The Jazz Continuum is an unapologetic celebration of the prolific power of Black American artistry with Jazz as its center. Barnes reaches back nearly 100 years, connecting dances that sprang from America’s Black Jazz music to dance and music expressions of today such as House, Vogue, Lindy Hop, Hip-Hop, Hand Dances, Line Dances and more! Performed by an all Black, intergenerational cast of dancers and musicians, The Jazz Continuum is also a celebration of community and collaboration. Each performer investigates their personal relationship to Jazz as they explore imaginings of its inspirations and reapplications.

The Jazz Continuum was commissioned by Works & Process and developed in a Works & Process bubble residency at Catskill Mountain Foundation (2021) made possible through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.