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BĀLA Dance

@baladanceproject

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@lenelle.ann Creative Director. Release. Chicago based.

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Residue of a thing. This work has been like no other…. And baby this cast….. I know Mama is grinning down on us for this one. Nanigo was such a success, and to cap it off with this work was well… perfect. Umfundalai, I thank you everyday for letting me be a vessel. Asè @umfundalai_naaadt by @baladanceproject

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a year ago

I’ve spent the last two years shying away from making work outside of my “job”. Post grad school, I had this feeling that I needed to prove that I’m researching. I felt like I needed to prove that I was making- and searching- and wondering… To know me is to know that if I feel like I have to prove my right to be somewhere or do something OR EVEN TO BE SOMETHING… chilleee, I just won’t do it. So I didn’t. I’m happy I didn’t. It forced me to finally, after all of this life as “the dancer”, explore what life is like outside of this fruitful art. What that did, brought me to my humanness in a different way than I’ve found it inside of dance. I learned I like to cook and run by lakes. I learned that I enjoy hosting friends at my home and making mocktails. Most of all, I learned that my incessant need to care for and cover the people around me didn’t only exist in dance spaces. It existed in the everyday conversations I had about food, or the way I curated my home… And in all of this learning I did, I made this not so spectacular conclusion.. I can be the research too. That by living my life, and learning myself, the way I come in contact with others, the way I’m in relationship with the earth… is research too. And this little finding has fueled a whole new space of making ( in literally the last month) that I feel so held in. I’ve always talked about being covered and held externally in my research. But to hold self. To hold space for self. TO COVER MYSELF…. TO DANCE FOR MYSELF has made me see the way others find themselves in the material I make so much more abundant… And then after that you realize., it’s all research. To breathe is research baby.
BĀLA DANCE PROJECT performing “In Every Lifetime, Cover Me” At Links Hall November 2nd 2024. taken in Links Hall by @baladanceproject

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2 years ago

Settle My Spirit; this work started as a solo while I was in grad school processing grief after losing a dance mother. Since then, it’s taken on many forms in my body alone but became something so special when each of these special movers took on the task of existing inside of its evolution. Eternally grateful. by @baladanceproject

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3 years ago

Bevara Anderson-Selkridge presents her first standalone BĀLA Dance Project concert in Chicago featuring her choreographic range from solos to duets, from small group pieces to large ensemble works and drawing upon her fluency in Umfundalai, House, Modern, and Horton dance techniques and practices. Anderson-Selkridge’s work is more than movement; it’s revolution and it’s resistance.

SHOWS ✴︎
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

See the link in our bio for more information and tickets! taken in The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago by @baladanceproject

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5 hours ago

Essence. A love letter to Umfundalai @umfundalai_naaadt . 8 works. A revelation of truth. An evening deeply personal to my heart. We’re leaving it all on the stage. See you there 🤎

@dancecenterccc October 23 at 7:30 PM
October 24 matinee — abbreviated program
Direct ticket link in my bio!
(I couldn’t tag everyone but I have love for each of you to no end 🫶🏾) by @baladanceproject

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4 days ago

come out with your hands up. December ‘25. My most recent work. Truly took an unexpected turn. Grateful for the ability and space to be unfiltered. by @baladanceproject

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10 months ago

🎉 Calling All Choreographers! 🎉 Here is your reminder to submit to showcase your talent and creativity at the NANIGO 2025 Dancing our Africa Concert!
We are now accepting submissions from choreographers to feature their original dance works during this exciting event, happening June 21, 2025 in Chicago, IL. We want to celebrate YOUR unique perspective and contributions to the dance community!
📝 How to Submit:
1. Submit your dance work (video) via the link in our bio.
2. Include a brief description of your piece and its cultural significance.
3. Deadline for submissions: [April 20th].
✨ Why Submit?
* Showcase your work to a vibrant dance community
* Be part of an empowering cultural celebration
📍 Location: Dance Center Columbia College, Chicago 🗓 Event Dates: June 19-21, 2025
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Apply today and bring your choreography to life at NANIGO 2025!
For full details, visit the link in bio. #NANIGO2025 #CallForChoreographers #AfricanDance #DanceCommunity #SubmitYourWork #AfricanCulture #DanceIntensive #Choreographers #NAAADT #DancingOurAfrica by @baladanceproject

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2 years ago

Nanigo 2025 will be here in Chicago! Lets dance ❤️ by @baladanceproject

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2 years ago

In process work/ first draft of “In Every lifetime, cover me” at Links Hall. taken in Links Hall by @baladanceproject

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2 years ago

In every life time… at every moment.. you will be covered. 📷: @aeriacharles by @baladanceproject

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2 years ago

Has it been almost a year since this one? I took me a little four month break from making. I’m excited to get back to making this summer. Let’s get in the Stu? by @baladanceproject

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3 years ago