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Events & Workshops

Performances

Mapping the Movement

Empower’s 2026–2027 season, uses meaningful Durham sites as part of each performance’s story. Across the year, we will connect movement to place, history, and community—honoring where we have been and what we are carrying forward.

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Mapping the Movement: Where Black Durham Built

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Provident1898 inside historic NC Mutual Tower

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Join us for the first public event of the Durham Black Dance Legacy Project.

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Presented as part of Durham FRINGE, the evening will honor longtime Durham dance educator Kaye Sullivan and feature new choreography by Melvin Sutton, bringing Durham’s Black dance history and its living legacy into the same space.

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Experience the performance, celebrate the artists and educators who helped shape our community, and stay for a reception following the event.

We move because they moved.

The Lion King

Thursday, December 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Friday, December 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Hayti Heritage Center

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Empower’s adaptation of The Lion King explores identity, responsibility, belonging, and the courage to claim one’s place within a larger story. Presented at the historic Hayti Heritage Center, this chapter of Mapping the Movement celebrates Black storytelling through acting, dance, and song.

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Black Dance History

Thursday, February 25, 2027 | 6:00 PM
Empower School of Movement

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During this student-centered Black Dance History event, dancers will explore their own family, cultural, and movement histories. Through performance and storytelling, they will examine how their personal histories connect to the broader history of Black dance—and how history continues to live within the body.

RSVP

Annual Recital

Sunday, June 13, 2027 | 4:15 PM
Hillside High School

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The Annual Recital is the culminating chapter of Mapping the Movement. Dancers will bring the season’s discoveries together through performance, sharing their technical and artistic growth while honoring the people, places, and histories that helped shape the journey.

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Workshops

Move. Explore. Connect.

Discover movement in all its forms through Empower's Adult Workshop series. Each workshop offers an opportunity to learn, explore, and connect through movement.

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Led by experienced teaching artists and guest instructors, these workshops welcome adults looking to expand their practice, discover something new, or simply experience the joy of moving in community.

 Find your next movement experience.

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Modern: Horton Technique w
Melvin Sutton

Tuesday, October 20 · 6:30–8:00 PM

 

Build strength, flexibility, and control through the powerful shapes and movement principles of Lester Horton Technique.

Register | $30
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Hip Hop Workshop w
Damien Slade

Wednesday, October 28 · 6:30–7:45 PM

 

Explore rhythm, musicality, and hip-hop foundations through movement rooted in culture, creativity, and expression.

Register | $25
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Broadway Musical Workshop
 

Sunday, November 1 · 10:00–11:30 AM

 

Learn choreography inspired by Mrs. Doubtfire with a cast member, followed by a Q&A and photo opportunity.

Register | $40
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Modern: Contemporary w
Tristian Griffin

Wednesday, November 4 · 4:30–6:00 PM

 

Challenge your movement vocabulary, explore dynamic contemporary technique, and discover new possibilities for artistic expression.

Register | $30
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West African Dance Class
Mama Toni Hall

Thursday, November 19 · 6:30–7:45 PM

 

Experience the rhythm, energy, and community of West African dance in a joyful, full-body movement experience.

Register | $35
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Liturgical Dance w 
Nicole Miles

Thursday, December 3 · 6:30–8:00 PM

 

Explore church dance traditions, spiritual expression, and embodied storytelling through guided movement.

Register | $30
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