This multi-session residency invites students to explore identity through hip hop, street, and club culture, alongside the award-winning documentary Call Me Dancer. Inspired by a young street dancer from Mumbai, students translate personal experience into movement while examining perseverance, individuality, and how artistic expression builds confidence and connection. Students also explore the many lanes dance can take them, whatever style they choose to pursue.
Part 1: Teacher-Led Film Viewing (Flexible Timing – In Classroom) Teachers may choose to screen either the 56 minute or 80 minute version of Call Me Dancer, depending on class schedule and instructional goals. A teacher guide and optional student worksheets are provided to support reflection and discussion. Students are introduced to core themes of identity, perseverance, and creative self expression.
Website & Film Trailer: www.CallMeDancer.com
Part 2: Artist Led Residency Sessions (option for 4-6 sessions, 60 minutes each) The residency takes place in a classroom with desks moved aside or in a larger open space such as a multipurpose room. Teaching artist Devon Wallace leads one session per week for 4 to 6 consecutive weeks, depending on the school’s preference. Sessions introduce students to the foundations of hip hop dance while fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and freedom of expression. Students reflect on Call Me Dancer and its connection to their own dreams and goals, then move into physical practice. Classes begin with learning choreography to build comfort with movement and progress into guided freestyle exercises in small groups to encourage self discovery and community building. Each session includes time for small group sharing, helping students gradually become more comfortable being seen and heard.
The four week option focuses on foundational elements street and Hip Hop dance styles and freestyle workshopping. The six week option includes these elements and adds a 45 second hip hop and street dance choreography that utilizes the students’ voices and experiences. Schools may select the option that best aligns with their schedule and goals. If a large space is not available, the program can be fully adapted for the classroom. Movement can be scaled to small gestures, seated movement, or reflective and verbal responses. Students with limited mobility are fully included through creative participation that values observation, idea sharing, and reflection as essential parts of the group experience.
Devon Wallace is an experienced teaching artist who has traveled to various cities across the DMV metropolitan area to teach dance at public schools. He strives to foster a sense of confidence, individuality, and mutual support in his students. Devon has trained in various dance styles for over 2 decades, including House, HipHop, Locking, Musical Theater, West African, and Step. He values immersion in different styles/cultures and believes that doing so translates in how the youth interact with one another. Furthermore, diversifying experiences help students discover more about what feels right to themselves as artists and as human beings.
10 minutes: Student Led Warm-Ups 25 minutes: Learning Foundation and Choreography 5 minutes: Smaller Group Performances 20 minutes: Free-style Workshopping Final Session Reflection
Date Options:
To be scheduled with the teacher
Time Options: 60 minutes - to be scheduled with the teacher