K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe

Performing ArtsNew York, United States2-10 Employees

K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe's mission is to provide youth and young adults from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with a means of self-expression and self-development through exceptional dance, choreography and costuming.

K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe was founded in 1988, at the Brooklyn Childrens Museum, by Kashani Stokley and his youth counselor Stan Morse. Mr. Morse encouraged him at the age of 12, to share his passion for dance with other youth in the community. The Troupe's name was established in 1994, by taking the first initial of each of the original members' name: K.ashani S.helly J.aphia A.frica M.alesha M.elanie.

Since then, K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe has produced (31) annual recitals, offered classes to over 1,000 students and have been exhibited in the Brooklyn Children's Museum, Brooklyn Historical Society and the Society for Preservation of Weeksville and Bedford Stuyvesant's traveling exhibit, "The Crown Heights History Project" in 1994.

During its 12th year, K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe had to cope with the untimely passing of an extraordinary dancer, choreographer and friend Shelly Thompson. As a tribute to Shelly, the annual Dancer of the Year Award was re-named "The Shelly Thompson Dancer of the Year Award". This award recognizes a student who has exhibited exceptional dance capability, desired interest, overwhelming commitment and dedication to his/her self-development through dance.

K.S. J.A.M.M. Dance Troupe conducts a 10-Month September through June Instructional Cycle where youth and young adults learn dance techniques and choreography in Modern, Jazz, Tap, African and Hip-Hop dance.

The culmination of the year's work is presented in an annual June recital attended by an average audience of 500 family members, friends, guest and the local community.

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