Lights, Camera, Dance! Syracuse Youth Explore The Wonders of STEM

STEM From Dance, a national program with the mission of  encouraging youth to pursue a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, returns to the Community Folk Art Center this year with an exciting new program titled “Lights, Camera, Dance.”

   During the  three-week camp students  learn video production, Artificial Intelligence frameworks, and a variety of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. Using software platforms Luma and CapCut, students design their own music videos from start to finish and create customized backdrops using green screens.

Guest speaker sessions take place twice a week, where community leaders, including  Martikah Williams, co-founded of the Black Artist Collective CNY (BAC)  and Sofia Gutierrez, CNY Arts Leadership Fellow, share insight on topics including : Improvisation, screen writing, and Zine Making.

This year, we welcome four instructors to the  STEM from Dance  team: Zalika Adjei, Akilah Cage, Mia Funderburg, and Asa Rogers.

Zalika Adjei, Dance Facilitator: Zalika has trained with the Dance Theater of Syracuse, Syracuse City Ballet, and Community Folk Art Center- Dance Lab. She is trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and African Dance.

Akilah Cage, Dance Facilitator: Akilah is a Teacher within the Syracuse City School District and Instructor at ASCUAD Arts 315 (Akilah’s School of Cultural Urban Arts and Dance). She is professionally trained in West African Dance, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Funk, Acrobatics, Street Dance, and more. She received her Master’s Certification in Popping and Locking funk dance styles at the IUDMA (International Urban Dance Masters Association).

Mia Funderburg, STEM Facilitator: Mia Funderburg is a dedicated K–12 science and technology educator with over 15 years of experience in the field. A proud native of Detroit, Michigan, Mia is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Motivational Communication and Spanish, followed by a master’s degree in K–12 Instructional Learning. Currently, Mia serves as a 5th-grade teacher at Citizenship Academy and co-advisor for the NSBE Jr. (National Society of Black Engineers) chapter, supporting youth in the Syracuse area. Passionate about empowering students through STEM education and mentorship, she actively fosters future leaders and innovators. Mia is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., through which she continues her commitment to community service and outreach in the area where she lives and works.

Asa Rogers, STEM Facilitator: Asa Rogers is a multimedia performance artist. utilizing art to create a healing experience by focusing on themes such as personal, familial, and communal history, and the transformation of self. She is also an educator, historian, and archivist.

Save the date for the end-of-camp community showcase on Friday, August 15th, at 6:00 PM.