Movement Art Is (MAI) knows that performance art is a universal language that connects folks on a plane beyond geography, origin, or background. This organization—founded by two guys who’ve been dancing since they were small—pushes the boundaries of what performance can be through classes, performances, films, and exhibitions. They call it ‘resetting the spectrum of what dance can be’, integrating educational and social impact into their movement.
MAI Co-founders Jon Boogz and Lil Buck, who have collective experience working with the likes of Madonna and the TriBeCa film festival, believe their art form is an important method of promoting empathy and starting difficult conversations.
“The whole premise behind Movement Art Is is to use dance to inspire positive change in the world,” says Boogz. “We really believe dance is not just entertainment—we believe it is a tool to break down social-economic boundaries.”
For them, dance is not only about technical mastery, it’s also about true artistic expression.
“The power of dance—what it can do, how it can unify us… it can be a tool that helps to change the world. A lot of the time when people see our work, even if you’re not a fan of dance you can relate to the narrative, the story, the message, the social issue that we’re trying to address,” says Boogz.
Boogz and Lil Buck travel the world to spread their message, including a TED performance called Honor Thy Mother—a multimedia piece in homage to our Earth—and the performance of a piece a few feet away from the US-Mexico border.
“When you have talent it becomes more than just a gift, it becomes a responsibility,” Lil Buck told Splinter News.
Feature image: Alexa Meade Art Youtube.
