blakk jakk dance collective

- 3663 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121

The **Blakk Jakk Dance Collective** is a vibrant and unique point of interest in the Greater Cleveland area, serving as a dedicated hub for artistic expression, cultural preservation, and community healing through movement. Based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, this organization is much more than just a dance studio; it is a community project-based dance company committed to advancing cultural awareness and social mindfulness through the arts. Founded by RonDale Simpson in the summer of 2020, the collective emerged during a time when connection and creative outlets were desperately needed, maintaining a core spirit of community care ever since.

What truly sets Blakk Jakk Dance Collective apart in the Ohio arts scene is its focus on **African diaspora dance styles**, including Hip-Hop fusion, contemporary, African dance with a jazz flare, stepping (HBCU style), and foundational techniques like Horton and Dunham. These styles are taught with an emphasis on emotional processing and storytelling, encouraging dancers to connect deeply with the rich cultural heritage and historical narratives embedded in the movement. The collective's vision is to preserve, transform, and unify communities by extending, exploring, and validating the Black narrative through the powerful medium of dance.

The organization proudly identifies as both a **Black-owned** and **Veteran-owned** business, bringing a unique perspective of discipline, community service, and cultural celebration to its programs. It actively seeks to create opportunities for dancers of color to improve their skills, perform, build a thriving professional network, and create works of artistic excellence. Whether you are a complete beginner seeking a fun, therapeutic class or an experienced dancer looking for project-based performance opportunities, the Blakk Jakk Dance Collective offers a welcoming and inclusive space for all ages—from school-aged children (often starting around age 3) to adults. For residents across Northeast Ohio, it represents a dynamic and culturally significant resource for arts education and engagement.

Location and Accessibility

The **Blakk Jakk Dance Collective** is conveniently located in the thriving, diverse community of Cleveland Heights, making it easily accessible for residents across Northeast Ohio. Its home base is currently:

3663 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121, USA

This location places the collective along a major thoroughfare, ensuring easy navigation and access from surrounding areas like Shaker Heights, University Heights, and the broader Cleveland metropolitan area. Accessibility is a clear priority for the organization, allowing both young students and adult participants to attend classes and rehearsals without difficulty.

Key accessibility features for Ohio users include:

• Free Parking Lot: The availability of an on-site, dedicated parking lot eliminates the stress of street parking and provides convenient access for families bringing children to classes or for adult participants commuting to the studio.
• Good for Kids: The programming is specifically curated to be inclusive and beneficial for children, indicating a safe, nurturing, and age-appropriate environment for young dancers. The focus on foundational skills and creative movement makes it an ideal extracurricular choice for families in the region.

Services Offered (as a Dance Company)

The collective offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to diverse skill levels, from recreational learning to professional development, all within a culturally centered framework.

• Weekly Drop-In Classes: Offering open classes for all levels (rookies to pros) in various styles, including Hip-Hop fusion, contemporary, and African dance, designed for community building and movement exploration.
• Youth Dance Education: Specialized classes that focus on introducing African diaspora dance styles to children, fostering fine motor skills, musical awareness, and cultural appreciation from a young age.
• Project-Based Performance Opportunities: Providing emerging and professional dancers of color with structured opportunities to rehearse, create new artistic works, and perform in community events and local theatre productions (such as the Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks series).
• Cultural Workshops and Intensives: Hosting educational workshops that delve into the history and technique of specific African and African diaspora styles, such as Stepping and Gumboot dance, to advance cultural awareness and mastery.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local schools, organizations (like the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning), and community centers to broaden the reach of their culturally-rich dance programming across Northeast Ohio.
• Artistic Development and Mentorship: Offering a safe, inclusive space for dancers to explore personal expression, emotional processing through dance, and build a positive network with peers and professional teaching artists.

Features / Highlights

The Blakk Jakk Dance Collective’s distinct features solidify its role as a key institution in Ohio’s arts and culture landscape, appealing to those who value diversity, history, and community engagement.

• Authentic Cultural Focus: The primary mission is to preserve, transform, and unify communities by centering on dance in the African diaspora, making it a powerful resource for cultural education in the region.
• Dual Ownership Identity: It proudly identifies as both **Black-owned** and **Veteran-owned**, reflecting strong community ties, ethical business practices, and a foundation of discipline and service.
• Emphasis on Holistic Health: The collective incorporates an approach to dance that supports emotional processing and mental well-being, providing a "true safe space" where dancers can freely exist and transform through movement.
• Broad Age Range Inclusion: Programming successfully serves a diverse age group, from young children (Good for kids) to adults, facilitating intergenerational learning and a long-term commitment to dance.
• High-Level Artistic Excellence: Despite its community focus, the collective is recognized for its artistic quality, regularly performing at respected venues and festivals, including collaborative works that showcase diverse Black dancers and conceptual storytelling.
• Project-Based Community Model: Operates as a project-based company, which allows for conceptual depth in their performances, exploring themes of social justice, Black identity, and storytelling in a nuanced, multi-layered way.

Contact Information

To connect with the Blakk Jakk Dance Collective for class schedules, performance bookings, or general inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3663 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121, USA

Phone: (216) 628-5011

Mobile Phone: +1 216-628-5011

The team encourages prospective dancers and community partners to reach out via phone or check their online platforms for the most current class registration and event information.

What is Worth Choosing Blakk Jakk Dance Collective

For residents in Cleveland Heights and the wider Ohio region, choosing the **Blakk Jakk Dance Collective** is a choice to support authentic cultural arts, local entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. It is worth choosing because it provides a rare blend of high-caliber artistic training and profound social impact.

By enrolling a child in classes or participating as an adult, you are not just learning steps; you are engaging in cultural preservation and celebrating the resilience and creativity of the African diaspora. The collective’s dual identity as a **Black-owned** and **Veteran-owned** business means your support directly contributes to the success of diverse local entrepreneurs in Ohio. Furthermore, the dedication to providing a safe, inclusive space for emotional processing through movement makes it a truly unique resource for mental and physical well-being. Whether you are seeking a supportive environment for your child's first dance experience or a professional opportunity to perform cutting-edge works with a strong cultural narrative, the Blakk Jakk Dance Collective stands out as an indispensable, community-focused gem in Ohio’s performing arts landscape.

blakk jakk dance collective

3663 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121, USA