Angela Ingram is a professional dancer, choreographer, and JOMDC faculty member. We sat down with Angela to learn more about her one-of-a-kind drop-in class, Cuban Jazz.

WHAT IS AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ?
Afro-Cuban Jazz drop-in is my unique blend of movement with heavy technical roots. The class consists of the Orisha dances of the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria, and integrates both Graham and Horton techniques. This means you’ll get a dose of cuban flare, jazz, and modern technique training in the class.

WHY DID YOU START STUDYING THIS STYLE?
I am especially attracted to the history and culture of a people as told through their dance and song.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU PLAY?
I use a wide spectrum of music for class! We will dance to everything from drum beats to sacred folklore Orisha to Rumba to Brazilian Axe to Samba to Nina Simone to Michael Jackson to Gospel. I am so inspired by music that it is integral to the class experience. You’ll want to bring a notepad so you can write down what you heard to google later (or you can SoundHound it on your phone!). Check out a class video.

DOES ANYONE ELSE TEACH THIS AROUND HERE?
No, not really. There are very few instructors in this area that teach Afro-Cuban Orisha. I’m the only one that teaches Orisha with the contemporary side, and also the only one that combines the Orisha dances of Cuba and Brazil. It is such a wonderful experience to learn these ancient dance styles with music that gets your heart pumping!

WHAT IS YOUR INTRO TO JAZZ CLASS LIKE?
I teach the Luigi Roblejo technique of jazz in conjunction with the choreographic stylings of Bob Fosse. The Luigi Warm Up Technique is an influential training program that promotes body alignment, balance, core strength, and “feeling from the inside.” Luigi is famous for saying “Never stop moving” and “To dance, put your hand on your heart and listen to the sound of your soul.”

Get inspired to move! View a Luigi class and a tribute to his technique.