RAPHAEL XAVIER

A seasoned breaker, choreographer, performer and mentor, Raphael Xavier shares his breadth of knowledge, skill and experience with students, artists and non-dancers alike. Following is a sample list of offerings. Activities and workshops can be tailored and created in collaboration with presenter.

WORKSHOPS
Ground-Core Technique
Rooted in Xavier’s own Ground-Core technique (a somatic dance technique) this class allows each participant to identify and strengthen his/her own core, and gain an awareness of how it shifts and moves throughout space. Various breaking movements are deconstructed and then taught to participants. Classes can be tailored to the participants’ ages and dance capabilities/training. By making this movement accessible to any body type, the class introduces a new movement vocabulary to the practitioners, giving them a better understanding of the body in all dance forms. Running Time: 60-90 minutes.

Breaking and Freestyle/Improvisation classes also available.

SKIFF ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Engagement activities can be tailored in collaboration with presenter and community partners. Below is a sample of offerings created to enhance the experience and themes explored in Skiff.

Skiff: Movement & Story Telling Workshop
Exploring the themes in Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea,” Raphael Xavier leads this exploratory workshop where participants source personal stories of defeat, triumph and hope while tapping into their creative talents in a supportive and communal environment. The workshop will allow participants to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of how art and literature can resonate with our lived experiences. Running time: 60-90 minutes. Ages 14 and up.

Skiff: Movement & Spoken Workshop
Geared towards writers, poets and spoken word artists, Raphael Xavier will lead this combination writing and movement workshop where participants use movement and language to expand and explore their original text. Running time: 60-90 minutes. Ages 14 and up.

Raph’s Brown Bag Lunch & Conversation
Raphael Xavier extends an invitation for folks to come together and commune over a ‘Tuna Fish sandwich’ and a few pages of Hemingway’s story. Igniting dialogue, exchange and human connection through literature and performance, Raphael leads a conversation about the tragic tale of a Cuban fisherman’s quest for the greatest catch of his life. Running time 60 – 90 minutes. Ages 14 and up.

A Conversation: The Old Man and the Sea
The Old Man and the Sea is a story where perspectives can vary from reader to reader. In this conversation facilitated by Raphael Xavier, Participants are invited to share their personal perspective on Hemingway, the novel, and how they feel it does or does not resonate. Reading selected passages in the book and engaging participants in a lively conversation, Xavier invites participants to reflect, engage and be in community. Running time 60 minutes.

Skiff Mad-Libs with Q&A
As part of a preshow conversation & creative activity, Xavier leads a brief conversation around the themes and creative process behind his newest work Skiff and his inspiration: Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. The event culminates in a fun, creative activity with Xavier sourcing words from the audience and shares a Skiff Mad-Lib for participants to fill in and share out loud. Running time: 30 minutes. Start time: no later than one hour before the start of the performance.

THE XCOPE Creative Residency with Local Performers
Learn how to build your own creative toolbox! The Creative Residency with Local Performers for Raphael Xavier’s THE XCOPE, gives local performers an opportunity to learn and work under the direction and mentorship of Xavier. The residency begins with local performers auditioning to be a part of the public performances of THE XCOPE. Local performers may include hip hop and contemporary dancers, spoken word artists and musicians. Once selected, participants will engage in a multi-day residency and rehearsal. Performers will learn how to tap into and build their “creative toolbox,” working collaboratively with fellow performers while contributing their unique talents, under the creative direction of Xavier, for a one-of-a-kind public performance of THE XCOPE.

Artist Talk/Panel Discussions on identity, hip-hop culture and black identity in the media available.

Pre and post-performance discussions available upon request.