VR

Ashley Gayle and Noah James are professional artists. They’ve worked across the United States with various choreographers and met while dancing for PUSH Dance Company in 2013. Organically they've combined their passionate love for dance and visual arts to create Visceral Roots Dance Company, which is in it’s 4th year of fruition! VRDC creates work that highlights social issues by exploring the visceral experiences of life while fusing different art forms to create real stories. Initiated by collaboration, the duo strives to present work with artists from all mediums and expand their artistic development.

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Visceral Roots debuted “Unparalleled” at PUSHFest 2016 through the PUSHLab process; this led to them being selected as the 2017-18 Black Choreographers Festival AMP Artists! The company has participated in multiple residencies with SAFEhouse Arts that culminated in a home show in 2018. As a fiscal sponsor, Shawl-Anderson Dance Center is a second home and includes VRDC throughout the year for local showings. The Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, directed by Antoine Hunter, mentors and presents VR each year since 2017. Viewer’s have said their movement is multifaceted, witty and courageously takes them on an intimate spiritual and intellectual journey.

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Ashley Gayle  (she/her) is a sought after dance educator available for dance workshops and classes. Classes will be inspired by Jazz and Modern influences, with a taste of Ballet for good measure. Jazz, blues, and funk music will be used to inspire soulful, expressive, and emotional dancing as we focus on placement, strength, and full body movement. We will refine and focus on technique as our base of movement, but encourage performance quality to shine throughout our bodies. While building a supportive environment within the class, the main goal is to try your best and have fun. This mixed level Jazz Series is for beginning and intermediate level students. Ashley Gayle (BFA UC Irvine) has performed with Alayo Dance Company, PUSH Dance Company, LV Dance Collective, David Herrera Dance Company, Mix’d Ingrdnts, and Urban Jazz Dance Company.

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Noah James (he/him) is deaf/ hard of hearing. His artistic voice has grown and flourished into curating installations, poetry and a thriving podcast that encourages and uplifts sickle cell, chronic, and mental health warriors to continue to pursue life. His book, The Gift of Pain: Bookmarks of a Sickle Cell Warrior Vol.1 is available now on Amazon. Inspired by his own journey, Noah serves as a life coach and chronic pain advocate within various communities across the world. He is a featured poet on HelloPoetry and a freelance photographer in his spare time.

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Their goal is to continue sharing who they're as influencers in the greater Bay Area, California & Houston, Texas. VRDC values community outreach, service, and collaboration. For more information about other classes and projects, hover over the ABOUT section of this page. If you are interested in working with us please use the contact form below. Also check out our blog community by clicking Our community. 

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Thank you for visiting our site & remember to always nourish your roots.