June 2022

INTRODUCING I AM. MASTERCLASS SERIES

"Stand in your own being no matter what" ~ Sylvia Waters

In honor of Milwaukee's own Hidden Hero, Gloria F. Gilmer 

Black Arts MKE is proud to present I AM. MASTERCLASS thanks to our Generous Supporters:

Gloria F. Gilmer

Philip and Beatrice Blank

Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation

MAY 10TH - VIRTUAL I AM. DANCE MASTERCLASS (Closed Session)

JUNE 20TH - 24TH - DANCE CAMP MASTERCLASS, AGES 12 - 18 (Application & Essay Required)

JUNE 22ND - AN EVENING WITH THE MASTERCLASS ARTIST (Closed Session)

FEATURED MASTERCLASS ARTIST - JAMES GILMER

James Gilmer began his dance career at the age of 5. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he took classes at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and later attended the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA). After graduating from CAPA, James joined the Cincinnati Ballet, where he danced for six seasons. In 2015, Mr. Gilmer was promoted to Soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet. In 2019, James Gilmer joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He has performed with Alvin Ailey in England, Denmark, Amsterdam, New York, Washington, DC and many other cities throughout the United States. James has also performed with Amy Seiwert's Imagery in San Francisco, Texture Contemporary Ballet in Pittsburgh, and ODC/dance in San Francisco. In November 2021, James was one of two Alvin Ailey dancers selected to perform in Twyla Now!, a rare collaboration with the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet which celebrated the work of renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp. In December 2021, James was featured on the front page of the New York Times Arts section.

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Inspiring Creativity in Youth Through Culturally Relevant Arts Programming.  Collaborating partner Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter with local students and Robert Battle, Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.