thepyramidsplayhouse

[thepyramidsplayhouse]

1960s Philips G17T320 black and white television

[thepyramidsplayhouse]

[thepyramidsplayhouse]

The G Museum

Written by: Lauren Taylor   

June 04, 2023; 4:44PM

Jaylon Givan, although he may currently be most known for his youth dance mentorship and work, he has recently received widespread acknowledgement for much more. Givan has an extensive background in the study, history, and production of dance. Refusing to block his blessings he entered into the world of dance production one step at a time by first submitting an entry to participate in an underground dance showcase, hosted by Club Muv in Atlanta, GA. Even with his experience and knowledge, Jaylon was surprised and elated to have been selected to present his work at this new yet legendary establishment.

He reflects on a period of time while living in San Francisco, CA where he planned and dreamt of producing choreographic works for groups of dancers and to present in historical spaces. Jaylon recalls listening to Summer Walker’s ‘Grave’ one of the songs used in creating The G Museum. He wrote his visions and dance phrases in his journal while taking the bus to ballet practice (2019). Up until his move to Georgia, Givan has worked mostly with children while participating in commercial, freelance, and training.

“So, imagine not creating art but wanting to do so for all those years…knowing that you have the tools and knowing your capabilities but it’s not the time, and sometimes it’s just not the time and art is meant to be that way.”

After finding out his work was selected, he started this journey by piecing together all of the ideas he’d been coming up with over time. The most recent addition then being the selection of the second song used in The G Museum, Cleo Sol’s ‘When I’m In Your Arms.’  “I just remember how it made me feel” [reenacts choreography from song]. Givan speaks about the alignment in performing at Club Muv to very intentionally provide movement, culture, and style all while having the time of your life in the club.

“Aint no party like a dancer party, let me just stop and say that”

Jaylon’s next hurdle was to find the number of dancers needed in order to make his long time vision come to life. It was important to him that, like many of his instructors, he provided a space where the dancers each got to work within their own palette each time the work was performed. His choreographic layers and approach is less common within commercial performances. Only nine dancers are routinely allowed in these showcases yet, Givan presented with fourteen. “So It was a party on that stage as you can see.” Givan’s choreography, although mostly technique, is not boastful. A concert style production with hints of street jazz and contemporary and influences from the 1920’s for grouping and staging the piece is tied together quite tastefully by the music choices. Selecting two songs from the most popular female R&B artists of this generation allowed for relevancy to its’ audience in person or online. The delicate placement and staging of these many intricate details, blended together effortlessly, created a museum. The audience is entranced in a dreamy, elegant experience worth witnessing what one might consider a sculpture garden with the opening position lending itself to represent what one might consider a sculpture garden. 

Three words Givan used to describe the process of workshopping with the other dancers was peaceful, easy, and fluid. Being the “conductor of the space,” he considered that experience being one of simplicity. Nothing about it was stressful.” In 2.5 weeks Jaylon and his cast were able to learn and perfect The G Museum, being sure to highlight their own ability to embody the story by almost becoming guides and in a way angels interacting in real time to involve their audience in a full experience of entertainment & curiosity. They performed The G Museum live and for the first time on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

Since showcasing his magnificent capabilities, Givan and his cast did agree to another presentation at Xcel Studios where they truly dove into the performance and characters of the project without the audience. The group had the luxury of utilizing a larger amount of space to occupy throughout the performance. The cast has received several requests to present The G Museum in locations other than Club Muv. However, he considers the option to simply “take your time” in moving forward with opportunities and what he considers blessings that he has most recently received, “because art takes time.”

“Thats why this piece is so powerful, because it had time to brew for all those years.”

Before it is complex it is is simple, for Givan, “dance is movement and we all move.” This fact coupled with culture are the two greatest influences to him. By choosing to step out on faith and the previous results of his hard work, Givan reports having experienced his life drastically changing. This moment specifically taking place for him in the shower before the showcase. He remembers crying immediately after walking off stage and releasing all of his old burdens while simultaneously reliving the first time he received a standing ovation and tears as a response to his performance.

“I knew that people would receive it well let’s be clear, I did know that. But, what I knew and what God knew was 10x’s different… He takes in account your desires and then He multiplies them.”

-Jalyon Givan

Dance is an art form and appreciating art in depth is a learned action. How art is appreciated can be objective and subjective and there is so much to experience and understand through the language of dance for adults and youth. More importantly, this is an effort to accredit black dance as an art form that is often mimicked but never truly studied or learned from an economic, geographic, or religious lens in depth throughout history. There is so much to explore. If you have not yet had the chance to witness Jaylon Givan’s The G Museum, it is highly suggested to take a seat and be baptized with his beautiful style and taste in this four minute live group performance.