About Uprooted - The Journey of Jazz Dance

"Uprooted - The Journey of Jazz Dance" is a documentary film that celebrates the history, lineage, and future progression of jazz dance. The film's narrative, conceptualized through interviews and footage, locates the origins of jazz dance in African dance and drumming practices and follows its evolution on American soil.

Making / Production

The film is directed by Khadifa Wong and produced by Lisa Donmall-Reeve and focuses on the dance style that has often been seen as less significant than ballet, contemporary and hip hop. The film involved traveling across three continents to interview and film dancers, choreographers, teachers, and historians who live and breathe jazz dance.

Actors

• Debbie Allen: Renowned choreographer and actress, known for her role on the 1980 television series Fame, gave a stellar performance and commentary about the power and influence of jazz dance.
• George Faison: Tony Award-winning choreographer and dancer, spoke passionately about his experiences with jazz dance.
• Camille A. Brown: The phenomenally talented choreographer and educator, provided a unique perspective on the intersection of jazz dance and theatre.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film features 56 interviews across three continents.
• The film includes rare archival footage of historic performances from early 20th century to today.
• This film emphasizes on the importance and influence of black artists in the journey of Jazz Dance.

Awards

The film has been applauded at a number of film festivals but has not won any major awards as of now.

Quotes

• "The only thing new is you finding out about it." - Gregory Hines
• "Jazz is the teacher, Funk is the preacher." - Funkadelic

Music, Soundtrack

• The film features a wide array of jazz music, showcasing many classic and contemporary jazz pieces.