Residencies

Our BLHF residencies are special artist and advanced educational platforms aimed to expand the Fund’s mission by fostering Artists-in-Residence through a long-term model and international support system. This program is offered by invitation only to a limited number of individuals carefully selected by the fund. The International Mentorship Program offers a sustainable model for Lindy Hop practitioners through a comprehensive program for the development, including mentoring and professional expertise, international residencies, exhibitions, and other professional opportunities. The residencies are 3-12 month periods in which artists will set long-term goals or seeking to reach, include and build the local Lindy Hop scene with African descent dancers.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are offering online intensive residencies under the tutelage of selected educators for their understanding and practice of Jazz dance as a Black cultural art form. The compact (1 or 5 days) online format enables the participants to immerse themselves in the experience of the dance and culture from the safety of their homes. These intensive courses are open to all.

BLHF Residency Leads: Marie Ndiaye & LaTasha Barnes please contact Info@blacklindyhoppersfund.org for questions, comments or to help support!

Collaboration with HBCU TRIO Upward Bound Program
TRIO Upward Bound Program and Black Lindy Hoppers Fund will partner in a residency program to bring Lindy Hop and Jazz era dances to high school and college-aged students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. BLHF will provide instructors to teach Lindy Hop and Jazz era dances during the TRIO Upward Bound programs both virtually and in person. Our first collaboration is with Texas Southern University and will expand to other HBCUs.