Internationally recognized dancer Manwe Sauls-Addison will be a guest teacher at the St. John School of the Arts in the month of April. Sauls-Addison, who trained with the Alvin Ailey Conservatory, will offer a variety of classes for adults and children.
Manwe, which means “peacemaker,” is passionate about making dance accessible to everyone. He works not only with aspiring professional dancers but also with children, introducing them to the art form in a fun and engaging way. He challenges social stereotypes about who can dance, promoting dance as a form of communication beneficial for physical and mental health. His dedication to versatility, personal expression, and inclusivity brought him to the attention of the St. John School of the Arts.
Sauls-Addison attributes his versatile dance foundation to his mother, who ensured he was trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and West African dances from an early age. Growing up in New York, living in the hip-hop culture and surrounded by a rich mix of Caribbean family members, he was exposed to various social dances such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and the hustle. His training with Alvin Ailey School of Dance and Broadway Dance Center has enriched his dance vocabulary and performance skills.
The St. John School of the Arts has scheduled the following classes with Manwe Sauls-Addison for children and adults in the coming two weeks:
On Wednesdays, April 9, 16, and 23, he will teach a one-hour Jazz Performance class at 3:30 p.m. for children ages 7-10.
On Thursdays, April 10, 17, and 24, he will teach a one-hour Street Dance class at 3:30 p.m. for youngsters ages 10 and up.
For adults, Sauls-Addison will teach four fun and energetic dance classes on Wednesday, April 9, at 11:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m., and on Thursday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Each class costs $20, and all proceeds support the St. John School of the Arts’ Middle School Dance program.
Sauls-Addison has performed with Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson, and others. His resume includes teaching in New York, Japan, London, and Rome.
For further information, please call the St. John School of the Arts at 340-779-4322.
