Ed Mock facts for kids
Ed Mock (born around 1938 – died April 25, 1986) was a very talented San Francisco-based dancer, teacher, and choreographer. His unique style and teaching methods greatly influenced many dancers and artists who came after him.
Ed Mock was most active in the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, he started and led two dance companies: the West Coast Dance Company (from 1974 to 1979) and Ed Mock Dancers (from 1980 to 1985). He also ran his own place, the Ed Mock Dance Studio.
Born in Chicago, Ed Mock began his dance training with teachers like Jimmy Payne and Anna Nassif. He was also inspired by famous dancers such as Lester Horton and Katherine Dunham, and by different jazz dance traditions. He became well-known for his solo performances and for creating dances for others. As a soloist, Ed Mock was especially good at improvisation, which means making up dances on the spot. He blended modern dance with mime (acting without words), storytelling, and even using his voice in his performances.
In 1986, Ed Mock was honored for his contributions to dance. He was chosen for the Bay Area Dance Coalition Hall of Fame. He also received the "Dance Teacher of the Year Award" for his excellent work in teaching dance.
On April 25, 1986, Ed Mock passed away due to illness.
Even after his passing, Ed Mock's influence continued to inspire new generations of artists.
His Lasting Influence
Remembering Ed Mock Through Art
In 2013, Amara Tabor-Smith, a choreographer from the Bay Area, created a special dance piece. Amara had studied and danced with Ed Mock when she was just 14 years old. Her work, called He Moved Swiftly But Gently Down the Not Too Crowded Street: Ed Mock and Other True Tales in a City That Once Was, was performed in different places around the city. It was a way to remember Ed Mock and his impact.
In 2016, a book of black and white photographs was published by Lynne Redding. These photos were taken between 1980 and 1984 and show Ed Mock and his dance company. They capture moments in the studio, during rehearsals, and in performances. The book also includes an essay by Burr Snider.
In 2018, Brontez Purnell directed a documentary film called Unstoppable Feat, The Dances of Ed Mock. Brontez learned about Ed Mock while dancing with Amara Tabor-Smith. The film helps share Ed Mock's story and his amazing dances with more people.
List of Works
Here are some of the dance works choreographed by Ed Mock:
- The Blacks (1973) at the University of California, Berkeley
- Festival of Fools (1980) in Florence, Italy
- Black Mischief (1981) in Venice, Italy
- Holiday Spice (1981) at the Victoria Theatre, San Francisco
- The Day Aunt Ada Came to Town (198?)
- While Sheila Waits (198?)
- Tight Like That (1985) at Footwork Studio, San Francisco
