"From Possum Slim to Sister Godfrieda: the irreverent dance of Ed Mock"

The School of Dance is pleased to welcome choreographer, cultural activist, and guest artist pearl ubungen this coming Wednesday, February 1st in Room 124 of Montgomery Hall at Noon. Ms. ubungen will give a talk on highly influential choreographer, actor, master teacher, and performer extraordinaire Ed Mock (1938-1986).

Ed Mock, a Chicago native, studied under tap and Afro-Cuban dance master Jimmy Payne, as well as Katherine Dunham and Lester Horton. He came to San Francisco in 1966 and was credited for leading a local dance renaissance through his passion for performing and teaching, combining elements of tap, jazz, modern dance, and mime into a distinctive style. Hundreds were influenced by his demanding teachings at ACT, the Performing Arts Workshop, and at his own studio. He also directed West Coast Dance Works.

Ms. ubungen danced in Ed Mock’s last company up to his death of AIDS-related illness in 1986. She attributes her thinking and practice as an interdisciplinary artist to Mock’s improvisatory performances on stage and in life. The presentation, entitled From Possum Slim to Sister Godfrieda: the irreverent dance of Ed Mock, includes rare film footage and photos and emphasizes Mock’s role in the San Francisco dance renaissance of the late 60’s and 70’s and his tremendous popularity and influence that continues today.