Black History Month will begin with a glimpse into the future of performance art in the Cream City. INSPIRE, a Milwaukee-based dance collective, is dedicating a special night to the stories and dreams of Black and Brown creatives and arts educators.
On Feb. 1, the group is using movement to explore themes of the human experience as dating, self-reflection, individuality and collective healing. This intimate evening will feature a dynamic range of dancers from across the region.
The INSPIRE collective is the evolution of a latin-based, pop-up dance series from Debrasha Greye. Greye, a performer and arts administrator, has worked in Milwaukee’s creative community for 10 years sharing culture through dance. Alongside organizations that promote representation in the local arts scene she is focused on inspiring and making space for the city’s youngest members.
“Milwaukee has a rich history of creatives and arts leaders that have truly invested a section, if not all of their lives, to ensuring Black and Brown children receive quality dance experiences. However, the pipeline is broken. We need a space that is culturally and artistically sound in its infrastructure, vision and influence. INSPIRE is my way of supporting a solution,” Greye said.
A dancer since the age of six, Greye is versed in several styles, including Ballet, West African and Jazz. She said INSPIRE 2025 will showcase the beauty, versatility and skill of dance on Black and Brown bodies. There will also be a 10-minute documentary on the creation, evolution and motivation of the project.
INSPIRE 2025 will be Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Wilson Theater at Vogell Hall at 7:30 p.m.Click here to learn more about the event. For tickets and more information, click here.
Discover more about Greye’s mission and outreach after the video.
Explain more about the “lack of representation that exists in dance styles not viewed as ‘traditional Black genres'” and how you’ve seen this impact Milwaukee’s dance community.
Despite the noted concentrated efforts to make a wide range of dance accessible to Black and Brown communities, I have still experienced being “the only” or “one of two” in many spaces that include Ballet, Contemporary and Latin dance styles within the last 10 years. What’s more, I consistently engage students under the age of 18 that feel like these genres are not viable for them artistically and professionally.
For example, I am currently teaching for a local community organization (Black-owned and operated) and a student said to me at the end of 2024, “Ballet is for white people”. Considering the local efforts made to shift that perception, and the prevalence of representation on social media platforms in these types of genres, that comment should be a wake-up call to the artists in Milwaukee that more is needed to encourage our youth.
I’m passionate about community building, the cultural exchange, and gap bridging that is possible through dance. There’s a lot of conversation around cultural appropriation and other communities confidently stepping into things that are considered “Black or Brown,” so why don’t we approach styles that are not considered “ours” with the same willingness to engage?
I suppose I say all this to say, the lack of representation across dance genres for Black and Brown communities has left a message to Milwaukee that our babies are only capable of excelling in African, Hip Hop and Majorette dance styles.
How have you seen dance positively affect Milwaukee’s Black & Brown children and families?
Dance is such a powerful tool to model personal growth with children. When I think of the benefits to Milwaukee’s Black & Brown children I think of how, when demonstrated with care, dance can support a positive self-image, conflict resolution skills, community building and be inspirational through generations.
I’ve worked with a variety of community dance education programs and my favorite thing about working with Black and Brown children is seeing the look in their eyes when they do something they never thought they would be able to do. The drive and focus that locks in when they see what’s possible. The way they speak positively to themselves when they have a mentor standing beside them willing to support them through a challenge.
Dance is then a vehicle that brings joy to the child’s world, and by extension their family. So when the family gets to experience the child’s excitement, accomplishments and positive energy we start a ripple effect that really becomes a generational blessing.
You take INSPIRE into the community AND into the classroom. Tell me more about this outreach.
In its first season, INSPIRE hosted a community dance workshop to engage teens and adults with the intent of providing an environment that was created by, and for, Black & Brown dancers and dance appreciators. The workshop is core for INSPIRE’s vision to offer opportunities that increase visibility for local artists in a safe and resonant way. INSPIRE’s classroom program has a different intent.
It’s designed to tackle the lack of representation at its root, it offers local schools either a performance or lesson. We wanted to provide a more tailored approach and really focus on providing multiple ways for students to engage. School performances will consist of a modified performance from February 1, and a talk back to discuss and bring forward curiosities about pursuing careers in the arts and the varying pathways.
Our lessons teach a recap of dance history into TikTok trends as it relates to brown bodies and a dance lesson that addresses the interest of the group for example, learning a short choreographed piece or movement through basic exercises. Through our partnership with Danceworks, Inc., by way of the United Performing Arts Fund’s Resonate Grant, we’re able to offer in-school presentations for six schools at no cost in this first season.
Wisconsin ranks last in arts & culture funding. How can locals support the artist community (whether they’re within it or not)?
Community support can come in an array of packages. Attending events, engaging local artists on social media platforms and programs they’re leading, purchasing their products, introducing children to the arts opportunities that are age appropriate and encouraging young artists to stay motivated on their creative journeys. Combined, those efforts work together to not only uplift but sustain a strong Black & Brown artistic presence.