To stimulate positive and progressive discussion around Black Femme Identity, we have curated a two part (and one of a kind) book and movement composition club centering books by Black femme authors and designed for book enthusiasts and dancers of all levels - no prior experience necessary. For our first 4 week session, we are thrilled to feature THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES by Deesha Philyaw. This is the first of a book club series in conjunction with our latest dance work in progress, CIRCLES. Club members will read the featured book, join in led discussion, have the chance to speak with Deesha Philyaw, and create movement composition responses with the guidance of choreographer Staycee Pearl. Led by Staycee Pearl, each 90 minute session will feature curated playlists by Sound Designer Herman Soy Sos Pearl and Deesha Philyaw. Sessions are anchored by two parts:

1. An in-depth discussion of the selected reading and themes. In three sessions, we will be joined by Deesha Philyaw! - 45 mins.
2. Centered in the responses from each weeks book reading, Movement composition exercises are shared to develop creativity through physical expression and experimentation. The group will explore where choreographic and improvisational motivation comes from: from within the body, motivated by the mind, or a mixture of the two - 45 mins.

This class will be taught in a building block model, accumulating material from session 1 through 4. No previous experience necessary!

THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES by Deesha Philyaw Latest book reviews: “Tender, fierce, proudly black” on KIRKUS REVIEWS … “Triumphant…” on PUBLISHERS WEEKLY … “The church, sexuality, and everyday life come alive in each story,” on ELECTRIC LIT.

*Requires 5 students to run

Meeting Dates:

Mondays | October 26, November 2, 9, 16
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Registration Deadline: October 19

*Requires 5 students to run

Pricing

$60/Person (Physical book preferred)
Book Club Kit includes your physical copy of “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies,” and a specially picked journal & pen to record your thoughts and notes

$50/Person (Ebook preferred)
Book Club kit does NOT include a copy of “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies.” Ebook must be purchased separately here. Kit includes a specially picked journal & pen to record your thoughts and notes.

Want to explore more dance? Check out our Dance Clubs for youth and beginner/intermediate adult dancers. We also have drop-in company classes geared towards dance professionals and intermediate/advanced dancers. All classes are part of STEPtogether | Virtual Dance Studio