Everybody needs to help somebody up.
She had planned to give a talk about using the momentum of a fall to rise again, but China Smith was inspired to get real. So, instead she gave the talk that we needed to hear.
About the speaker
Join us for a unique event with past speaker China Smith, who will guide us through a workshop to explore the intersection of creativity and movement. Participation in the workshop won’t be mandatory… but will be fun!
China Smith founded Ballet Afrique in 2008 because she felt there was a void in East Austin’s arts community. She wanted to give back to the community she grew up in, expose children to the arts, and give students the tools they need to succeed in life. Working against stereotypes and misconceptions of African-American culture, the concept of Ballet Afrique was born to offer East Austin youth an opportunity to experience the richness of their own culture through the arts alongside other beautiful cultures represented in Austin.
From that vision grew the Ballet Afrique Cultural Arts Center, that includes a dance academy, a professional dance company, a youth dance ensemble, and community dance classes. The company employs a synthesis of traditional African movement, modern dance, and ballet to express the energy and grace inherent in black people.
China's entire career has been based in Austin and has thrived with the support of her community.
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Every month, Austin features a local artist who helps make Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. This event featured a live performance by Craig Marshall. You can support the band by listening on Spotify or Bandcamp. You can also follow them via facebook, or by visiting their website.
Favorite quotes from this talk See all
Everybody needs to help somebody up. We all have to do that.
It's not the momentum of the fall that allows us to rise, it's really when people help you on that way up.
These kids. The weight that they carry with them is so heavy, that if they did have that extra lift up, they would sky-rocket.
Other communities need to stomp out hatred. Because is not on us anymore, to build our self-esteem so high, just so we can walk down the street and tolerate hatred.
On a real basic level, humans just want to be loved.
Photos from this talk See all
Hosted by
The Riveter
1145 W 5th St
Austin, Texas United States 78703
Date
Partners
Cuvée Coffee
The Creative Executive
Photographer Manny Pandya
Videographer Erik Mauck
