Chattanooga, TN — This Black History Month, students across Hamilton County Schools are learning history not just through lessons, but through movement. Dance programming led by local non-profit organization, The Pop-Up Project, in collaboration with teaching artist and choreographer Crystal Newson, is giving students a chance to explore Black history, culture, and creative expression.
Louie Marin-Howard, Executive and Program Director of The Pop-Up Project, focuses on building access, equity, and sustainable opportunities for dance education in Hamilton County. The Pop-Up Project serves Hamilton County students in eight schools and seven community centers around Chattanooga, offering free or subsidized programming designed to introduce students to the joy, discipline, and possibilities of dance.
“There’s a big gap when it comes to dance education, and that’s where the Pop-Up Project steps in at our schools,” Marin-Howard said.
“One way to bridge that gap is by bringing culturally relevant programming, particularly around cultural or historical events.”
This year’s Black History Month programming includes a residency led by Crystal Newson, a founding teaching artist of The Pop-Up Project and Artistic Director of Providence- Newson Dance Company. Beyond the Frame, explores the Black legacy of arts and culture by translating visual artwork into movement. Inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series, Newson examines the emotion, color, texture, and meaning of the works, then interprets those elements through choreography.
“I was very inspired by his artwork and wanted to create a production based on this great artistic history,” Newson said. “The students get to learn about Black history while also learning a bit of dance history at the same time.”
At Barger Academy of Fine Arts, Newson is working with the entire fifth grade in collaboration with the school’s Dance Educator and community pillar, Felicion McMillon, guiding students through creative exploration and meaningful choreography. At Normal Park Museum Magnet School, where The Pop-up Project is woven into the Related Arts team, under the direction of TPUP’s Director of Program Operations, Marah Bates- Newson is collaborating with eighth-grade students to create a unique piece that supports deeper technical growth and rich, expressive storytelling. Students will perform these dances as part of a special matinee during B.L.A.C. Fest, sharing the stage with professional dancers from Providence- Newson Dance Company and other community-based artists.
Presented by The Pop-Up Project in collaboration with Providence- Newson Dance Company and SOBI, B.L.A.C. Fest takes place February 20–22, 2026, celebrating creativity across multiple disciplines. This year’s theme, Framework, “examines the structures shaping Black creativity, identity, and liberation, and how art can both challenge limitations and build new possibilities.” The multi-day festival features dance performances, visual art, live music, film screenings, and community conversations; creating a platform for Black artists while inviting Chattanooga to engage with art that honors both legacy and future.
“We handed it over to the artists. We have a wonderful team of teaching artists, dancers, and performers who work within and with the organization, and we are all very proud of the festival,” Marin-Howard said.
As students take the stage later this month, they are not just performing choreography, they are embodying history, culture, and creative possibility.
We are so proud of our students and wish them luck during their rehearsals and on the main stage!
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