PASSAGE... a Juneteenth Journey
PASSAGE… a Junteenth journey is a free performance by Pointillism Jazz Consort at Fort McHenry, and will take the audience on a historical journey, exploring the archetypes of oppression, struggle, sacrifice, compassion, and hope—core themes that embody the Juneteenth message of freedom for all in our country.
“The entire team at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and Hampton National Historic Site are excited to collaborate with the Baltimore National Heritage Area to commemorate Juneteenth with this performance,” said Robert Stewart, Assistant Superintendent for Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and Hampton National Historic Site. “We hope this program will allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of our nation’s history through dance and music.”
Pointillism Jazz Consort, a professional dance company driven by a purpose to uplift and empower marginalized communities of color, will take participants on a unique dance journey that begins with a mini-dance class for everyone to foster inclusivity and engagement before the transformative performance unfolds—telling a rich history of slavery, civil rights, contemporary struggles, and abolitionist activism.
“Our Company is very honored to be presenting PASSAGE… a Juneteenth journey at these two National Park Service sites — on the third anniversary of the Juneteenth National Holiday,” said Suzanne Winland, Founder and Director of Pointillism Jazz Consort. “To be surrounded by beautiful Baltimore landscapes and the profound history of the venues further intensifies the experience of this dance piece.”
Pointillism conveys the powerful Juneteenth story through varied dance languages that enrich our American cultural expression, including traditional African movements, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Spoken-Word painting, and contemporary dance, culminating with invigorating Step Dance and inviting the audience to join in and celebrate the hope of Juneteenth.
“PASSAGE is a dance journey through the struggles of freedom from slavery arcing through four centuries of U.S. history,” continued Winland. “These pathways out of slavery converged on Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) when the last slaves of Galveston Texas were set free by General Gordon Granger two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.”
The inspiration behind this remarkable piece is drawn from the profound sculpture, “The Path of Thorns and Roses,” created by Mario Chiodo to adorn the Contrabands and Freemen Cemetery Memorial in Alexandria, VA.
“Dance and music have always been a means for African American people to express our joy and sadness,” said Shauntee Daniels, Executive Director of BNHA. “The Baltimore National Heritage Area is delighted to bring this part of our culture into the forefront on this holiday in particular. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience PASSAGE and commemorate Juneteenth through the power of dance and storytelling.”
