SMc DANCE CO is an innovative New York based Afro-Latin fusion dance theater company founded in 2008 by artist director/choreographer Sekou McMiller. Inspiring audiences through its rhythmically infectious and thought provoking performances the company has toured throughout the U.S. And internationally including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Vancouver, Beijing, Istanbul and Paris.

The company fuses Afro Latin dance and music with urban, classical and abstract theater dance to create provocative narratives on socialization and the human experience through its invigorating, interactive dance and music performances. SMc Dance's mission is to promote an acknowledgement of everyone's individual part to play in creation inviting all to become active participants.

Sekou is the forefront of a new movement in the Latin dance world. His unique style of Latin dance, rich with Afro-Caribbean essence and laced with many genres of dance, has earned him recognition world-wide. Sekou made his NYC Off-Broadway debut and international tour with Celia the Musical. He was an associate choreographer for the theatrical productions "Afro Tango" and the "Latin Nutcracker Review" and is the founder and artist director of SMc Dance Co., an internationally recognized Afro-Latin dance theater company.

Sekou has performed and choreographed for top latin artist such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Willie Colon, Cheo Feliciano, Johnny Pacheco, Tito Rojas, Tito Nieves, Jose El Canario Alberto, PitBull, r&b artist KEM, and the pop icon Madonna. In addition, Sekou has worked with the Radio City Rockettes, Bravo TV, Jennifer Lopez' new network NUVO TV and Good Morning America.

Sekou has conducted Master Classes in New York, Chicago, LA, Seoul, Tokyo, San Diego, Seattle, Beijing, Singapore, Mumbai, Miami, Shanghai, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Dallas, Houston, Quebec, San Antonio, Boston, Manchester, Warsaw, Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Rome, Paris, Istanbul, Monaco, Brussels and many other international hubs of dance.

Faculty Member: Alvin Ailey Extension, Joffrey Ballet School, Peridance Capezio Center NYC, where Sekou has developed a curriculum for his trademark Contemporary Latin Jazz Fusion.

Sekou is a native Chicagoan now residing in New York City.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - SEKOU MCMILLER

"Macho: An Afro Latin Jazz Suite (Work in Progress)" A Journey through the musical life of Machito (born in Havana, Cuba and later migrated to the U.S. in the late 1930's), one of the most influential Latin jazz musicians who helped refine Afro-Cuban jazz and create both Cubop and Salsa music. This abstract look at Machito's life from his early childhood in Cuba to his collaboration with American Jazz greats like Dizzie Gillespie and Charlie Parker uses dance and spoken word to recognize Machito's contribution to the world of music.

"Island Dreams / Rhythm of Sunshine" (2010/2014) A look at Afro Caribbean life through rhythm and movement deeply rooted in the African traditions brought over during transatlantic slave trade. Choreographer Sekou McMiller shows the relationship between the U.S. South and the Caribbean and how they cultivated new music and dance styles that transcend social, economical and political divides. Featuring music by Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, La Lupe, Roberto Roena and Ray Charles.

"Palladium: The Golden Era" (Work in Progress) A heart pounding, joyous, rhythmically infectious look at the golden age of Latin dance and music. America's Latin craze of the 40's, 50's and through the early 60's. A movement that became the heartbeat of night life and forever changed the landscape of the American music and dance culture.

"Yatra Ta" (2008) Tribute to famed Brazilian Jazz Singer/Artist, Tania Maria, featuring music and dance of Afro Brazilian Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova and Capoeira.

"Urban Love Suite" (2014) In this provocative narrative on love and lust, the stage sizzles as a series of duets confronts the joys, complexities, and vulnerable states of human interaction. One of the highlights features a spellbinding company number that's tells the story of one affair through varies perspectives simultaneously, set to the love ballad "Que Te Pedi" by La Lupe.

REPERTORY (Select repertory)

"...dancing was both joyous and rhythmically infectious"

- New York Times

"Innovative, cutting edge and soulful are just a few words to describe...Sekou McMiller"

- La Voz Magazine

"...Sekou McMiller's charismatic dance interpretations were some of the most interesting elements..." _

"Mr McMiller is the new face of Salsa" - Ebony Magazine

Has appeared at

Salvatore Capezio Theater, New York City Ailey Citigroup Theater, New York City Istanbul International Latin Festival, Istanbul, Turkey China International Latin Festival, Beijing, China Asia Latin Cultural Festival, Seoul, South Korea Vancouver International Salsa Festival, Vancouver, Canada Schemerhorn Theater, Brooklyn, NY Mexico City Summer Dance Festival, Mexico City, Mexico

WORKSHOP TITLE: SMc Dance Co - Contemporary Afro-Latin Jazz/Repertory Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Sekou McMiller - Artistic Director/Choreographer

ADDRESS, PHONE, EMAIL: New York, NY USA Phone: +1773/230-3061 email: info@sekoumcmiller.com website: www.sekoumcmiller.com

WORKSHOP SYNOSIS: Sekou will guide participants through his unique and exciting style of Contemporary Afro-Latin Jazz. Introducing Latin rhythms and techniques deeply rooted in the Caribbean (Salsa/Mambo, Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, etc...) while blending with urban dance, modern, jazz and contemporary styles.

Structurally derived from traditional Ballet/Jazz classes and pilates practices, Sekou's warm-up guides the dancers through breathing and fluid movement exercises that strengthen technique, musicality and flexibility. All the while breaking down the intricacies of Latin Dance rhythms, movements and attitude. The across the floor combos gets the dancers moving with turns and jumps using authentic Latin moves promoting spacial awareness, power and presence. Class choreography will feature excerpts and phrasework from the latest repertory work of the SMc Dance Co. choreographed and Directed by Sekou McMiller.

TIME FRAME FOR WORKSHOP: 1 - 3 workshop blocks. 2hr each session.

WORKSHOPS/LECTURES

For Artist Availability: Daria L. Sanchez, President DLS Arts Management Daria@DLSArtsManagement.com Phone - (917) 771-1203 www.DLSArtsManagement.com For Educational Programming and New York City Bookings: Sekou McMiller info@sekoumcmiller.com 773-230-3061 www.sekoumcmiller.com