Speaker: Professor Lawrence M. Jackson

Presented by the Lifelong Learning Institute, Manassas

This event is open to the public. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Institute, Manassas, visit lli-manassas.org

In anticipation of the Sunday, October 5 performance of the innovative Pilobolus Dance Theater at the Hylton Center, Professor Lawrence M. Jackson will join us for an interactive class that blends gentle movement and lively discussion. Known for their breathtaking physicality, theatricality, and collaborative spirit, Pilobolus has redefined the boundaries of contemporary dance for over 50 years.

This class will begin with a guided movement exploration accessible to all bodies—no dance experience necessary! Participants will have the opportunity to embody some of the principles that define Pilobolus’s unique style, including shape-making, weight-sharing, and storytelling through the body. The second portion of the class will transition into a dynamic discussion about the company’s history, creative process, and cultural impact, with time for Q&A throughout. Whether you are new to dance or a lifelong enthusiast, this class invites you to move, reflect, and engage with dance in a whole new way.

Lawrence M. Jackson is a professor of dance in George Mason University’s School of Dance. Prior to joining George Mason, Lawrence held various prominent roles at the University of Alabama, including associate chair of dance, and artistic director of the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre. Throughout his career, he has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in jazz, contemporary dance, dance history, pedagogy, African American dance studies, improvisation, and choreography. Professionally, Lawrence spent several years performing with the internationally renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. As a prolific choreographer, Lawrence has created over 95 original works. One of his recent achievements includes choreographing the off-Broadway production Separate and Equal . In the realm of dance scholarship, Lawrence has made significant contributions to the field of Black Dance. He co-edited and published a special edition of the Journal of Pan African Studies focusing entirely on Black Dance—only the second academic journal edition in history dedicated to this subject.