SETTING THE SCENE

Street Dance, rooted in African ceremonial traditions, flourished in New York clubs. No Dancing Allowed delves into its history and the harmful effects of institutional suppression. The 1926 Cabaret Law, along with an excise tax, shut Harlem jazz clubs, hindering the growth of Lindy Hop (Hip-Hop's jazzy ancestor) and ending the Harlem Renaissance. The Cabaret Law required nightlife venues to have a license to dance. Permits were mainly granted to white owners, closing communal dance spaces and stifling the exchange of dance knowledge. Consequently, Lindy Hop's popularity shifted to Europe, predominantly Sweden.

During Mayor Giuliani's 1990s "quality of life" campaign, the cabaret laws were revived, closing many House dance venues under the guise of reducing crime. This disproportionately targeted black communities. Government policies have often disrupted NYC dance scenes, leading dancers to establish alternative spaces like dance studios. Accessibility barriers to formal classes threaten to exclude those who created these styles. With the emergence of institutionalized spaces and social media, the original essence of these styles is shifting. How do dancers preserve and respect the spontaneity, improvisation, and raw energy that characterized these dances in their early days while adapting to the changing landscape of the street dance scene? 

PURPOSE

1) Provide reliable documentation on the origins of street dance in light of media misrepresentation

2) Pay homage to the nostalgic & eclectic energy of nightclubs, social gatherings, and art culture throughout the 20th century

3) Examine the side effects of public policy on performing artists and explore their impact on marginalized communities

PRODUCTION TEAM

Earthbound Studio is an organization established two years ago with a mission to positively influence the dance sphere using industry research, film & media, and direct collaboration with cultural pioneers. Our goal is to empower artists, advocate for fair compensation, and illuminate untold stories. 

Kelly Peters and Gladys Bank are the renowned founders of Brickhouse NYC, a premier Hip Hop and commercial dance training studio located in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Their vision has turned the studio into a national hub for the ultimate dance training experience, attracting an international community of dancers and instructors. Peters and Bank are not only dedicated to the teaching and preservation of authentic Hip Hop culture but are also focused on its evolution through cutting-edge choreography and commercial styles. They hold prominent roles as Executive Producers for No Dancing Allowed, further showcasing their passion and commitment to the dance industry.

Sekou Heru and LaTasha Barnes are both co-Executive Producers and primary subjects of No Dancing Allowed. They live and breathe Street Dance culture, with decades of experience as practitioners and educators of House, Hip-Hop, and Lindy Hop. 

PROGRESS TO DATE

OUR GOAL

We aim to raise $20,000 to fund the remaining part of our production. These funds will cover primary production costs such as artist and crew salaries, camera and sound equipment rentals, transportation, and other crew-related expenses. This funding is vital to our film's development, as we still have several significant scenes to shoot. These scenes are essential for the character development of LaTasha and Sekou and the world-building of the era in which our story unfolds. We strive to portray this film as authentically and historically accurately as possible. With your support, we can achieve this goal.

Earthbound Studio is sponsored by From the Heart Productions, as such all donations will be tax deductible.

Simultaneously, we continue to embark on our private investor raise to fund licensing stock footage and animations that will be essential to convey the story. Should you or anyone you know like to get involved with this project on such a level, please email [email protected].

THE IMPACT

Your involvement would support dance artists, draw attention to a story that needs to be told, and challenge a system that has suppressed this vibrant art form and community for decades. No Dancing Allowed is more than just a film; it's a movement toward understanding dance's cultural heritage and reclaiming a history that systemic forces have tried to erase for decades.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Even if you are not able to donate at this time, there are still other ways you can help our team! Please share this page, follow our instagram page @earthbound.studio, share our posts—every share helps get the word out. Let's make some noise about our campaign!

Our pitch deck for No Dancing Allowed can be viewed here... Click Me!