Xclaim

Don’t miss the SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Sunday August 30, from 5-7pm!
- Tour our space
- Meet teachers
- Free sample classes
- Placement & Registration
- Refreshments, prizes, friends
First day back is August 31!

Please join us Saturday for a service at 2pm and following Open House with light refreshments, choreography video viewing, hip hop cypher and improv jam.

Tilt & Turn found muse in the change of seasons. Spoken word collides with diverse dynamic movement in four sections to contemplate and celebrate the changes in nature and their parallels in life. Reimagined from the 2018 crowd favorite. Featuring choreography and script by Artistic Director Mariah Layne French along with choreography by Xclaim veterans Ella Chamberlain, J.Shannon Filmore & Corinne Wood. Special Guest artists: Rina Eleanor French, David Jon Krohn, Diane Ransom and Ava Wachtman

THE CAROL is Inspired by the Charles Dickens' Christmas classic. Eclectic contemporary choreography, original script, diverse music selections, beautifully crafted costuming, sets and production elements whisk you away on a journey through time, recounting the iconic tale of a changed soul. Starring J.Shannon Filmore (2023-2025) as Ebenezer Scrooge. Movement by Director Mariah Layne French, sections with the help of Corinne Wood, collaborations with J.Shannon Filmore & company dancers, narration featuring Matt Wood.

The 2025-2026 Season premiere RENEW showcased a unique collection of vibrant dance...featuring two compelling RE staged works along with three NEW selections of choreography.
New works by company dancer / choreographers: Ella Chamberlain, J.Shannon Filmore & Grace Koenig. Rounding out the program, 2017's "ReNewed" by veteran dancer & choreographer Corinne Wood and the energetic & spirited 2008 critically acclaimed work, "Watacheza Uhuru" by Artistic Director Mariah Layne French.

A great big THANK YOU as we celebrate a wonderful season of meaningful dance-making! Deeply appreciative for funding from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, our Columbus City Council, Franklin County Commissioners, and Mayor Andrew Ginther for supporting the ARTS, helping us thrive as an organization and make a positive impact in this arts loving city! Congratulations dancers, choreographers, designers, technicians, administrators & volunteers! (Pictured here, Xclaim Dance Company in our fall production RENEW)

J.Shannon Filmore, Forever Dancing...
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on August 22nd from 2-5pm at The Indianola Church where Xclaim's studios are housed.

The time will include a service in the sanctuary, viewing of some of his recorded work, hip hop cipher & dance celebration in the studios, time for connecting with others and sharing memories.

In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that a scholarship fund be named in his honor. Charitable donations may be made online:
https://www.xclaimarts.org/online-giving.html

It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Xclaim's beloved mentor and teacher, dynamic performance artist, and brilliant prolific choreographer, J.Shannon Fillmore. Shannon Forevadancin Filmore

Shannon's creative voice has been deeply woven into the DNA of Xclaim for the better part of the last two decades. He inspired students, fellow artists and audiences through his meaningful work on Xclaim's stage and beyond. While outside of the studio and stage he was a dear friend and trusted confidant.

In the classroom Shannon's charismatic presence encouraged students to reach their highest potential. On the professional stage, he set many meaningful original works of choreography and is celebrated for his moving portrayal of "Ebenezer" in THE CAROL.

He was deeply invested in the community both through his work with Xclaim, and also as Director of his Hip Hop troupe, Tru Kingdom Mega Crew. He made meaningful collaborations with many individual artists and groups throughout Central Ohio, always inspiring others and bringing people together.

Through the years he taught and trained in many circles, sharing the love of dance with students in local studios and in Columbus City Schools through BalletMet. He drove weekly to Dayton Ohio to teach at Funk Lab, and more broadly his presence and impact was felt through workshops and performance engagements across the United States.

Shannon handled his sudden terminal diagnosis with grace and dignity. He danced into eternity Wednesday morning, June 17. He transitioned peacefully and surrounded by love. He will be deeply missed, and warmly remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on August 22nd from 2-5pm at The Indianola Church where Xclaim's studios are housed.

The time will include a service in the sanctuary, viewing of some of his recorded work, hip hop cipher & dance celebration in the studios, time for connecting with others and sharing memories.

In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that a scholarship fund be named in his honor. Charitable donations may be made online:
https://www.xclaimarts.org/online-giving.html

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the incredible show this weekend! We appreciate your support 💙