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John Muir High School Dance Team To Stage Benefit Performances Honoring Black Photographer-Activist

Performance series aims to keep dance accessible while celebrating Kwame Brathwaite's legacy amid fire recovery
Published on Feb 22, 2025

The John Muir High School Mystics Dance Team will present “Edge of a Dream,” a powerful, one-of-a-kind dance performance series celebrating photographer-activist Kwame Brathwaite’s “Black is Beautiful” movement while ensuring dance program accessibility for students affected by the Eaton Fires. The shows, running February 28 through March 8 at Lineage Performing Arts Center Pasadena, feature collaborations with Lineage Dance Company.

“We’re excited to share this tribute to Kwame Brathwaite and offer a space where dance can continue to bring people together, especially in times of need,” said Show Director Angie Vaughn. “Our goal is to create a lasting impact on our students and community, keeping the power of dance alive for everyone, no matter the circumstances.”

The performances will showcase student dancers interpreting Brathwaite’s vision of Black culture, identity and resilience through movement, alongside guest performances by Lineage Dance Company members. Celebrated for his legacy of empowering Black identity and culture, Brathwaite’s groundbreaking contributions to art and activism will be honored through this collaborative event with the Brathwaite Archive.

To ensure accessibility for community members impacted by the recent Eaton Fires, tickets are being offered on a “pay what you can” basis. All donations will go directly to the John Muir Dance Program, which provides affordable dance education in Modern, Hip Hop and Majorette styles to Northwest Pasadena students.

Performances will take place Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. at 920 E. Mountain Street, Pasadena. The Mystics Dance Team is a formal program partnered with the Lineage Performing Arts Center, dedicated to providing accessible and affordable dance education to the students of Northwest Pasadena while helping them develop their creativity and build a sense of community.

Tickets available here.

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