9th Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival
Hosted by Mindbodyflo.com for Soul Nubian
Flo-Ology and family (House of FLO) was invited to participate in the 9th Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival in San Antonio Park, East Oakland last Saturday (May 30th). The start of the day was gloomy and overcast yet with live jazz music, children’s crafts & bubbles, tasty eats and artwork, there was an air of excitement stirring about in the neighborhood.
Multi-colored graffiti murals brightened up the basketball courtyards as people of all ages began to fill in and walk around. At the center laid a tattered square sheet of linoleum, waiting for the footsteps of dancers to scuff and scare its surface.
The open house cypher was guided by delectable beats from DJ Cecil of “the People” party in Oakland and soon enough the dancers began to draw closer and closer to the linoleum as the music began to thump louder and deeper. Shortly thereafter, out came the sun shining through and dancers and non-dancers of all ages gathered around and the cypher began. Styles of Bboying, popping, capoeira and house to name a few were all expressed while each person took their turn in sharing their joy of dance and movement. Some new to the cypher while others have encountered endless circles.
“House of Flo” soon climbed up onto the wood stage and performed a quick routine that also included some highlighted freestyles of each person. Big ups to: Ten, Co Flo, Slim, Gerald, Karina, Chong, Ndu (and me!?! heeheheh) Great job everyone! Your time and talent is greatly appreciated.
The most humbling part of the whole event that I experienced was once we were finished with the performance one of the young bboys (Fremont H.S.) came up to me. He commented with great excitement and sincerity “that was dope, i’m hella inspired, I wanna dance MORE now!” There is a joy that wrings my heart knowing that our presence and our passion for music and dance could create such a connection like that. A mark that is made inside another person’s mind or heart and will be remembered forever.
When you love what you do… i.e. dancing, and your light shines out onto others is one thing, but to see that light reflected back.. now that is something else!.. something magical. Something that keeps me moving forward with every step I take. =)
In conclusion, much props to Soul Nubian for the invitation to support this event in his absence (you were certainly there in spirit!! ) Props to Ten for being the ringleader (even when we weren’t listening to you..lol) Props to the Cecil and “the People” party family and lastly big ups to the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival and the San Antonio Park community! (Photos courtesy Amy Nabong)
Peace, Respect & Light
-Tsunami
