PearlArts Movement & Sound

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the greater Pittsburgh area, seeking a unique and transformative artistic experience, **PearlArts Movement & Sound** stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity in Braddock. This multidisciplinary arts organization, founded by choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound designer/musician Herman "Soy Sos" Pearl, harnesses the power of contemporary dance, immersive soundscapes, and creative self-expression to engage audiences in genre-bending experiences that generate joy, creativity, and a sense of collective belonging. Opened in 2024, their new state-of-the-art studio space in Braddock represents a significant milestone, establishing a solid home base for all their dynamic programming.

PearlArts Movement & Sound is driven by a powerful artistic vision that probes themes of personal expression, race, freedom, and gender, inviting every participant to recognize their inner artist. They are deeply committed to uplifting Black femme artists, offering mentorship, residencies, and studio space for emerging talents to grow and establish themselves. This focus ensures that while PearlArts creates space for everyone, it specifically nurtures underrepresented voices in the arts. Their work, rooted in Pittsburgh but with a global reach, encompasses genre-defying performances that entwine movement and sound, innovative workshops, and evolutionary residencies. By continually pushing the boundaries of creative expression and drawing inspiration from diverse disciplines and Black cultural history, PearlArts Movement & Sound offers a truly unique and enriching artistic ecosystem right here in Pennsylvania.

PearlArts Movement & Sound is prominently located at 818 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA 15104, USA. This address places the organization within the heart of Braddock, a historic borough just east of Pittsburgh. The choice of Braddock Avenue is significant, as it positions PearlArts within a community experiencing revitalization and adds to the growing cultural landscape of the area.

The new facility occupies the entire 5000+ sq. ft. third floor of the newly renovated historic Carnegie Cooperative Building, now known as the Braddock Arts and Media Building. This location offers excellent accessibility for residents across Pittsburgh and surrounding Allegheny County. For those traveling by car, Braddock Avenue is a main thoroughfare, easily reachable from major highways, providing convenient access from various neighborhoods. Ample parking options are typically available in the vicinity of such commercial areas, making visits straightforward. For individuals relying on public transportation, Port Authority of Allegheny County bus routes serve Braddock, connecting the studio to Pittsburgh's city center and other communities. This strategic location ensures that PearlArts Movement & Sound is a vibrant and accessible hub for artistic engagement for all Pennsylvanians interested in contemporary dance, immersive sound, and creative exploration.

PearlArts Movement & Sound offers a wide array of programs and services that integrate contemporary dance with immersive soundscapes, catering to artists and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Their offerings are designed to foster creativity, provide professional development, and engage the wider community. Here's a detailed look at what they provide:

• Genre-Defying Performances: PearlArts produces original works that entwine elements of movement and sound, breaking the rules of traditional dance and music. Their renowned dance company, led by choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound designer Herman Pearl, performs both locally in their Braddock studio and on tour across the country, captivating audiences in diverse venues from traditional theaters to avant-garde art spaces and outdoor venues.
• Programs & Classes: They invite artists of all ages and backgrounds to share their creativity through a variety of programs, workshops, and classes. These offerings range from:
  • Movement Classes: Including adult ballet, contemporary technique classes (focusing on efficient, expressive movement, consciousness, strength, and grace), and inclusive movement classes.
  • Sound Design and Media Arts Classes: Such as audio workshops focusing on mixing and concepts of Jamaican Dub, and specialized classes for high school through college-age students interested in sound design and audio engineering.
  • Workshops: Like the "CIRCLES Workshop" where sound designer Herman Pearl DJs live mixes while instructors guide students in improvisational warm-ups and technical practice.
• Artist Mentorship and Residencies: PearlArts is deeply committed to uplifting emerging artists, particularly Black femme artists. They host:
  • PearlDiving Movement Residency: An incubator program for experimental performers.
  • charette: An incubator showcase for emerging artists.
  • Tuff Sound Apprenticeship Program: Providing technical expertise and studio space, particularly for sound engineers and musicians.
  • PearlWatch: A movement-and-sound-themed film screening series.
• Movement Studio Rentals: PearlArts offers two pristine dance studios available for rent, perfect for rehearsals, classes, workshops, or private gatherings. These studios are spacious, bright, and equipped with aux sound access, providing an inspiring environment for artists.
• Audio & Recording Services: Leveraging the expertise of Herman "Soy Sos" Pearl and a team of apprentice audio engineers, PearlArts provides a range of audio services for artists, musicians, producers, and beatmakers. These services aim to support and finalize both home and professional recording projects.
• Community Engagement: Through lecture/demonstrations and adaptable programs, PearlArts offers informal performances and sneak peeks into their creative process for various community groups, including students, non-dancers, and seniors.

PearlArts Movement & Sound distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a truly unique and valuable cultural asset for the Pennsylvania region:

• Genre-Defying Artistic Vision: Under the leadership of Staycee Pearl and Herman Pearl, the organization creates original, multidisciplinary works that seamlessly blend contemporary dance with immersive sound. This innovative approach pushes artistic boundaries and offers audiences truly unique sensory experiences.
• New State-of-the-Art Facility: Opened in 2024, their 5000+ sq. ft. space in the historic Carnegie Cooperative Building in Braddock is specifically designed for their unique artistic approach. It includes two pristine dance studios (one serving as a performance space), two fully equipped recording studios, and a combination office/workspace, providing an ideal environment for creation, rehearsal, and presentation.
• Commitment to Black Femme Artists: A core mission of PearlArts is to uplift Black femme artists through dedicated mentorship programs, residencies, and opportunities. This focus creates vital pathways for underrepresented artists to thrive in the Pittsburgh arts scene and beyond.
• Comprehensive Educational Programs: Beyond performances, PearlArts offers a wide array of classes and workshops in movement and sound, catering to all ages and backgrounds. This commitment to education ensures that the arts are accessible and that new generations of artists are nurtured.
• Integrated Sound and Movement Expertise: The deep artistic collaboration between choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound designer Herman "Soy Sos" Pearl for over two decades is a defining feature. This integrated approach to movement and sound creates truly cohesive and immersive works.
• Community and Global Impact: Rooted in Pittsburgh, PearlArts' dance company tours nationally, amplifying their impact and creating opportunities for artistic exchange. Locally, their studio pulsates with activity, fostering a vibrant community of artists and enthusiasts.
• Holistic Artistic Development: Programs are designed to encourage experimentation, self-expression, and skill development, providing artists with the technical expertise and space they need to evolve their practice.

For those in Pennsylvania interested in exploring the unique offerings of PearlArts Movement & Sound, whether through attending a performance, enrolling in a class, or inquiring about artist opportunities, here is the contact information:

Address: 818 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA 15104, USA

Phone: (724) 462-4548

While the provided phone number is (724) 462-4548, please note that this appears to be the same number listed for JP Gallery For Performing Arts in a previous request. For the most accurate contact information, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or other reliable online sources.

Official Website: www.pearlartsmovement.org (This website provides comprehensive information on their programs, performances, studio rentals, and various contact methods.)

Social Media: They are active on platforms such as Instagram (@pearlartsstudios) and Facebook (/PearlArts/), which can also be good avenues for inquiries and staying updated on events.

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in and around Pittsburgh, PearlArts Movement & Sound is an exceptionally suitable and enriching cultural destination. Its new, state-of-the-art facility in Braddock provides a dedicated and inspiring space for artistic creation, learning, and performance, easily accessible to the local community. What truly makes PearlArts stand out is its unique blend of contemporary dance and immersive sound, offering genre-defying performances that are both innovative and deeply engaging, providing world-class artistic experiences without having to leave the region.

Beyond performances, the comprehensive array of classes and workshops in movement and sound caters to all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal place for individuals to explore new artistic passions or refine existing ones. The strong emphasis on artist mentorship, particularly for Black femme artists, demonstrates a profound commitment to fostering diverse talent within the community. For any Pennsylvanian seeking to engage with cutting-edge art, participate in creative learning, or simply immerse themselves in a vibrant and inclusive artistic environment, PearlArts Movement & Sound offers an unparalleled opportunity right here in Braddock. It's not just a venue; it's a dynamic hub for creativity and community that truly enriches the cultural fabric of our Commonwealth.

PearlArts Movement & Sound

818 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA 15104, USA