The relationship between Black History and dance is rooted in resilience, expression, and
cultural preservation. Black Africans carried their native dances to North, Central, and South
America, as well as the Caribbean, during the Transatlantic slave trade in the 1500s. Dance
became a way to connect with their heritage, preserve traditions, and maintain a sense of
identity. Today, the influence of Black Africans and African Americans in dance continues to
shape and redefine the art form, leaving a lasting impact across genres and generations.
Goucher’s Dance Department is hosting two guest artists: Frederick Earl Mosley and Goucher
College alumni Jamison Curcio ’19. Mosley and Jamison have been working and rehearsing
with Goucher dancers for the upcoming Spring dance concert.
Native to Raleigh, North Carolina, Frederick Earl Mosley began his career in dance at the North
Carolina School of the Arts. He trained at The Ailey School and Martha Graham School of
Contemporary Dance in New York. His profound choreography resumé includes works from the
Dallas Black Theater and Edge Works Dance Theater. With his experience choreographing, he
has taught at some of the most noted institutions such as the University of Oklahoma, the
University of Kansas City, New York University, the Tokyo School of Music, and many more. In
2005, he was named Teacher of the Year by Dance Teacher Magazine and is the artist director
of the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment program, Life Dance Company. He is also the
founder of Diversity of Dance and the Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts.
I sat down with Nina Bouknight ’28, who is a part of the cast for Mosley’s piece this semester. I
asked Nina what it was like to work with Mosley and what was she learning in the process as a
Black dancer. “It’s refreshing to see a Black choreographer at such a high level with years of
experience. He’s so great and passionate and pushes you in a good way. As a Black dancer, I
feel represented and able to relate to him. I have more confidence in myself and in my work.”
Jamison Curcio graduated from Goucher in 2019. I attended one of their rehearsals to see how
they were run. I asked about their return to Goucher, and working with new faces: “Everyone is
new to me. I was searching for people who aren’t afraid to ‘play’ or improv with different music.”
The energy of the rehearsals was very collaborative and open. She tells me that she wants to
teach about the meaning of witnessing and holding space for people to be vulnerable which is
also the driving factor of their piece. Growing up listening to jazz, blues, and soul, it has heavily
influenced their teaching and implementing improv. The genres will make up the composition of
the final piece.
For Carter Ayodele-Hinton ’25, working with Jamison was a transformative experience that
fostered creative growth and self-trust. “Working with Jamison was liberating—she fostered a
collaborative space where every dancer is seen and valued, making it easier for me to trust my
own abilities. I appreciated the push to learn new techniques and the exposure to diverse Black
choreographers on campus, which challenged my insecurities and expanded my creative perspective. Ultimately, the experience has empowered me to embrace my creative autonomy,
fueling both my artistic growth and my upcoming capstone project,” Carter says.
Every rehearsal starts with music study and improv. The dancers do not know the music.
Jamison explains that this way of warming up is a way to shed and let go of all of the “baggage”
from earlier classes and responsibilities. They love how this technique is very accessible to anyone outside of dance. “They are able to be more open physically and mentally.”
Jayce Taylor ’28, a dancer who’s also a part of Jamison’s piece, talks about the process: “I feel
internally impacted and connected to myself with the music study, and it makes it easier to get
into my own body. I embedded shedding and incorporated it into my own dance practice.”
During the rehearsal, Jamison keeps the curtains to the dance mirrors closed. She tells me,
“The mirror can be used as a tool but also hinder us.” Without them, it allows the dancers to be
more confident in their bodies and minds. These techniques were constructed and perfected
both by herself in her professional career and at Goucher. “Goucher was a stepping stone in my career. Goucher allowed seeds and tools to be planted, and was very transformative and informative.”
During their time at Goucher, Jamison helped co-found Dancers of Color Coalition which is a club to connect People of Color who are looking for a platform to express themselves and to connect with one another through art and dance. “It had a huge impact on my life and the dance community. Organizing and supporting a community, and being a leader and stepping back for others to be able to take space,” says Jamison.
“I think Jamison is pretty cool. She’s very intentional with instruction and chores. A lot of
momentum [used in the movement] but it’s never too much and the movement is very grounded
and fast. I’m able to see things a lot clearer now with taking up space and clearing my head
space. Be free and move how I choose to. Really allows me to see myself more rather than just
being a dancer. I hope to get to work with her more while in school or in graduate school and to
be able to share the things I’ve learned with other people.” says Jayce.
Celebrating and uplifting Black artists is essential, as it provides a platform to share unspoken
stories, showcase Black excellence, and express resilience. Featuring their work whether on
stage or in any artistic medium empowers Black communities and inspires future generations
while increasing visibility for those who may face systemic barriers in their careers. Goucher
College supports these artists through collaborative teaching, diverse creative opportunities,
and an open, inclusive community. Courses that offer the style of West African dance further
enrich students’ understanding of cultural traditions and movements.
The Spring Dance Concert will highlight works by renowned choreographers Mosley, Jamison,
and George Staib, as well as original student pieces by Nalani Brown and Sam Koseff on April
4th & 5th. Come support your fellow students: Sam Koseff ’25 Phoebe Harrison ’27, Yvonne Nguyen ’27, Nalani Brown ’26, Sophia Trapazzano ’28, Lily Hickey ’26, Jocelyn Odom ’27, Paige Fried ’27, Sarah Hodges ’28, Theo Seibert ’25, Tovah Oslovich ’27, Emma Howerton ’28, Lilly Perron ’28, Nina Bouknight ’28, Jordan Dumas ’25, Jayce Taylor ’28, Carter Ayodele-Hinton ’25, and Lydia Dewitt ’28.
Special thanks to Yvonne Nguyen!
By Joshua Haynes, ’27
