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Past Event

Full Circle: Past, Present, and Future

Jun 23 2024

Seattle Asian Art Museum

Entire Building

10:30 AM – 9 PM

This dynamic program honors Seattle's burgeoning Street and Club dance scene, with a documentary screening, movement classes, seminars, and an honor ceremony where we recognize those who have paved the way.

Scheduled Workshops and Programs

Opening Remarks and Documentary Screening
11 am | Stimson Auditorium
Join us for a warm welcome by our community partners and the premiere screening of the documentary "Tales from the Circle."

SAM Talks: Freedom within Expression, Creativity, Artistry, a Q&A with members of Circle of Fire
11:30 am–12:45 pm | Stimson Auditorium

Following the screening, enjoy a panel discussion featuring members of Circle of Fire, Seattle's preeminent club-dancing crew established in 1997 alongside Akoiya Harris of Black Collectivity and Janu Sung, the Director and Producer of "Tales from the Circle." This thought-provoking panel discussion will delve into the intersection of filmmaking, movement, and the cultural impact Circle of Fire and others have had on Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

SAM Skills: Dance Workshop with Dufon "Orbitron" Smith and Seth Martinez
1:15–2:45 pm | Alvord Boardroom

Step into the world of club and street dance with Dufon "Orbitron" Smith and Seth Martinez, two legendary figures and esteemed members of Circle of Fire. In this mind-opening workshop, Smith and Martinez will share their in-depth knowledge and craft.

SAM Skills: Dance Workshop with Alfredo "Free" Vergara and Ami "Tsunami" Ferreira
3–4:30 pm | Alvord Boardroom

Continue diving into the art of freestyle with Circle of Fire members Free and Tsunami. With decades of experience pushing the boundaries of movement and expression, Free and Tsunami promise to ignite your passion for dance and unlock new levels of creativity. This is a chance to study under some of the West Coast's finest dancers.

SAM Talks: Bridging What Was Before with What is Next – Honor Ceremony
5–6 pm | Stimson Auditorium

Join Janu Sung, Akoiya Harris, and other key members of the dance ecosystem, as they come together for an inspiring discussion on the importance of honoring the old while embracing the new and ways to steward growth. Drawing from their rich experiences and deep-rooted connections, these influential voices will share insights on how dance can be a powerful tool for social change and community building. From grassroots initiatives to global outreach projects, learn how individuals and collectives are making a meaningful impact through their passion for movement and music.

The discussion will culminate in an honor ceremony, where collectively we will recognize the contributions of those who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others and creating positive change. With closing remarks from esteemed figures in the community, this event promises to be a celebration of unity, resilience, and the transformative power of dance.

Dance Party
6–9 pm | Fuller Garden Court

Wrap up the day with one of the oldest rituals of time: a social dance party. With world-recognized DJ CoFlo the Soulshifter, another member of Circle of Fire and a certified party starter, the spirit of their music will surely move you.

This program was put together in partnership with Hustle and Soul Collective, a Seattle-based collective of hustle, soul, hip hop, and house artists offering events, classes, and sessions. We aim to cultivate and nourish the social dances and freestyle forms that started in the streets and clubs.

Full Circle: Past, Present, and Future is made possible by Janu Sung. Sung is an artist, dancer, educator and event curator whose current focus lies within education and cultural preservation.

This event does not include museum admission. Talks, workshops, and dance party are free. Workshop attendees will need to sign a waiver prior to the beginning of the program.

Photo: Chloe Collyer

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM