[IN PERSON] Family Jazz with Professor Lauren Cox

Family Jazz with Professor Lauren Cox
Sunday, May 3, 1:00–2:15 PM
Hosted by Positively Africana By Aimee at Studio Helix (Mat Room, 3rd floor of Thornes Marketplace)

$30 per family | Free for Positively Africana fitness members (registration required)

About Professor Lauren Cox:

Professor Lauren Cox is an Associate Director and Assistant Professor of Jazz Dance and Pedagogy at UMass Amherst. A storyteller of many mediums, she has performed and taught in over ten countries, bringing a global perspective to dance and community building. Her immersive work with Kaimera Productions highlights themes of storytelling, dance, and collaborative justice. Most importantly, Professor Lauren is deeply committed to creating spaces for communal sanctuary — places where people can gather, move, and connect authentically. That’s exactly what she brings to this class.

What to expect:

Family Jazz is a joyful, story-driven dance experience designed for everyone. You don’t have to be a parent to participate — this is a welcoming space for families, friends, solo dancers, and anyone curious about moving, connecting, and having fun together.

Dance — Move together, learning foundational jazz technique in a playful, pressure-free way.
History — Discover the roots of jazz dance and its cultural significance.
Stories — Explore narratives through movement, connecting dance to real stories and lived experiences.
Fun — Play, laugh, and celebrate the joy of moving together.
Play — Let creativity lead. There’s no “right way” — just authentic expression and connection.

For children, jazz dance develops critical physical skills like coordination, balance, and rhythm. For adults, it’s a chance to reconnect with play, creativity, and the body. For everyone, it’s a chance to be part of something joyful and real.

What to wear:

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move freely. Jazz shoes or clean sneakers are ideal, but bare feet or socks work too. Wear whatever makes you feel confident and ready to dance.

Come as you are. Bring water and get ready to move, connect, and have fun. All ages welcome.

Register at positivelyafricana.com. Spots are limited.