Hartford’s EBK Gallery Hosting A Week Of Dance Performances

A new exhibit is coming to Hartford’s EBK Gallery, but it isn’t artwork — it’s dance.

Arien Wilkerson, a Hartford-based choreographer, dance director and performer, along with his dance company Tnmot Aztro, will put on a series of performances at the gallery at 218 Pearl St., Hartford, beginning Monday, June 20. The free performances are scheduled 8 to 9:30 p.m. through Saturday, June 25.

During each day, Wilkerson will choreograph different dances relating to his project, “Black Boy Jungle,” that will be performed evenings. Some days will have specific themes, while others will not.

“It’s all an experiment, there’s no big grand plan,” says Eric Ben-Kiki, owner of EBK. “The use of the gallery is their sketchbook.”

“Black Boy Jungle” is a contemporary dance revolving around social justice and the reclaiming of identities regarding the current immigration and political climates, according to Wilkerson, who says the performances will be dedicated to both art and history.

Reggae band Ellis Island Band will perform Monday to kick off the event. Friday will feature an art reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Those interested in viewing the rehearsals can stop by the gallery and watch from inside or outside of the building. The gallery will also be live streaming and recording the entire series, which will be posted on ebkgallery.com and tnmotaztro.com.

The week of rehearsals lead up to Tnmot Aztro’s larger performance scheduled on July 22 and 23 at the Town and County Club, 22 Woodland St., Hartford. For updates about that show, visit facebook.com/TNMOTLIFE.

EBK GALLERY HOSTS ARIEN WILKERSON Monday through Saturday, June 20 to 25, at 218 Pearl St., Hartford. An art reception will be held Friday, June 24, from 6-8:30 p.m. This event is free. For more information call EBK Gallery 860-523-9384 or visit ebkgallery.com.

Editor’s note: This story has been edited to correct the location of the dance performances.