SMc DANCE CO is an innovative New York based AfroLatin 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.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - SEKOU MCMILLER
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.
REPERTORY
(Select repertory)
"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.
"...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
"Mr McMiller is the new face of
Salsa" - Ebony Magazine
Has appeared at
"...Sekou McMiller's charismatic dance
interpretations were some of the most
interesting elements..."
_
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
WORKSHOPS/LECTURES
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: [email protected]
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.
For Artist Availability:
Daria L. Sanchez, President
DLS Arts Management
[email protected]
Phone - (917) 771-1203
www.DLSArtsManagement.com
For Educational Programming
and New York City Bookings:
Sekou McMiller
[email protected]
773-230-3061
www.sekoumcmiller.com