W. O. R. X.
Encouraging Creative Expression in the Arts
W.O.R.X. (Works Of Raphael Xavier) is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to give underserved African American youth access to the arts and develop and promote standards of creativity in folk and traditional forms that include dance, music, theater, poetry and visual arts.
W.O.R.X. conducts educational youth programs teaching music, dance, theater and live skills to youth in and out of the state of Pennsylvania throughout the year. Workshops are coordinated with local schools and created as best fits their interest and curriculum.
W.O.R.X. is steeped in the traditional forms of Hip Hop and the African diaspora that preceded Hip Hop. Members of the organization have spent over 20 years building the existing Breaking community in Philadelphia, mentoring new generations of Hip Hop enthusiasts and Breakers by teaching the dance form and history consistently in surrounding communities and educational institutions.
Founder Raphael Xavier was able to establish the Breaking form as a traditional folk art through the Institute for Cultural Partnerships. His work in the field continues through W.O.R.X projects, where Raphael seeks to cultivate a healthy creative environment and usher in new followers and leaders as Hip Hop, dance, and visual art practitioners.
W.O.R.X. Projects
Here & Now Virtual Solo Festival
August 3, 2020
Online
Here & Now Virtual Solo Festival is a follow up to 2017’s Here & Now Hip Hop Forum at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. This year's Festival will feature artists from the local dance community and hip hop culture's most versatile and respected dance theatre practitioners. Josh Culbreath, Emily Pietruszka, Alex Gossen, Brian Newby and Bodgan Curca will showcase experimental works/works in progress. The performances will be followed by a Q&A.
Here and Now Festival
June 10, 2017
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Philadelphia, PA
The collaborative day of movement and music included three dance workshops taught by renowned and progressive hip hop instructors and performers; a panel discussion bringing together scholars, artists, choreographers and organizational leaders to discuss the future of the art form; and an open jam session.
© The Dance Journal & PhiladelphiaDANCE.org
Raphstravangaza:
The Kinetic Experience
September 10, 2016
City Hall Courtyard
Philadelphia, PA
Organized by Raphael Xavier, Raphstravangaza was a 7 hour all day free public event that brought together masterful street performers, extreme BMX riders, acrobatic contortionists, and live music for a contemporary circus-style performance in City Hall’s courtyard. Featuring jazz composer Bobby Zankel.
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Teaching & Residencies
For more information on masterclasses, workshops, teaching and dance residencies for universities, studios, and dance departments, click below:
W.O.R.X. is funded and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.