CCCA Spring Session Begins April 11th,
Exciting Website Update,
& Organizational News!


Dear Friends:

We hope this message find you well happy, healthy, strong, and productive, and would like to welcome you to share some news with you, introduce our Spring 2021 cultural programming, and let you know about our exciting non-profit education web technology upgrade!

But before we continue, we'd like to make a heartfelt special thank you to Brian Lim, Jinji Duan, Bao Pham, Alex Ambila, and the rest of the wonderful and dedicated staff of The Flavor Continues, who truly stepped up for the Street and Club dance and music community and culture, by partnering up with the CCCA to provide our arts facility to 23 Street and Club dance crews/groups, largely BIPOC and multi-racial, most of which had lost their practice and teaching facilities due to arts facility closures and the pandemic, and with ages ranging from 7 to 50s, encompassing 9 genres of Street and Club dance, and rehearsing and providing private lessons and workshops 5 to 14 hours/day, since October 18th, 2020 — Watch the awesome video compilation that Bao produced!

At the end of 2020, BioMed Realty generously extended our charitable lease at Canal District Kendall by six months, and allowed us full use of the 2,800 SF arts facility. We correspondingly embarked on a second renovation phase and transformed the 1500 sq. ft two-studio arts center into a 2,800 sq. ft. diverse facility that features five studios, four of which double up as black box theater setups with beautiful curtains and wings, mirrors, dance floors, lighting, green and gray screen backdrops, sound systems, an art gallery, lounge/cafe, and livestream equipment and production services. We, and the artists and community members we serve, are extremely thankful to BioMed for their continued support and partnership — Here is a statement from Andrea Windhausen, BioMed's Community Manager:
"We are excited to announce that BioMed Realty has renewed its partnership with the Cambridge Community Center for the Arts (CCCA) to provide creative performances, rehearsals, classes, and practice sessions at 500 Kendall Street in Canal District Kendall. CCCA has transformed this previously vacant retail space into a thriving arts community, providing a much-needed space for creatives of all disciplines while adhering to strict COVID safety measures. We are proud of the depth and variety of programming CCCA has introduced to the Canal District and are looking forward to their continued artistic activations in the coming months."
As we completed renovating each section of our facility, local artists immediately began using it, for rehearsals, online/onsite classes, photo shoots, meetings, and film/broadcast projects, and we have greatly increased our safe onsite facility usage and production capabilities! Throughout, we have continued prioritizing artists and organizations who have lost their spaces, working with each of them according to their budgets, needs, to help bring their visions to life:

  • Acclaimed Bharatanatyam Classical Indian dancer, Krithika Rajkumar, rehearsed and filmed her beautiful and spirited dances at the CCCA throughout January and February — See her inspiring dance performance, which was filmed by her dedicated and creative husband Gautham.
  • On February 19th, Russell "Gutta" Ferguson's Krumpin' battle portion was filmed at the CCCA and later combined with Alex "B-Boy El Niño" Diaz's Breakin' battle portion that was filmed at another location, for a truly epic display of talent, skill, and art -- See the results on YouTube.
  • The Soul Rhythmics House Dance Collective Meetup that legendary dancer and DJ Sammy Savuth and inspiring dancer and community organizer Steven Garcia brought to the CCCA on July 18, 2020, has been holding their gatherings at the center weekly, cultivating the new generation of House dance, music, and culture lovers — See video clips of Sammy, Bao Pham and Steven, and Sean Bjerke, grooving at the meetup!
  • Resident CCCA partner, Eureka Ensemble, rehearsed and filmed another wonderful concert, "The World at Home", at the CCCA, which was broadcast online on February 28, well attended, and archived here.
  • Thanks to a generous invitation by Jessica Smyser, the new Executive Director of Cambridge Community Television (CCTV), we began producing our bi-weekly "Live from the CCCA" variety show on February 23rd, broadcast live on CCTV, and featuring local artists, culture, and interesting community topics — See details on our upcoming April 13 show in Section 1 below, and on our event page.
  • In March the talented team of Caz & Beonpnt of the B&S Crew, who have been rehearsing and filming their cultural content at the CCCA, for the preservation and cultivation of Rockin', one of founding dances styles of Breakin', held a hybrid onsite and online Rockin' workshop, with a phenomenal attendance and response — Check out their website to learn more about The Rock Dance.
  • Most recently, on March 27th, two wonderful medical students and dancers, Maheetha Bharadwaj and Dipal Nagda, and their colleagues, collaborated with talented producer Sriram Emani of IndianRaga, to film an oncology and arts performance video and narrative at the CCCA, depicting the relationship between cancer patients and their loved ones, through Bharatanatyam Classical Indian Dance!
As part of our facility upgrade, we have created an innovative integrated art gallery, which features and sponsors community works curated and created by The Flavor Continues and the CCCA, providing opportunities for artists, both young and seasoned, to share their voices and talents through visual arts, in a culturally diverse and welcoming setting, and with the goal of connecting them with art patrons, and auctioning their works to help fund their projects, charities, and causes of choice.

On the subject of diversity and equity, and a personal note, "Son of the South", a film for which I served as an Associate Producer, (see the trailer and Instagram page) was released on-demand and in theaters, during Black History Month. I began working on this film in 2009 as a tribute to my father, author James P. Marshall's SNCC colleague, Bob Zellner, the subject of the film, who inspired by Rosa Parks' words to him that "you're [he is] going to have to decide what side you're on — not choosing is a choice", embarked on a heroic journey, took a hard stance, and made a significant contribution to The Civil Rights Movement. These heroes and many others, continue to inspire us at the CCCA, to stand for truth, equity, culture, diversity, individual empowerment and freedom, and their cultivation through community arts and genuine sharing in the safe environment we work to create (see a selection of artist statements and community testimonials).

Our ongoing partnerships with Eureka Ensemble and The Flavor Continues (see 2020 narrated photo collage), have blossomed, and have resulted in about 70 hours and 26 private rehearsals, lessons, gatherings, and performance/event recordings/broadcasts per week (see our schedule), about 500 artist/student visits per month, and increased online event viewing from 150 participants to about 1600 per month. We estimate that throughout the pandemic, we have served over 250 local artists and 8,000 community members. Thanks to the continued support from the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Community Foundation, Cambridge Arts Council, BioMed Realty, our generous patrons, and our dedicated community volunteers, we've continued to grow and stabilize despite the pandemic, and to work to address the community needs that have resulted from it. We are actively cultivating more partnerships with grassroots organizations such as JazzBoston, and look forward to increasing our services and variety of offerings, with the aid of our newly release non-profit education web software upgrade, and expanded and enhanced arts facility!

Read on to learn about our Spring 2021 livestream events, interactive shows, workshops, and classes, and about our exciting non-profit education web software upgrade — The future is bright!!

In this Newsletter:
Section 1: View our upcoming livestreamed & interactive events, beginning April 11th!
Section 2: View our upcoming workshops.
Section 3: View our Spring 2021 diverse lineup classes.
Section 4: Learn about our non-profit's major education web software upgrade!
Section 1: Wonderful Livestreamed & Interactive Events
We invite you to join Rosalita's Puppets for a fun interactive marionette show for kids & parents, and also to view our "Live from the CCCA" variety show upcoming and past Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) livestreams!
For an interactive listing of events and shows, visit our Programs page (where the "Event" & "Performance/Show" checkboxes have been selected under the "Content / Offering Types" filter).
Magical Marionette Show: The Sea Story
A Virtual Kids & Family Interactive Show
By Charlotte Anne Dore
of Rosalita's Puppets
Sunday, April 11, 1:30 - 2:15 p.m.
Adventure under the sea with Miranda the Mermaid as she saves the pirate. Rosalita's Puppets show features beautiful marionettes such as sea creatures, pirates, Pinocchio and a mermaid in an original interactive story for all ages.
"Live from the CCCA" CCTV Livestream Broadcasts
A Bi-Weekly Show for All Ages
Next Show on
Tuesday, April 13, 4:30 - 5:27 p.m.
Join the CCCA faculty and visiting artists, educators, and community members, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, for quality arts entertainment, discussions, and lessons for all ages and abilities, featuring dance, music, martial arts, theater, health, fitness, wellness, visual arts, technology, science, & more, livecast by CCTV to the comfort of your home, work, or mobile device!
Tuesday, April 13, Broadcast Part 1, 4:30 p.m.:
Get motivated on how to establish a routine of creativity and movement for achieving balance, in this discussion with Jessica Liggero, who is back for a second installment, following her March 23 appearance in which she explored relationship between boxing and visual arts.
Tuesday, April 13, Broadcast Part 2, 5:00 p.m.:
Get inspired to eat healthy and learn about what the best diet is for optimal wellness, healing, and balance, in this follow-up discussion with Jessica Liggero.

View the shows live on Cambridge Channel 9, or at cctvcambridge.org/channel09, and stay tuned via our "Live from the CCCA" event page for the specific cultural and educational programming to be featured, and to view videos of past shows!
Section 2: Lineup of Online Interactive Workshops
Join Margaux Skalecki and Ukumbwa Sauti, for their 3rd healing, harmony, and understanding workshop, Russ Gershon for his 3rd Jazz Listening Session, and Charlotte Anne Dore of Rosalita's Puppets, for her special workshop series, where you and your kids will learn how to imagine, build, and perform with puppets!
For an interactive listing of workshops, visit our Programs page (where the "Workshop" checkbox has been selected under the "Content / Offering Types" filter).
Rosalita's Puppets Presents: Be a Puppeteer Workshop Series
A Virtual Kids & Family Creative Experience for Kids Ages 4 to 7
(Younger & Older Kids Welcome)
By Charlotte Anne Dore
3-Workshop Session
Sundays, April 18 & 25, & May 2
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Workshop 1: Choose, plan, and imagine a puppet through drawing, discussion, & play.
Workshop 2: Build a puppet using affordable and easily accessed materials.
Workshop 3: Learn how to perform, tell stories, and create a fun puppet skit!
Jazz Listening Sessions
For Musicians & Non-Musicians
By Russ Gershon
Saturday, April 17, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Join Russ, a five time Boston Music Award winner, who has been presenting jazz to the public since his days as a teenage DJ at WWPT-FM in Connecticut and WHRB-FM in Cambridge in the 1970’s. His career as a saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and educator, has prepared him to give clear but not simplistic explanations of what makes jazz tick. With a practitioner's knowledge, he can go as deep as the participants desire.
Creating Pathways to Understanding & Harmony for Men & Women
A Special Online Workshop Facilitated
By Ukumbwa Sauti & Margaux Skalecki
Saturday, April 24, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
This healing workshop presents a safe, brave space to address issues of sex/gender diversity, and promote awareness of how we are affected by the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, racism, misogyny, heterosexism, etc.
Section 3: Spring 2021 Online Interactive Classes
Our lineup of quality online classes for all ages and levels of ability, will keep you healthy and on your toes! Read on to learn about our newly added classes and upcoming sessions, beginning this Sunday, April 11th.
For an interactive listing of classes, visit our Programs page (where the "Class" checkbox has been selected under the "Content / Offering Types" filter).
Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee: Shadowboxing Level 1
By Jessica Liggero
Sundays, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
4-Class Sessions Begin Apr. 11 & May 9
Shadowboxing focuses on the development of basic boxing technique. Participants will learn the proper punch technique for straight/crooked punches, footwork and stance. Shadowboxing is a full body workout that focuses on breath and improves coordination while providing a fun mental challenge. Each class will progress with additional punch combinations, footwork, and defensive moves, in addition to a little core work. Have fun learning proper boxing technique from a former competitive boxer.
Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee: Shadowboxing Level 2
By Jessica Liggero
Sundays, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
4-Class Sessions Begin Apr. 11 & May 9
Shadowboxing level 2 is an intermediate/advanced class and is a continuation of the techniques learned in level 1. The pace of this class is faster and more emphasis will be placed on developing an individualized style in addition to refining technique. Students will become more comfortable with putting together their own combinations and improvising.
The Groove & Flow Experience: Yoga, Dance, Qigong, & Meditation
By Eve Costarelli
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
4-Class Session Begins April 11
Groove & Flow Embodied Movement is Eve's special blend of yoga, dance, Qigong, and meditation styles where the participants can explore and experience the joy of movement and freedom of expression within a supportive, creative environment, regardless of experience and/or abilities. This class is balanced with movement, relaxation and meditation and participants can be on a mat or in a chair.
Latin & Ballroom Footwork & Body Movement
By Dan Marshall
Sundays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Next Class on Oct. 18
4-Class Sessions Begin Apr. 11 & May 9
Take advantage of this social distancing period to advance your Latin & Ballroom footwork & body movement — solo dancing only, no partner needed. Each class will feature technique & choreography of 2 styles of dance, including Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo-Salsa, Samba, Bolero, Argentine Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing/Lindy, and Disco/Funk. A fun & informal experience, where style, elegance, and passion, will take over the dance floor, & fill your body with energy & confidence!
Vinyasa Bliss - Yoga
by Amber Jamanka
Mondays & Thursdays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Next Class on April 12
Vinyasa is a style of yoga that links movement and breath. In this one hour flow, Amber will gently guide you through the postures, building strength, flexibility, and balance. This class is open to adults and teens of all levels, and you should feel free to modify according to your own abilities. Mute your microphone, and put your favorite music on!
Belly Dance
By Johara
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Next Class on April 13
5-Class Session Begins May 4
Experience this earthy and sensual dance, and get a light cardio workout and all-over body toning. Learn or sharpen traditional Belly Dance movements from fiery hip-locks and shimmies, to slow serpentine undulations. Discover Egyptian, Cabaret, and Turkish style movements and fun combinations. Develop poise, and gain a more graceful and fluid body. Each class, will build on the next, working on technique, choreography, & improvisation.
Beginner Belly Dance
By Seyyide Sultan
Tuesdays, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
Next Class on April 13
Learn the dance women have performed for ages in the Middle East and North Africa, where different parts of the body are moved independently, layered to make a unity. These polycentric movements develop body awareness and coordination. Movements centered on the trunk rather than the limbs (unlike occidental dances) have a wonderful positive effect on the body and mind. This class is for students with less than 6 months of belly dance experience, or those getting back into it.
Advanced Belly Dance
By Seyyide Sultan
Tuesdays, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Next Class on April 13
This advanced class is for those with at least a few years of experience, including at least some previous exposure to Egyptian style. Students will use veils and canes regularly. Basic cane twirling is assumed to be known. Basic veil handling is assumed to be known. There will be professional dancers among the students, so expect the level to raise significantly compared with the previous level.
The 5Rhythms'
Sweat Your Prayers®
By Margaux Skalecki
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Next Class on April 14
Sweat Your Prayers® is a dance gathering where we bring our individual 5Rhythms® practice and move through the Rhythms of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness with dedication and freedom. The intention of this class is to have spaciousness and relatively little formal instruction, relying on the individual to create and support one’s own journey into the Wave of music. From exploring the endless boundaries of these 5Rhythms we develop, as Gabrielle Roth often taught, the discipline needed to be a free spirit, and thus the freedom to wholly dance with the sacredness of oneself, another, and community.
Intermediate Belly Dance
By Seyyide Sultan
Fridays, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Next Class on April 16
This intermediate class is for those with several months of experience, coming from another teacher/location or from Seyyide's own beginner classes, only after they have already internalized the fundamentals of belly dance, and a repertoire of basic movements, and are familiar with some rhythms and with combining movements. Students will use veils and might also introduce some simple cane twirling technique and simple movements.
Introduction to Tai Chi for Beginners
By Jessica Sollee
Saturdays, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Stay Tuned for Upcoming Sessions
Jessica's classes include a gentle warmup, basic qigong forms and exercises, and a slow approach to learning tai chi steps and the basics of the 24 Yang tai chi short form. It is geared for brand new beginners and their first experience of tai chi, but anyone may attend. This introductory class will be a way to gently ease into movement after a stagnant year. It is very relaxing, grounding and helps promote the flow of energy and blood circulation, loosen tight muscles and a great way to relieve stress.
Section 4: Announcing the Release of our Non-Profit's Education Web Major Software Upgrade!
After 15 months of hard work, we are delighted to announce that we have completed a significant upgrade to our non-profit's institution, artist/educator, and student management software and website technology! Our goal was to upgrade our legacy version, to make it a truly tailored and modern software for onsite, online, and hybrid arts, culture, and educational programming, coupled with a robust infrastructure that will allow it to easily scale up to more users and institutions/content providers.

The new technology is seamlessly integrated into our website, and features several key views, to allow you to browse and enjoy current and past cultural offerings:
  • The Programs view, lets you see all of our offerings both in tile and table formats, filter them by programs, categories, content types, ages, levels, instructor/producers, online/onsite, and locations, and conveniently access each offering for more details and to register.
  • The Schedule view allows you to browse by week, day, and instructor, and soon also by category, and allows you to further filter and refine each view by location, program, category, and instructor/producer.
  • The Faculty view displays the wonderful instructors and producers we have worked with since 2003, allows you to quickly search and filter, and then be able to view each instructor/producer profile, and their current and past offerings.
  • All of our past student accounts, have been maintained, so if you had an active E-Mail in our system, you will be able to create a password, and easily gain access to your account. Once logged in, both returning and new students are able to conveniently access all info on the content/offerings they register for going forward, update their accounts, and click to attend virtual programming. Past transactions, will also be ported over, and viewable in the future.
  • We hope you have a smooth experience navigating our new system, and are available at (617) 642-1444 and dan.yonah.marshall@gmail.com to answer question and assist with sign-in and registration. We also thank you for your patience and feedback, as we continue to improve the software.

Stay tuned for our upcoming upgrade, that will allow for on-demand video viewing, both free and paid, to further contribute to the gainful employment of the artists we serve, and for greater convenience and access to the community!

We wish to thank our incredible software design team at Nix Solutions, for their dedication, brilliance, and care for our community vision!
Thank you all for your support of and participation in the arts, and we look forward to seeing you soon online or onsite!

Best Regards & Wishes,

Dan Yonah Marshall
President & Executive Artistic Director
Brookline/Cambridge Community Center for the Arts, Inc. (BCCA / CCCA)
Direct: (617) 642-1444
Website: www.CCCAonline.org
For Info & Media Inquiries, Contact Dan Marshall, Executive Artistic Director
at (617) 642-1444  dan.yonah.marshall@gmail.com
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