UMA’s Flow State is a new performance series premiering in Philly Fringe 2025. The event features physically daring and artistically adventurous dance works, fusing the worlds of street, contemporary theater and folkloric dance. Performance material is generated via workshops led by three teams of Philly based choreographers: OreOluwa Badaki, Jonathan Van Arneman & Anna Martone; Allison Smith & Kayliani Sood; Chloe Marie & Alex Brazinski.  The choreographic teams share an aim of producing a dance experience that unites virtuosity, whimsy, the ethereal, surrealism and groove. Flow State is an immersive event, somewhere between a party and happening, set to the vibrations and sounds of DJs and live musicians inside an environment of projections and installations that stimulate the senses. 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 20th
Rehearsals start July 27th
Performance/ party: September 28th @ First Unitarian Church
​
REGISTRATION FEES:
NON MEMBERS:
$110 
$20 add on for each additional piece you register for
MEMBERS:
$85 
$10 add on for each additional piece you register for
If you are also participating in 'WORKINONIT Fringe Edition', you will receive 25% off both registrations


REHEARSAL SCHEDULES/ PIECE DESCRIPTIONS
JONATHAN, ORE AND ANNA'S PIECE
Place: 812 Chestnut
Dates: July 27-Sept 21
Sundays 1:30-3:00pm

This piece will be created and directed by Jonathan van Arneman, Anna Martone, and  OreOluwa Badaki, whose recent collaboration seed & sound explored diasporic identities through House, West African neotraditional dance, and contemporary movement. While this will be a new piece, it is shaped by our foundation of shared curiosity, creativity, and contribution.

Participants can expect a process-oriented environment that honors the body as a site of expression, resource, and research. Our work is deeply influenced by storytelling, cultural memory, and archives of movement traditions. We aim not just to show dance, but to curate embodied experiences with audiences. Participants will get to join us in this process and gain insights for choreographic/compositional collaborations they may wish to pursue in the future. Through structured improvisation, phrase work, rhythm study, and artifact exploration, we will investigate themes of time and what we do with it (in art and in life).


Styles: While West African, House, and Contemporary influences will be incorporated, movement vocabulary will also be drawn from the group as a whole.

Vibe: Exploratory, process-oriented, community-centered. Rooted in joy, play, and inquiry.

Music: Percussive, Afro-diasporic

Skill Level: Open level – we welcome dancers with a range of backgrounds. Advanced beginner and above recommended; comfort with improvisation, storytelling, and collaboration is encouraged.

Themes: Time and temporality ​


ALEX AND CHLOE'S PIECE
Place: 812 Chestnut
Dates: August 2-September 27
Saturdays 4:30-6:00pm
Rehearsal Updates:
8/23 extend 4:30-7:30
8/30 cancelled

This performance will blend contemporary dance floorwork, acrobatics, and contact partnering, creating a dynamic interplay between structured choreography and improvisation.

Expect a theatrical and innovative atmosphere where individuality is valued and where complex movements are executed in unison. The performance will evoke a sense of connection and presence among the dancers.

We are seeking dancers with an "advanced beginner" level and above, particularly those with experience in acrobatics and floorwork to facilitate a strong foundation for collaboration.

The piece will explore themes of risk-taking and creativity, encouraging participants to delve into the relationship between these concepts as they enhance their technical skills in soft acrobatics and floorwork. The overarching theme will be the celebration of individuality within collective movement. 

Dancers should come prepared to research and embody these themes throughout the creative process.
​

ALLISON AND KAYLIANI'S PIECE
Place: 2100 Chestnut
Dates: August 1st- September 26th
2100 Fridays 7:00-8:30pm

​The two of us, Allison and Kayliani, are interested in using the movement aesthetic that we developed for Jumper Cables to tell a new story. Our vibe is straightforward, athletic, and physically rigorous. We are interested in the fusion of contemporary and street dance styles like house and breaking set to live, improvisational music. This process is best suited for the advanced beginner and above— some prior experience in any of these styles is recommended.

Register to perform in WORKINONIT- UMA Fringe edition! UMA instructors choreograph on casts of student performers. You can sign up for one piece or multiple!

Sign up for the choreographer's piece that you would like to participate in below. We will contact you to complete payment on 7/13. 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 13th
Rehearsals start July 19th
Performance/ party: September 21st @ First Unitarian Church
​
REGISTRATION FEES:
NON MEMBERS:
$110 
$20 add on for each additional piece you register for
MEMBERS:
$85 
$10 add on for each additional piece you register for
If you are also participating in 'Flow State', you will receive 25% off both registration


REHEARSALS
MARCUS
Place: 812 Chestnut
Dates: July 20-September 14
Sundays 10:30am-12pm

Styles used for this piece will be House and lofting. 
Vibes will be consistent with the emotions and flows of the timeline of house dance and music styles


JAE
Place: 812 Chestnut
Dates: July 20-September 14
Sundays 12-1:30pm

The styles we will focus on in this piece are heels and twerk. The vibes and the music are giving early 2000s pop/R&B era with some hip-hop. I am looking for dancers of all levels - there's space for everyone! If you would prefer to dance only in one style, that is fine as well. Come ready to learn and perform!


EMERALD
Place: 812 Chestnut
Dates: July 25- September 19
Fridays 7:30-9pm
Reschedule Updates: 
-July 25th and August 15th CANCELLED
New Rehearsal times:
- August 9th 10:30am-12 @ 812 Chestnut
-September 6th 10:30am-12 @ 812 Chestnut

My choreo will be mainly hip hop exploring themes of self-identity and expression. This piece should feel like a release and an opportunity to say what you have to say!

This piece is recommended for intermediate dancers and above, but if you're up for the challenge and ready to work then this is for you!


ALEXIS
Place: 2100 Chestnut
Dates: July 24-September 18
Thursdays 9-10:30pm 
Reschedule Updates:
July 24, & September 11
New Rehearsal times:
August 17 and 24th from 3-4:40pm @ 2100 Chestnut

Calling for Intermediate/advanced dancers, anyone who's trained in my classes &/or performed in my works in the past who are open to the challenge of being part of a fun, dynamic, versatile, & explosive piece for this series! I'm personally interested in utilizing Hip Hop, House & Street Jazz, however I will Highlight the street dance vernacular that my cast has strengths in as individuals and a unit. Music & Vibe will be a surprise (hehe)


RICKY
Place: 2100 Chestnut
Dates: July 26-September 20
Saturdays 5:30-7pm 
Reschedule Updates:
July 26th
New Rehearsal Time:
July 27th 3-4:30pm @ 2100 Chestnut

​My WORKINONIT piece is called "I Just Wanna Rock". It's a genre-bending performance where we will use street and club styles to the soundtrack of a few Rock songs. I will be pulling from several different styles. Ideally, I'd like to have participants that are comfortable and confident in their movement and sense of rhythm. Whether Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, I will make an effort to make sure you feel more than capable of performing.

​​Philly Hip Hop Heroes 
Summer Workshop Series 
12 Weeks of Training!

Upcoming Series:
HOUSE with Marcus, Josh 'Peazy' Polk, and Jazmin Gilbert

Dates:
July 8th-26th
​
Class Times:
Tuesdays 7-8:30pm
Saturdays 4-5:30pm
@ 2100 Chestnut

Jazmin will teach with Marcus: July 8th, July 15th & July 19th
Peazy will teach with Marcus: July 12th & July 26th

Pricing: 
$75 for 1 class/week
$140 for 2 classes/ week 

To Register:
Fill out the registration form below! We will contact you prior to the start date to complete the registration fee

More Info on the Series:
Philly is a legendary city for hip hop and street dance culture. There is undoubtedly a Philly way, a Philly style. No one Locks like Philly Lockers, predominantly thanks to the contributions of the Hood Lockers. Philly Hip Hop has an uncanny way of combining multiple languages with raw, yet clear expression. Before there was the term All Styles, Philly Hip Hop dancers embodied all street dance languages, getting busy with backrocks, going airborne and breaking it down with undeniable groove. When it comes to House, we have the knowledge and language of New York while reflecting our own Philly OGs and the essence of our club history. 

For 12 weeks this summer, UMA will feature leaders in Philly's street dance scene, covering locking, house and hip hop.  These workshops are directed by Marcus 'Epic' Tucker. Similar to the battle program, Marcus, will form a bridge between students and Philly street dance luminaries. Whereas the battle program was getting students geared up to compete. This workshop will help further develop technique, personal style and undoubtedly help participants to have deeper rooting in Philly street dance history and culture.

 The series launches with Marcus and Dru, offering insights into Locking and Hood Locking. For house, we are featuring Josh 'Peazy' Polk. For Hip Hop and deep insight into Philly culture, we are featuring Gate Tha Monster and  Phil "J.I.P. THE RULER " Cuttino Jr.

This summer continue to level up at UMA by studying with Philly's HIp Hop Heroes. ​

Catch 2 Heels Workshops with Julian Darden coming up!

BEGINNER WORKSHOP
​Slow, grounded, and soul-centered. This beginner-friendly choreo workshop helps you move with intention and reconnect with your body. The vibe is soft strength—fluid, expressive, and unapologetically present.
Heels optional. All are welcome.


Saturday, June 28
8-9:30pm
@ 2100 Chestnut

INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED WORKSHOP
​Bold. Technical. Unfiltered. This workshop moves fast and hits hard—with detailed choreography that demands focus, control, and attitude. Come ready to sweat, slay, and leave it all on the floor. Heels encouraged. Experience recommended.

Friday, July 11th 
8:00-9:30pm
@ 2100 Chestnut ​

Check out a note from Vince: 

UMA People,

We are back with another UMA People video. I hope you enjoyed my sit down with Nick. I am pleased to share with you my conversation with Susan Ragland.

Susan has been dancing at UMA since pre-2020. I am sure many of you have rocked steady with Susan in Marcus and/or Ricky's locking classes. She is by far one of the most funky dancers in our community. There ain't no faking the step nor the funk when it comes to Susan. She has the groove hands down. If she did the locking battle a few months ago, a lot of y'all would have had trouble. 

Susan and I had a really nice conversation. The location was quite pleasant and we had the opportunity to speak about music, dance and art in general. We also had a chance to speak about some of UMA's teachers and her unique dance journey. 

In street dance and hip hop culture, there is a cliche, "each one, teach one." Susan is a very special student that learns in our classrooms while also expressing the spirit of groove and funk culture so vividly and powerfully that we, the teachers, gain and grow by way of her participation.  Thank you, Susan!

Enjoy my chat with Susan!

​Philly Hip Hop Heroes 
Summer Workshop Series 
12 Weeks of Training!

Registration will open for each 3 week series separately

Opening Series:
Locking with Marcus ( aka Epic) and Dru (aka Riot)

Dates:
June 17th-July 5th

Class Times:
Tuesdays 7-8:30pm (with Marcus)
Saturdays 4-5:30pm (with Marcus and Dru)
@ 2100 Chestnut

Pricing: 
$75 for 1 class/week for the 3 week series
$140 for 2 classes/ week for the 3 week series

​Stay Tuned for announcements for series featuring:
Gate Tha Monster
Josh "Peazy" Polk
Phil "J.I.P. THE RULER " Cuttino Jr.
...and possibly more

Philly is a legendary city for hip hop and street dance culture. There is undoubtedly a Philly way, a Philly style. No one Locks like Philly Lockers, predominantly thanks to the contributions of the Hood Lockers. Philly Hip Hop has an uncanny way of combining multiple languages with raw, yet clear expression. Before there was the term All Styles, Philly Hip Hop dancers embodied all street dance languages, getting busy with backrocks, going airborne and breaking it down with undeniable groove. When it comes to House, we have the knowledge and language of New York while reflecting our own Philly OGs and the essence of our club history. 

For 12 weeks this summer, UMA will feature leaders in Philly's street dance scene, covering locking, house and hip hop.  These workshops are directed by Marcus 'Epic' Tucker. Similar to the battle program, Marcus, will form a bridge between students and Philly street dance luminaries. Whereas the battle program was getting students geared up to compete. This workshop will help further develop technique, personal style and undoubtedly help participants to have deeper rooting in Philly street dance history and culture.

 The series launches with Marcus and Dru, offering insights into Locking and Hood Locking. For house, we are featuring Josh 'Peazy' Polk. For Hip Hop and deep insight into Philly culture, we are featuring Gate Tha Monster and  Phil "J.I.P. THE RULER " Cuttino Jr.

This summer continue to level up at UMA by studying with Philly's HIp Hop Heroes. ​