Donation – $7-25

New Orleans Second Line is a dance style that, like its music, is very rhythmic and highly improvisational in nature. The style and culture emerged out of Black communities within New Orleans as a way to celebrate transitions in life. This workshop is designed to give a taste of this unique culture by teaching steps commonly seen in a Second Line parade. You will become familiar with the rhythm of the music and learn how to free yourself through the dance  while celebrating life’s transitions. Join the party as we honor the ancestors through authentic NOLA music and dance!

 Jude M. Perry-Evans, a New Orleans native, was first introduced to the performing arts in his church through music. He started singing in his church choir at the age of five, where he met his first music teacher and mentor Frank Richard. While studying voice and piano under Richard, who’s wife Debbie Richard taught dance and gymnastics in the same building, Jude developed an interest in the art of dance as well. Later in his teenage years, he began dancing in church. This led to him meeting Adrianne Mitchel, with whom he started formal dance training at Kelly’s School of Dance and Gymnastics. Later he received a full music scholarship to Norfolk State University. In his freshman year, while studying music education and performance, Jude danced with the Norfolk State Dance Theatre. He was a founding member of Urban Souls Dance Company in Houston, TX. Jude also trained at the Ailey School under scholarship. Now he dances with various companies and productions around New York City and surrounding areas, including Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Sekou Miller Dance Company, Alpha Omega Dance Theatre and Balance Dance Theatre to name a few.