Taraja Echols Email and Phone Number

Working, training and teach various styles of dance to put on a series of shows that brings the community together and inspires them through our movement. Through poetry and movement we are learning how to navigate through the world and spark a change within our community for black and brown people. We also discuss social issues devoted towards communities of Chicago and cultivate that into our work.

Discussed social issues devoted towards neighborhoods of Chicago and its youth. Curated solutions putting together an event showcasing programs for the youth and neighborhood to collaborating programs and Chicago’s government officials.

The Hiplet Ballerinas are a performance group based out of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center in the USA. Hiplet was created by Artistic Director Homer Hans Bryant & evolved from the "Rap Ballet" of the 1990's. Specifically designed to make Ballet accessible to all people, Hiplet is a fusion between classical pointe technique, Hip-Hop, and a variety of other dance styles.

BSeries is a mini-festival that celebrates acclaimed guest artists specializing in underground street dance forms such as breaking, popping, and house. With a jam or battle as the focal point, B-Series events become a gathering space for the underground dance community. The events connect the rich culture of hip hop, from dance to MCing, rapping, DJing, and graffiti, to the Columbia community.

Orientation Leaders (OLs) serve as a guide for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and their families as they join the Columbia College Chicago community. In this role, OLs will draw from their experience and training to provide accurate information regarding all areas of Columbia. In addition, OLs will demonstrate good judgement by referring students and families to another Columbia faculty, staff member, or office when appropriate. OLs will work to ensure that students and their families have a positive experience through all phases of Orientation. OLs will maintain a positive attitude and possess the ability to work with a diverse group of people.

Built an on-campus community for residents, keeping residents informed on department and campus wide events and procedures, confronting policy and documented policy violations, mediated roommate issues, and participated in nightly duty to ensure safety and security in Residence Halls.

Working with MBDance Artistic Director and Columbia College Dance Practitioner-in-Residence Maria Bauman-Morales in support of new artwork she is creating; providing support in locating and distributing research materials related to the new artwork; gathering updates about the new artwork and assisting in formatting a regular e-bulletin; securing content and posting about the new artwork and related community engagement on Instagram; working in cooperation with Dance Practitioner-in-Residence on developing and tracking deadlines as they relate to repertory and residency activities. This internship is designed for degree-seeking students at Columbia College Chicago. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in the performing arts and arts management and has an eagerness to learn. Attention to detail and reliability are essential. Interns should have some fluency in Black Queer culture as that is a prominent theme of the Lead Mentor’s work-in-development; should have excellent communication and writing skills; and should be versed in Google Docs and Instagram. Student interns are expected to be available for one two-hour weekly in-person meeting/ work session with the Lead Mentor, Maria Bauman-Morales, on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays during the day. The remaining four hours per week will be completed via virtual communication.