FULL CIRCLE: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
JUN 23 2024
SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM
1400 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112
10:30 AM – 9 PM
Honor and recognize Seattle’s burgeoning Street and Club dance scene with Full Circle: Past, Present, and Future!
This dynamic program boasts a thought-provoking documentary screening, invigorating movement classes, stimulating seminars, and an honor ceremony of Seattle’s world-renowned Circle of Fire Crew. Together, we’ll take a moment of pause and honor the leaders, educators, space makers, and shakers of this city.
SCHEDULED WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS
11 am | Stimson Auditorium
Opening Remarks and Documentary Screening
Join us for a warm welcome by our community partners and the premiere screening of the documentary “Tales from the Circle.”
11:30 am–12:45 pm | Stimson Auditorium
SAM Talks: Freedom within Expression, Creativity, Artistry, a Q&A with members of Circle of Fire
Enjoy an electrifying panel discussion featuring members of Circle of Fire, Seattle’s preeminent club-dancing crew established in 1997 alongside Akoiya Harris of Black Collectivity and Janu Sung, the Director and Producer of “Tales from the Circle.” This thought-provoking panel discussion will delve into the intersection of filmmaking, movement, and the cultural impact Circle of Fire and others have had on Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
1:15–2:45 pm | Alvord Boardroom
SAM Skills: Dance Workshop with Dufon “Orbitron” Smith and Seth Martinez
Step into the world of urban dance with Dufon “Orbitron” Smith and Seth Martinez, two legendary figures and esteemed members of Circle of Fire. In this mind-opening workshop, Smith and Martinez will share their rich, in-depth knowledge and craft.
3–4:30 pm | Alvord Boardroom
SAM Skills: Dance Workshop with Alfredo “Free” Vergara and Ami “Tsunami” Ferreira
Continue diving into the art of freestyle with Circle of Fire members Free and Tsunami. With decades of experience pushing the boundaries of movement and expression, Free and Tsunami promise to ignite your passion for dance and unlock new levels of creativity. This is a chance to study under some of the West Coast’s finest dancers.
5–6 pm | Stimson Auditorium
SAM Talks: Taking Care of Beauty
Join Janu Sung, Akoiya Harris, and other key members of Seattle’s dance ecosystem as they come together for an inspiring discussion on the importance of honoring the old while embracing the new to steward growth. Drawing from their rich experiences and deep-rooted connections, these influential voices will share insights on how dance can be a powerful tool for social change and community building. From grassroots initiatives to global outreach projects, learn how individuals and collectives are making a meaningful impact through their passion for movement and music.
The discussion will culminate in an honor ceremony, where we will collectively recognize the contributions of those who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others and creating positive change. With closing remarks from esteemed figures in the community, this event promises to be a celebration of unity, resilience, and the transformative power of dance.
6–9 pm | Fuller Garden Court
Dance Party
Wrap up the day with one of the oldest rituals of time—a social dance party. With world-recognized DJ CoFlo the Soulshifter, another member of Circle of Fire and a certified party starter, the spirit of their music will surely move you.
This program was put together in partnership with Hustle and Soul Collective, a Seattle-based collective of hustle, soul, hip hop, and house artists offering events, classes, and sessions. We aim to cultivate and nourish the social dances and freestyle forms that started in the streets and clubs.
Full Circle: Past, Present, and Future is made possible by Janu Sung. Sung is an artist, educator and event curator known throughout the Hustle and House communities of the United States and abroad. He is known for his passion in his movement and tenacity in bringing ideas to life. As the Founder of Hustle & Soul, he is a key contributor to Seattle’s street and club dance community. His productions include Warming Up the House, Sunday Brunch Sessions, and the Smoke. He is an instructor at The Beacon: Massive Monkees Studio, teaching Hustle and House, and and has performed for and with the likes of Amy O’neal, CO Company, DAYBREAK, and the University of Washington’s Henry Art Gallery.