The Maleek Washington Dance Project is coming to Henderson State University Sept. 9-13. Washington will teach free master classes and work with the Henderson Dance Company in the Arkansas Hall Dance Studio.
Dance master classes will be held Sept. 11 from 3-4:15 p.m. and Sept. 13 from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Repertory rehearsals for the Henderson Dance Company are scheduled Sept. 9 from 2-5 p.m., Sept. 10 from 4-8 p.m., Sept. 11 from 4:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 12 from 4-8 p.m., and Sept. 13 at 3 p.m.
Master classes are open to the public for participation. The repertory rehearsals are open for observation. An “informance” and talkback session showcasing new work with the Henderson Dance Company will be held on Sept. 13 at 4 p.m.
Washington is a sought-after national and international teaching artist.
He began his dance training at the Harlem School of the Arts, Broadway Dance Center, and LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. He attended the Boston Conservancy on a full scholarship before beginning his professional career with the CityDance Ensemble in Washington D.C.
While there, Washington worked with Paul Taylor, Kate Weare, and Alex Noeral. As a SpringBoard Danse participant, Washington worked with Jose Navas & Rubberband.
Upon his return to New York City, Washington collaborated with McArthur Genious awardee Kyle Abraham and his company Abraham In Motion before becoming the first African-American male to perform in the critically-acclaimed immersive show Punch Drunk’s Sleep No More. He has performed for musical sensations such as Sia, Phish, and Rhianna.
Washington’s performance and commercial choreographic talent has been recognized nationally at prestigious venues such as The White House and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He has also performed internationally.
Contact Jennifer Maddox, artist in residence at Henderson State, at maddoxj@hsu.edu for more information and reservations. The project is made possible by the Ellis College Margin of Excellence and HSU Theatre and Dance.