The Joffrey Academy of Dance Hosts an African Dance Master Class in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr., 1/20

CHICAGO (December 23, 2013) - In honor of DR. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, hosts an African Dance Master Class with Andrea Vinson. Well-suited for families, this class is an introduction to African dance and is appropriate for all levels of dance experience. Students learn a variety of traditional African dance steps accompanied by live drummers. The Master Class takes place on the 4th floor of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, on the official MLK holiday, Monday, January 20, 12:00-1:00 pm.

Andrea Vinson, lovingly known to her students as "Mama Andrea," has been in the dance profession for over 25 years. She has performed for numerous venues, including theater, television and film. Presently she is the Associate Artistic Director of Najwa Dance Corps, a teaching artist with the Joffrey's Middle School Dance Club, the lead artist with After School Matters, and a master teacher with Chicago Public School's All City Dance Ensemble. Her teaching credits include colleges, elementary and high school, park districts, arts organizations, dance studios, professional dance companies and theatrical productions.

The African Dance Master Class is $15 per person. Space is limited, so interested participants are encouraged to reserve their spot by Friday, January 17 by emailing reception@joffrey.org or by phone at 312.784.4600. For more information, visitJOFFREY.ORG/MLK.

The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, is committed to providing students of all ages, levels and backgrounds who have a desire to dance with a world-class education built on a foundation of classical ballet. With the talents cultivated at the Joffrey Academy, students can pursue careers as professional dancers at companies throughout the world, higher education opportunities in dance, or success in other fields. Through the Joffrey Academy's programs, students develop a diverse set of skills including artistry, creativity, discipline and confidence, among others. The Joffrey Academy's high-quality, educational programming forms future audiences and support for the Joffrey and builds the organization's reputation worldwide.

Located in the heart of Chicago's theater district, the 20,000 square foot Exelon Education Center, which is home to the Academy, boasts four state-of-the-art studios in the new Joffrey Tower. The Joffrey Academy recently received the distinguished honor of being named 2010 Outstanding School by the Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest international student ballet competition. The Joffrey Academy also received the Boeing Game Changer Award in recognition of its efforts to make dance accessible to all.

Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet is the only training program owned, operated or endorsed by The Joffrey Ballet. The Joffrey Ballet is not affiliated with any other Joffrey dance training or school program.

For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and the Academy of Dance, please visit joffrey.org/academy.

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