photo by Bobby Rogers, City Pages "Artist of the Year"

A trauma-informed educator with sixteen years of teaching experience providing world-class, wholistic dance education that is culturally rich, intellectually inquisitive, and spiritually sensitive for children, youth, and adults.

Photo by Laura K Scher, courtesy of The School at TU Dance Center

A compassionate arts and cultural and community leader. Founder- I A.M. Arts, presenting critical dance performance for the general public; wholistic arts educational programs for BIPOC healers and early career dancers of colour; and community arts programs to support mid-career women entrepreneurs and BIPOC creatives.

Photo by Nancy Valentine, courtesy of I A.M. Arts

Schedule:

12:00-1:00 pm: Movement training
1:00-1:15 Break
1:15-2:30 pm Creative Workshop

Pricing is flexible and supportive!

Training: If you would like to sign up for all 6 classes, choose ODYSSEY in checkout and save $25.00 (the cost of one class)!
For drop-in classes, choose the date of the class you wish to attend, Pathways 1-6.

Workshop: Select THE ARCHIVE in checkout to sign up for the creative workshop. (Please note: Participants must have taken the training that day to participate in the workshop. While it is okay to miss a session, you cannot sign up for The Archive on a drop-in basis in order to protect the vulnerability of the space and to ensure completion of the dance ritual).

Discounts:

We encourage you to bring a friend! Use the code "peasinapod" to receive 10% off EACH session at checkout! Somethings are better done in pairs!
Participants of the Black Light Research Training Module Winter Cohort 2024 (who have completed the feedback form) receive a 10% discount off of each session by using the promo code, "BLRSTM2024"
All members of the I A.M. Arts Inner Circle receive a 10% discount on any session by using the promo code, "innercircle"

Questions? Contact Alanna at alannaenjalumorris@gmail.com or 917-583-3567

Interested in enrolling your children in fall dance classes with Ms. Alanna at the Roots and Wings Institute? Check out my fall offerings here!

Interested but cannot afford the tuition? Let's barter! Reach out to Alanna to make a barter in exchange for services!

Photo by Sara Kelly :)

4 Materials

Black Light Research Supporting Docs

A manifesto is a public declaration of intentions, motives, or views of an individual, group, or organization. It typically outlines a set of beliefs, principles, or goals, often in a detailed and forceful manner. The function of a manifesto is to articulate a clear vision, inspire and mobilize supporters, and differentiate the beliefs or objectives of the manifesto's authors from others.

A praxis is a practice that is lived (or embodied). It denotes a conscious awareness that centers, guides, and directs one's existence. This is the opposite of choreography (the production of habits) or the memorization or learned language. Praxis is liberation.

A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior that supports a chain of reasoning.

A value is something that is greatly considered or rated highly. Black Light Research Values are two (seemingly) opposite ideas. Instead of an "either or" scenario, we exist within a "both and" practice. This is a de-colonial practice.

3 lessons

1 The Black Light Research Manifesto 2 Black Light Praxis 3 Black Light Principles and Values

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Black Light Research Companion Guide

Companion is borrowed from the French word, compagnon, which is defined as a person who habitually or often spends time with another (c1100).

Initially developed as the Black Light a re:Search performance Student Guide for Alanna's performance with the University of Minnesota/Northrop in 2021.

Reconfigured in 2023 as a companion for Black Light researchers everywhere this praxis is shared.

No unauthorized reproduction or distribution is allowed.
You must receive written permission from the author, Alanna Morris, to share Black Light Research curriculum.

1 lesson

1 The Black Light Research Companion Guide

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