harlem

50 years down the line – the Harlem spirit continues to vibe through the bright colors; the perseverance and the creativity of it’s people.

It’s a story in the making. Told by dancers that gathered from all walks of life specifically for this event. It is clear that the art of dance – and art as a whole – is still a boundless medium unrestricted by time. Hosted by the Harlem School of The Arts – and on the year of it’s 50th anniversary – the craft of dance still says a thousand words. “I Hear Music on The Streets” is hosted by an artist that asks no more of her audience than to get nice and personal with her work.

The progenitor of these pieces, Ms. Julia Kito Kirtley, is a California native. From the streets of Compton to receiving a BA at Pratt Institute, she has showcased her talent in exhibitions worldwide – from Paris, to Hawaii. She visits the Harlem school on a mission. And brings with her a meld of talented choreographers that have their own say in the artistic movement.

Each dancer wore attire that represented a piece of Kirtley’s own pieces. She confides in the every-day city hustle and bustle to provide her canvas. Cardboard boxes to brand-name clothing. It all works. The entertainment venue, managed by The Ladies of Hip-Hop, Street Style Club and Step Your Game Up  consisted of a trendy and modern day mix of contemporary music. After the fact, the audience was free to join them on the dance floor. Behind them, the exhibition itself. The display will be on view through August 27th. Free to the public.