Intro to FlexN With Cal Hunt

You may recognize Cal Hunt’s expressive movements on the dance from his FlexN performance in LayeRhythm’s Dance Jam Session this past January at The Church. On Saturday, April 8, from noon to 2 p.m., Hunt, a FlexN Ambassador, will return to The Church to lead an introductory-level workshop on its history, development, and style.

Instructed by Hunt, participants ages 16 and older will be led through a 2-hour workshop exploring the fundamental ideas and movements that serve as the basis of FlexN. Performed to dancehall and reggae music, FlexN is characterized by pauzn, bone breaking, gliding, get low, hat tricks, connecting and grooving. Originating from the Bruk Up style of Jamaican street dance, FlexN has evolved not only as a dance but also as a form of political expression, confronting social injustices through the exploration and performance of personal narratives.

This workshop will include a lecture presentation on FlexN’s history and development, demonstrations by Hunt, and detailed group instruction on the form and style of FlexN. Participants will be in motion throughout the session — dress accordingly in sneakers and comfortable clothing.

Cal Hunt was born in Brooklyn and has practiced the FlexN dance style for the past 14 years. Hunt has performed as a dancer under the direction of Alex Poots, Peter Sellars and Reggie Gray, touring venues worldwide. In 2017, Hunt once again found himself working with Alex Poots through a teaching artist partnership with The Shed. Through this partnership, Hunt was able to instruct students all over New York City teaching dance, studying dance pioneers from their neighborhoods, teaching conflict prevention through the arts and creating culminating events. As a teaching artist with The Shed, Hunt was able to further his education at the National Dance Institute, Lincoln center summer forum, and at 92Y with Dr. Martha Eddy. In 2019, Hunt found himself dancing at the National Paris Opera, performing a solo dance to the song “vien hymen,” sung by Sabine Devieilhe. The opera performances resulted in a documentary that went on to be nominated for the Cesar award for best documentary.

Tickets for Cal Hunt’s workshop are $35 at thechurchsagharbor.org. The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.