We’ve got a lot of history…over twenty years and two coasts…it’s a lot.  Too much, in fact, to display all at once, so click on each year to see the Big Moves events and happenings for that year.  In addition to all the performances and related events listed here, Big Moves has also hosted classes and workshops in jazz, tap, hip hop, burlesque, salsa, aerial dance and more in the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston area, Philadelphia area, and New York City.  Also, since 2007 Big Moves has hosted an ongoing open rehearsal program with our resident dance company, emFATic DANCE.  Have fun taking a trip down memory lane with us!

2021

  • No events in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020

  • April 26th, 2020 Virtual Day of Dance, held on Zoom due to the COVIDF-19 pandemic.  We sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all size, this time virtually over Zoom! The day included an energetic  warmup with emFATic DANCE Co-Artistic Director Matilda and short but sweet classes in Lyrical with emFATic DANCE co-Artistic Director Jessica,  Burlesque with Ms. Juicy D. Light, Afro Beat with Ifasina, ThaHood AlKemist, and Soul Line Dance with Michele Germany.

2019

  • October 5th, 2019, A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves kicked off Halloween season with our annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase, featuring our own emFATic DANCE and special guests, Brock Cocker and Alteh Cocker, Romee and Vanessa (@See_Romee_Dance and @Vanessainpurpose), Sarah (NotBlueAtAll), and Chico Suavé and Buster Riteopen, with new-to-our-stage emcee Bakelite Deluxe! Plus a Cupcakes and Muffintops fatshion show and costume parade!
  • August 10th, 2019, Cupcakes and Muffintops v11.0, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves and Fat Friendly Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser for its 11th year ! It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • Juky 6th and 7th, 2019, Covering our Tracks, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center, Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA.  Big Moves’ own emFATic DANCE returned in an all-new dance spectacular with special guests: Ifasina, ThaHood AlKemist; Tammy Johnson; Chico Suave; Mone’t Ha-Sidi; Tigress and Sarah; JoyBody Crew; and Shapes & Shades Dance Company! The incomparable Juicy D. Light emceed.
  • April 28th, 2019 Day of Dance, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic  warmup with emFATic DANCE Co-Artistic Director Matilda and short but sweet classes in Lyrical with emFATic DANCE co-Artistic Director Jessica,  Burlesque with Ms. Juicy D. Light, Belly Dance with Tammy Johnson, Afro Beat with Ifasina, ThaHood AlKemist, Soul Line Dance with Michele Germany, along with a short performance by emFATic DANCE

2018

  • October 20th, 2018,  A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves presented our annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase, featuring our own emFATic DANCE and special guests Tigress Osborn, Shapes & Shades Dance Company, Romee Edwards @See_Romee_Dance, Sarah Redman, Ifasina, and Misia Denéa. Plus a Cupcakes and Muffintops fatshion show!  Storyteller Ames Beezer, emceed!
  • August 25th, 2018, Rhythm and The Beat: Fundraiser Dance Showcase, Malonga Casquelourd Center For The Arts, 1428 Alice St. emFATic DANCE  performed at this event fundraiser for our home studio, The Beat.
  • August 4th, 2018, Cupcakes and Muffintops v10.0, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves and Fat Friendly Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser for its 10th year! It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • June 30th and July 1st, 2018, The Sweet Barre, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center, Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA.  Big Moves’ own emFATic DANCE returned in an all-new dance spectacular with special guests Tammy Johnson, Misia Denéa, Lady Monster, Shapes & Shades Dance Company, Tigress and Sarah, and Chico Suave! The incomparable Juicy D. Light emceed! More details coming soon, so mark your calendars and stay tuned!
  • April 29th, 2018, Day of Dance, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic  warmup with emFATic DANCE Co-Artistic Director Matilda and short but sweet classes in Lyrical with emFATic DANCE co-Artistic Director Jessica,  Burlesque with Ms. Juicy D. Light, Belly Dance with Tammy Johnson, House Jazz with Nafi Watson of Bahiya Movement, and All Bodies Centered Soul Line Dance with ABC Afro Beat with Ifasina TaMeicka L. Clear. emFATic DANCE also presented a short performance. 

2017

  • October 14th, 2017,  A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves presented our annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase, featuring our own  emFATic DANCE and special guests: Brock Cocker, Tigress Osborn, Shapes & Shades Dance Company, Misia Denéa, and Sarah Redman, plus a Cupcakes and Muffintops fatshion show! Storyteller Ames Beezer, emceed!
  • August 26th, 2017, Rhythm and The Beat: Fundraiser Dance Showcase, Malonga Casquelourd Center For The Arts, 1428 Alice St. emFATic DANCE  performed at this event fundraiser for our home studio, The Beat.
  • August 5th, 2017, Cupcakes and Muffintops v9.0, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves and Fat Friendly Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser for its 9th year! It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • July 27th 2017, The Cans, Center for Sex and Culture, San Francisco, CA.  emFATic DANCE performed at this event.
  • July 8th and 9th, 2017, Big Dance, Big Dreams, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center (formerly Laney College Theater), Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA.  Big Moves’ own emFATic DANCE took the stage for an all-new size-diverse performance showcase including special guests Shawn Hawkins of Bahiya Movement, Shapes & Shades Dance Company, Tammy Johnson of Raks Africa, Sarah and Tigress, Lady Monster, Congregation of Liberation, Tyrone Peaches and Friends, Misia Denéa, and Magnoliah Black! The incomparable Juicy D. Light emceed!
  • April 23, 2017, Day of Dance, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic  warmup with emFATic DANCE Co-Artistic Director Matilda and short but sweet classes in  Lyrical with emFATic DANCE co-Artistic Director Jessica,  Burlesque with Ms. Juicy D. Light, and House Jazz with Nafi Watson of Bahiya Movement. emFATic DANCE also presented a short performance. 

2016

  • October 24th, 2016,  A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves presented our annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase, featuring our own  emFATic DANCE and special guests:  Tigress Osborn; Sarah Redman, Shapes & Shades Dance Company; and Ifasina, TheHood AlKemist, Plus a Cupcakes and Muffintops fatshion show! Storyteller Ames Beezer, emceed!
  • August 27th, 2016, Rhythm and The Beat: Fundraiser Dance Showcase, Malonga Casquelourd Center For The Arts, 1428 Alice St. emFATic DANCE  performed at this event fundraiser for our home studio, The Beat.
  • August 13th, 2016, Cupcakes and Muffintops v8.0, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves and Fat Friendldy Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser for its 8th year in a brand new, larger venue! It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • June 4th and 5th, 2016, In The Round, University Theater, CSU East Bay.  Big Moves’ own emFATic DANCE took the stage for an all-new size-diverse performance showcase including special guests Bahiya Movement, Girls Raks, Shapes & Shades Dance Company, Brock Cocker, Sarah and Tigress, Lady Monster, The Full Figure Entertainment Models, The Embodiment with Ifasina, House of Lordes, and Magnoliah Black! The incomparable Juicy D. Light emceed!  Show proceeds benefited Girl Raks and Mkali Movement.
  • May 21st, 2016, “Mapenzi”, Destiny Arts Center, 970 Grace St Oakland, CA.  emFATic DANCE performed at this event for the premier of Bahiya Movement’s documentary, “Mapenzi” alongside Girls Raks, Mkali Movement and Bahiya Movement, and SevanKelee “Bay Area POET”.
  • April 24th, 2016, Day of Dance, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic  warmup with emFATic DANCE Co-Artistic Director Matilda and short but sweet classes in  Lyrical with emFATic DANCE co-Artistic Director Jessica, Belly Dance with  Raks Africa),  Burlesque with Ms. Juicy D. Light), House Jazz with Nafi Watson of Bahiya Movement, and soul line dancing with Ifasina TaMeika L Clear of All Bodies Centered (ABC) Line Dance,. emFATic DANCE also presented a short performance. 

2015

  • October 24th, 2015,  A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA. Big Moves presented our annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase, featuring our own emFATic DANCE and special guests Bahiya Movement, Girls Raks, Tigress Osborn, Shapes & Shades Dance Company, Brock Cocker, and Paws UP!, Plus a Cupcakes and Muffintops fatshion show! Storyteller Ames Beezer, emceed!
  • September 11th and 12th, 2015,  Harvest: The Fall Choreographer’s Showcase. emFATic DANCE performed “Fat Rorschach”  created by emFATic DANCE co-Artisic Director’s Jessica Judd and Matilda St. John.
  • September 5th, 2015, NOLOSE Conference, Econolodge, Oakland, CA. emFATic DANCE performed as part of the Saturday evening entertainment.
  • August 29th, 2015, Rhythm and The Beat: Fundraiser Dance Showcase, Malonga Casquelourd Center For The Arts, 1428 Alice St. emFATic DANCE  performed at this event fundraiser for our home studio, The Beat.
  • August 2nd, 2015, Cupcakes and Muffintops v7.0, Humanist Hall, 411 28th St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves, Friends of NOLOSE, and Fat Friendldy Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser. It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • June 13th and 14th, 2015, Fat Reign, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center (formerly Laney College Theater), Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves presented Fat Reign, our latest full-length dance production featuring emFATic DANCE plus special guest artists Raks Africa,  Tigress Osborn and Sarah Redman, the models of Full Figure Entertainment, Paws UP!, Lucia N. Habitions, Magnoliah Black, The Tartlettes, Tyrone Peaches and Brock Cocker, and Shapes & Shades Dance Company! Juicy D. Light of Rubenesque Burlesque emceed.
  • April 26th, 2015, Day of Dance, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic  warmup (with emFATic DANCE Co-Artistic Director Matilda) and short but sweet classes in  Lyrical (with emFATic DANCE* co-Artistic Director Jessica), Belly Dance (with the always-delightful Raks Africa),  Burlesque (with the glorious Ms. Juicy D. Light) and House Jazz (with the amazing Nafi Watson of Bahiya Movement). emFATic DANCE also presented a short performance. 

2014

  • December 5th, 2014 Ice/Ice-X, CSU East Bay, Hayward, CA.  emFATic DANCE performed two pieces in this dance showcase present by the dance and theater program at CSU East Bay.
  • October 26th, 20014, FFE Presents Costume and Curves Fall Fashion Spooktacular, Shadow Ultra Lounge, Oakland, CA.   emFATic DANCE preformed at the performance and fashion event.
  • October 11th, 2014, A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St, Oakland, CA.  emFATic DANCE headlined our annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase. Guest performances included dance by Bahiya Movement, Katrin Auch, and Saucye and Tigress, music by Paws UP!, and spoken word by Pavini Moray! Plus a Cupcakes and Muffintops fatshion show! Fat Strong Lady, Tristy Taylor, emceed.
  •  August 3rd, 2014, Cupcakes and Muffintops v6.0, Humanist Hall, 411 28th St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves, Friends of NOLOSE, and Fat Friendldy Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser. It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • June 14th and 15th, 2014, The Next Big Thing, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center (formerly Laney College Theater), Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves presented The Next Big Thing, our latest full-length dance production featuring emFATic DANCE plus special guest artists Raks Africa, Kitty Von Quim, Tigress Osborn and Sarah Redman, the models of Full Figure Entertainment, The Spoonies, Magnoliah Black, The Tartlettes, and Bahiya Movement! Juicy D. Light of Rubenesque Burlesque emceed.
  • May 17th, 2014 , A Taste of The Beat, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA.  emFATic DANCE performed at this benefit for our home studio.
  • April 27th, 2014, Day of Dance, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic  warmup (with emFATic DANCE Co-Artistic Director Matilda) and short but sweet classes in  Jazz (with emFATic DANCE* co-Artistic Director Jessica), Belly Dance (with the always-delightful Raks Africa),  Burlesque (with the glorious Ms. Juicy D. Light) and Tap (with the amazing Kentucky Friend Woman). emFATic DANCE also presented a short performance.
  • April 26th, 2014, Festival of the Curves, Produced by DANCE-A-VISION ENTERTAINMENT, Malonga Casquelourd Center For The Arts, 1428 Alice St. emFATic DANCE  performed at this event featuring dance, fashion, poetry, music, vendors, and more! 

2013

  • December 15th, 2013, Homo for the Holidays, El Rio, 3158 Mission St., San Francisco, CA.  emFATic DANCE performed at this queer craft bonanza benefiting Larkin Street Youth 
  • October 26th, 2013, A Taste for Dance, Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar Street at Bonita, Berkeley, CA.  emFATic DANCE headlined our annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase. Guest performances included dance by Laura Malouf-Renning and sing along-worthy tunes from BIG Heart. The night also included a costume parade for the kids (everyone’s a winner!), a costume contest with prizes for the adults, and a fatshion show of some of the greatest looks from Cupcakes and Muffintops, Big Moves’ annual clothing sale with friends of NOLOSE and the FatFriendlyFunders. Amanda Cooper (aka Sally Rolls) emceed!
  • September 27th and 28th, 2013, Harvest: The Fall Choreographer’s Showcase. emFATic DANCE performed a piece by co-Artisic Director Jessica Judd with twelve of our dancers. On the bill with emFATic DANCE was : Strong Pulse Dance Crew * Mairin McCracken * Sculpted Motion * Becky Bearse-Esqueda * Diaspora Dance Company * Cera Byer * Blue Scorpion Dance Theater * Millisa Payne (Fri only) * Clint Calimlim * Grupo Experimental Nago * Sovereignty..
  • August 11, 2013, Cupcakes and Muffintops v5.0, Humanist Hall, 411 28th St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves, Friends of NOLOSE, and Fat Friendldy Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser. It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • May 25th and 26th 2013, En Masse, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center (formerly Laney College Theater), Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves presented En Masse, our latest  full-length dance production featuring emFATic DANCE plus special guest artists Etang Inyang of Raks Africa, Kitty Von Quim, Tigress Osborn and Sarah Redman, the models of Full Figure Entertainment, two new-to-our-stage musical acts: Innie & The Extroverts and GAYmous! Juicy D. Light of Rubenesque Burlesque emceed.
  • April 28th, 2013, Day of Dance,  The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic ’80s warmup (with emFATic DANCE* Co-Artistic Director Matilda) and short but sweet classes in Hip Hop (with the fabulous Kim Sims-Battiste from Culture Shock Oakland), Lyrical Jazz (with emFATic DANCE* co-Artistic Director and technique superstar Jessica), Belly Dance (with the always-delightful Raks Africa), and Burlesque (with the glorious Ms. Juicy D. Light). emFATic DANCE also presented a short performance.
  • March 16th, 2013, Roger Dillahunty’s Birthday Celebration, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA. emFATic DANCE performed at this celebration and fundraiser for our home studio.
  • January 26th, 2013, Fatty Affair 2013: Reclamation!, The Bill DeFrank Center, San Jose, CA. emFATic DANCE* performed at this amazing event which included performance, speakers, bake sale, and a clothing swap.

2012

  • October 13th, 2012, A Taste for Dance, Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar Street at Bonita, Berkeley, CA. Just in time for Halloween, Big Moves offered a lavish chocolate buffet generously stocked by chocolatiers, bakers, and candy makers from around the Bay Area. Size-positive dance performances by emFATic DANCE Raks Africa, Las Puras Dance Company, Kentucky Fried Woman, Mr. Drew Montana, and Brock Cocker. Local storyteller Ames Beezer emcee’d.
  • September 8th, 2012, Jazz Hams: special encore at the NOLOSE conference, Econolodge, Oakland, CA. Big Moves and even more Special Guests will be reprised our smash summer shows, Jaz zHams, at the NOLOSE conference.
  • August 19, 2012, Cupcakes and Muffintops v4.0, Humanist Hall, 411 28th St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves, Friends of NOLOSE, and Fat Friendldy Funders brought back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser. It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  • August 2012, Big Moves officially changed name of its resident dance company to emFATic DANCE.
  •  July 28th, 2012, 8 Plus Divas presents: Passport Divas 2nd Annual Plus Fashion Show, Alameda Hotel Ballroom, 1415 Broadway, Alameda, CA. emFATic DANCE* performed as part of this glorious evening of fashion and dance, celebrating the beauty of women size 8 and up!
  •  June 9th and 10th 2012, JAZZ HAMS, Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center (formerly Laney College Theater), Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA. Big Moves debuted our newest full-scale dance production, JAZZ HAMS! This was the fifth annual theatrical show featuring emFATic DANCE*: Big Moves’ performing troupe for the curvaceous and confident. An incredible lineup of full-bodied performers included emFATic DANCE*, Raks Africa, Brock Cocker, Magnoliah Black, Tigress Osborn, the Ladies of Full Figure Entertainment, Kitty Von Quim and special guest emcee Juicy D. Light of Rubenesque Burlesque.
  • May 19th, 2012, The Beat’s Spring Fling Fundraiser, The Beat, 2560 9th St. Berkeley, CA. emFATic DANCE performed at this fundraiser for our home studio.
  • April 22, 2012, Day of Dance,  The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA . As part of Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week, we sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included an energetic ’80s warmup (with emFATic DANCE* Co-Artistic Director Matilda) and short but sweet classes in Hip Hop (with the fabulous Kim Sims-Battiste from Culture Shock Oakland), Lyrical Jazz (with emFATic DANCE* co-Artistic Director and technique superstar Jessica), Belly Dance (with the always-delightful Raks Africa), and Burlesque (with the glorious Ms. Juicy D. Light). emFATic DANCE also presented a short performance.
  • January 28th, 2012, Fatty Affair, The Bill DeFrank Center, San Jose, CA. emFATic DANCE* performed at this amazing event which included performance, speakers, bake sale, and a clothing swap.

2011

  • September 23rd and 24th 2011, Fatdance: What a Feeling!, Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA. Big Moves’ brings all-new dance spectacular featuring the emFATic DANCE* in new jazz, lyrical, and contemporary dance pieces as they take their passion and make it happen! Plus belly dance by Raks Africa, burlesque by Lady Monster, Kitty Von Quim, and Rubenesque Burlesque, and a super-exclusive preview of the documentary short “Strong Fat Lady” by Strong Fat Lady Tristy Taylor. Hosted by super-special co-emcees Ames Beezer and Marilyn Wann.
  • Sunday, August 28, 2011, CUPCAKES AND MUFFINTOPS v3.0, Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA. Big Moves and friends of NOLOSE were delighted to bring back our Cupcakes and Muffintops fundraiser for its third year. It’s like the fatty Holy Grail: sustainable and affordable fat shopping in a body-loving environment. With cupcakes.
  •  August 7th, 2011, The Kentucky Fried Woman Show, Tap That Ass: An all Tap Dance Revue, Bench & Bar 510 17th St Oakland, CA. emFATic DANCE performed at this tap-dance revue, bringing a combination tap and jazz dance piece to the stage.
  •  July 9th, 2011,  NOLOSE Saturday Night Cabaret,  Econolodge, Oakland, CA. emFATic DANCE* performed at the Saturday night cabaret at the 2011 NOLOSE conference.
  •  June 5th, 2011, Kentucky Fried Woman’s Unicorns & Rainbows: A Queer Cabaret Celebrating All Things Gay, Bench & Bar, 510 17th St Oakland, CA. Performances by the Burlesque Legend Isis Starr and San Francisco Legend Alotta Boutté, Mulotta Tatas & Sugarbush Lane, GlitterAction, Lance Armstar & Penny Whistle, Charleston Chu & Clitorah Jones, Lotta Hollandaise, emFATic DANCE, King McQueen and Jack Dup with Billy “the Poof” Elliot as Stage Daddy & DJ dandy g as Sound Daddy. with Co-FemmeCee: Starr69
  • May 1, 2011, DAY OF DANCE, The Beat, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley, CA. As part of Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week, Big Moves sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included short but sweet classes in Jazz (with emFATic DANCE* Co-Artistic Director and technique superstar Jessica), Bollywood (with energetic returning favorite Vikashni), and Belly Dance (with the always-delightful Raks Africa). You’ll also see a short performance by our very own emFATic DANCE*

2010

  • October 23rd, 2010, A Taste for Dance 2010:Chocolate Tasting and Performance Showcase, Humanist Hall, Oakland, CA. Big Moves Bay Area continues the tradition of our much-beloved annual dance showcase and chocolate tasting. emFATic DANCE and special guests will get you in the Halloween spirit with sparkles, smiles, and shimmies galore.
  • August 29th, 2010, CUPCAKES AND MUFFINTOPS v2.0, Humanist Hall, Oakland, CA. Big Moves and Friends of NOLOSE are teamed up to do it all again!
  •  July 9th and 10th, 2010, GO BIG OR GO HOME, Chabot College Little Theater 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA. Two well-rounded nights of song, dance, drag and delicious surprises featuring emFATic DANCE* and guests Raks Africa, Vicodonia, Rubenesque Burlesque, and a special little something from Marilyn Wann. Kirk Willett emcee’d.
  •  Sunday June 6th, 2010, Flabulous 2! Fatter Than Ever! Presented by: Kentucky Fried Woman & Jay Walker in Conjunction with the National Queer Arts Festival, The African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA Featuring: Gabe Oi, ButchTap, Ruby Vixen, Amy Adams, Holy McGrail, Brock Cocker, emFATic DANCE*, Juicy D. Light,Delicio del Toro, Margarita & Maybelle, Rubenesque Burlesque, Bevin Brandlandingham, Alysia Angel & Dottie Lux, Jukie Sunshine & Drew Montana, Mulotta TaTas & Sugarbush Lane
  •  April 3, 2010, Kentucky Fried Woman Show: Animation Nation, Velvet, 3411 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA. Starring: Starr69, Dottie Lux, Brock Cocker, emFATic DANCE, Juicy D. Light, Kitty von Quim, MuLotta TaTas, Cherry Poppins, Sugarbush Lane, Diamond Daggers, Ocean of Emotion, and The Mustache Boys
  • April 25th, 2010, Day of Dance, The Beat, 2560 9th St, Berkeley, CA. As part of Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week, Big Moves sponsored another free Day of Dance for dancers and dancers-to-be of all sizes. The day included short but sweet classes in Dance Basics, Bollywood (with returning favorite Vikashni), Jazz, and Burlesque (with the inspiring Juicy D. Light from Rubenesque Burlesque). emFATic DANCE* also gave a short performance.
  •  February 23rd, 2010, Benefit for The Beat, 2560 9th St, Berkeley, CA. emFATic DANCE* performed at this benefit for our home studio.
  •  January 23rd 2010, Big Moves Boston appeared in SHOW (A Film, Burlesque/Drag Show and Book Signing with Henry Horenstein), Coolidge Corner Theater, 290 Harvard St., Brookline, MA

2009

  • November 21st, 2009, Flabulous! – An Evening of Performance By and For People of Size & Their Allies, Presented by Kentucky Fried Woman & Jay Walker, In conjunction with NOLOSE and the Queer Cultural Center, SomArts, 934 Brannan St, San Francisco. Featuring, Malcolm Pecs & Tyrone Peaches, Drew Montana & Jake Danger, Leigh Crow and Ruby Vixen, Rubenesque Burlesque, Pidgeon von Tramp, Jukie Sunshine, Brock Cocker, Lady Monster, emFATic DANCE*, Alotta Boutté, Holy McGrail, Juicy D. Lite, Phenix Love, Mz. Amy, OBEAST, and CHUBB
  •  October 17th, 2009, A Taste for Dance: Halloween Edition, Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. Oakland, CA. Our beloved annual dance showcase and chocolate tasting, Halloween style featuring emFATic DANCE, Raks Africa, and Rubenesque Burlesque. Emceed by Marilyn Wann.
  • October 11, 2009, Big Moves Boston dancers model at Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Burlesque Life Drawing Session, Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA
  •  October 9, 2009, Heavy Rotation, El Rio, 3158 Mission St (@ Cesar Chavez), San Francisco, CA 94110. emFATic DANCE performed at this dance party
  •  Saturday, September 19, 2009, Yarr! A Pirate Cabaret, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline, MA. Performers include: Big Moves Boston, Babes in Boinkland, UnAmerika’s, Sweetheart Karin Webb, 86-Years-Young Mary Dolan, Black Cat Burlesque, Honey Suckle Duvet, Brief Awakening, Madame Psychosis, Lolli Hoops, and special guest Tommy Toxic from Montreal!
  •  September 11th and 12th, 2009, emFATic DANCE* performed at: Harvest, Dance Mission’s Fall Choreographer’s Showcase. Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th St. San Francisco, CA.
  •  Sunday, August 9th, 2009, Cupcakes and Muffintops: A Clothing and Bake Sale where only the prices are small, Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. Oakland, CA. Big Moves joined with friends of NOLOSE to bring the first of Cupcakes and Muffintops to Oakland.
  •  July 26th, 2009, Big Moves Boston appears at Queer Soup’s Summer Simmer Fundraiser: “Get all Dolly-ed up and shake your pElvis”, Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA Dancing, raffle, and performances from some of Boston’s superqueer superstars, including Big Moves, Becca D’Bus, Systyr Act, and more, plus a great time on the dance floor with DJ Mocha (Mel Andrade). All proceeds support Queer Soup’s September show at the Boston Center for the Arts.
  •  May 8 – 9, 2009, Big Moves Boston presents: Fat Camp in Philly, A Summer-Camp-Themed Musical, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA Fat Camp is summer camp the way Big Moves would do it, full of dining-hall dancing, post-modern pillow fights, a full-service cold-cereal bar, shower-room burlesques, campfire sing-alongs, and of course, trust games.
  •  April 24 – May 2, 2009, Big Moves Boston presents: Fat Camp, A Summer-Camp-Themed Musical, First Church Cambridge, 11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA. An all-new, summer-camp-themed revue, Fat Camp (“leave your baggage behind”). Fat Camp is summer camp the way Big Moves would do it, full of dining-hall dancing, post-modern pillow fights, a full-service cold-cereal bar, shower-room burlesques, campfire sing-alongs, and of course, trust games.
  •  April 26th, 2009, Big Moves Bay Area’s Day of Dance, The Beat Studio, 2560 9th Street, Berkeley. In conjunction with Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week, Big Moves Bay Area invited dancers and dancers-to-be of all shapes, sizes, experience levels to FREE classes in ballet, lyrical jazz, and Bollywood dance, as well as a mini-performance by Big Moves’ own emFATic DANCE*

2008

  • November 29-30, 2008, Big Beautiful Bargains (a fundraiser for Big Moves NYC), Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St, NYC, Plus-size clothes shopping, for a good cause! Tons of vendor tables (yes, that’s a fat joke), with clothing from size 16-5X at below bargain prices.
  • November 8th, 2008. The Haunted Ho-Down (a Halloween post-mortem), Cafe Cleopatra, 1230 boul St. Laurent, Montreal. Dancers from Big Moves Boston appear with the Dead Dolls.
  • November 7th and 8th, 2008, Dance At Large, Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, CA. Dance At Large featured emFATic DANCE* in hot new jazz, musical theater, lyrical and hip-hop numbers, combining sexiness, raw emotion, sharp choreography and a dash of humor with some seriously fierce full-bodied dance for an evening you’ll never forget. Special guest artists included Raks Africa, NaachDuniya, Goddess Force, Rubenesque Burlesque and more in a dazzling array of belly dance, Bollywood, burlesque and contemporary dance performances.
  • October 16-18 and October 24-25, 2008, Big Moves Boston presents…Hot Buffet (a dystopian musical satire), Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre 820 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA. With ensemble dancers of all shapes and sizes, and a passionate cast drawn from the best of Boston’s community theater scene, Hot Buffet delivers a searing, terrifying indictment of a Big Brother future we can’t ignore and may not be able to escape.
  • October 13th, 2008, The Hubba Hubba Revue, The Uptown, 1928 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA. This monthly revue featured emFATic DANCE* along with Ruby White, Madamoiselle Muerta, McPuzo & Trotsky, Margaret France, Dottie Lux, Citty, Rich and Monifa.
  • October 12th, 2008, Big Moves Boston at Dr. Sketchy’s, Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA. Dr. Sketchy’s is what happens when cabaret meets art school.
  • October 9th, 2008, Big Moves Boston at Gendercrash, Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St., Jamaica Plain, MA.
  • October 7th, 2008, Love Your Body (a reception and showcase), Cambridge Public Library, Central Square branch (Lewis Room), 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA. Free reception and performance showcase in honor of Love Your Body Month, co-hosted by Big Moves Boston and Greater Boston NOW.
  • October 4th, 2008, Oktoberfest in the Diamond, emFATic DANCE* performed at this Oakland street fair.
  • October 4th, 2008, TraniWreck, Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA. Big Moves Boston performers joined a star-studded fundraiser to help get Heywood Wakefield, Johnny Blazes, and Red Rider to the International Drag King Extravaganza in Ohio. Performances by the TraniWreck crew: Heywood Wakefield, Becca D’Bus, Frieda Fries, Johnny Blazes, and Red Rider, with guests: Maggie Crowley (of the Femme Show), Big Moves Boston, Mel O’Drama (from Portland, Me), Can Can Revolution, Miss Honey Suckle, Keilbasia (drag queen with an accordion) and more.
  • September 4th, 2008, 2nd annual QUEEN FOR A DAY, Church Nightclub, 69 Kilmarnock St., Boston, MA On the eve of Freddie Mercury’s birthday, Big Moves and a star-studded cast presented an all-Queen tribute rock revue that’ll blow your hair back and leave you begging for more. Gunpowder Gelatine blasts out set after set of all-girl Queen covers, while Caravan of Curves adds some bellydance bump to the festivities. To top it all off, we’ve got some of Boston’s best and most brazen burlesquers on hand–including Babes in Boinkland, Johnny Blazes, and Big Moves’ own Thick–to ramp up the action and lay down the law.
  •  August 2nd, 2008, Second Annual Float-a-thon, Private residence in Norwood, MA. Fundraiser for Big Moves Boston.
  •  July 23rd, 2008 emFATic DANCE* performed at For The Love of Candye: A Benefit for Candye Kane, El Rio * 3158 Mission Street (at Cesar Chavez) * San Francisco, CA. Big Moves’ own emFATic DANCE opened this show with an all new sexy, sassy jazz dance piece created especially for this event, a fundraiser for Candye Kane’s cancer treatments. All performers performed to Candye Kane’s songs. Produced by Lady Monster and sponsored by The Center for Sex and Culture. Dr. Carol Queen and Lady Monster emceed.
  •  June 14 through June 21, 2008, LARD (like grease, but thicker), Montréal Fringe Festival, Théåtre LaChapelle, 3700 rue St-Dominique, Montréal. Big Moves Boston presented this six-show run of LARD, a delicious dance/musical romp with a big, fat twist.
  •   May 3rd, 2008, Day of Dance, Western Sky Studio, 2525 8th St. (at Dwight) Berkeley CA. A Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week Cornerstone Event. Classes in Lyrical Jazz by Jessica Judd of Big Moves, Belly by Sadiyah, Bollywood wih Vikashni Prasad, and Hip Hop with Matilda St. John of Big Moves. Informal showcase featured emFATic DANCE*, members of NaachDuniya dance company, and Sadiyah.
  •  April 26, 2008, The Big Top, at 2 and 8 p.m. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA. Big Moves at its carnivalesque best, with jazz dance, bellydance, musical theater, lyrical, bhangra-infused hip hop… all on one glittering stage! We’ve also added clowning, aerial dance, feats of strength and dexterity, live musical variety acts, and a sideshow the likes of which have never been seen anywhere.
  •  Tuesday, April 22, 2008, a workshop reading of HOT BUFFET: the musical, Kotzen Meeting Center, Lefavour Hall at Simmons College (300 The Fenway. Reading of new musical parody by Big Moves is inspired in part by Cabaret, the Handmaiden’s Tale, and… cookbooks?
  •  April 17-19, 2008, The Big Top, Cambridge Family YMCA Theater, 820 Mass Ave., Cambridge, MA. Big Moves at its carnivalesque best, with jazz dance, bellydance, musical theater, lyrical, bhangra-infused hip hop… all on one glittering stage! We’ve also added clowning, aerial dance, feats of strength and dexterity, live musical variety acts, and a sideshow the likes of which have never been seen anywhere.
  •  March 29th, 2008, A Taste For Dance, Big Moves’ seventh annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. Oakland, CA. Jazz, lyrical and hip hop performances by emFAtic DANCE*, the burlesque stylings of Rubenesque Burlesque, belly dance by Raks Africa, plus solo performances by Big Moves dancers.
  • March 29, 2008 TEA & STRUMPETS 2: a burlesque matinee and cake raffle, Milky Way Lounge and Lanes, 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA. Tea & Strumpets Two, the return of Big Moves’ all-star burlesque matinee and cake raffle. Some of the hottest names in Boston’s seething burlesque scene, including Johnny Blazes, Babes in Boinkland, and Black Cat Burlesque, as well as Big Moves’ own Thick.
  • March 14, 2008 , emFATic DANCE* perform at: Heavy Rotation, El Rio, 3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
  • February 23, 2008 O MY BLEEDING HEART (a post-mortem Valentine’s celebration), Cafe Cleopatra, 1230 boul St Laurent, Montreal. Big Moves Boston guest-stars at a fundraiser to kick the Dead Dolls outta town for their world- domination tour of suburban Boston.
  • February 22, 2008, ONE SIZE FITS ALL at Faggitty Ass Friday, Main Hall, 5390 boul St Laurent, Montreal. Performers from Big Moves Boston performed at this a benefit for Head & Hands, providers of queer-friendly sex ed for high school students who need it.

2007

  • Saturday, December 8, 2007, FEAST: a body-positive bazaar and performance showcase, All Asia Bar, 344 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA. A select group of crafters were brought together for a body-positive bazaar with live music and entertainment, followed by one of our trademark feel-good, get-down holiday shows, with new works by Big Moves dancers, plus audience favorites from the last year’s shows.
  • November 2-3, 2007, LARD the musical (like grease, but thicker), Shetler Annex, 939 8th Ave., Suite 204, New York City. Set in the late 1950s and loosely based on a very familiar movie with another cooking substance as the title, LARD brings together upbeat dance moves, tuneful singing, and two best-friends-forever in a challenging, laugh-a-minute musical that will entertain audiences of all ages.
  •  Thursday, September 27, 2007, One Size Fits All at REVIVE, Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA. Jazz dance, light burlesque, bellydance, musical theater, and spoken word. Big Moves poet laureate Jaclyn Friedman emceed the show
  • September 5, 2007, QUEEN FOR A DAY an all-star tribute show to QUEEN, Milky Way Lounge & Lanes, 403-405 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA. In honor of Freddie Mercury’s birthday, Big Moves presented an evening of tribute numbers. Artists included Boink Burlesque, drag star Becca d’Bus, Love Brigade (a fabulous all-girl Queen tribute band), and dancers from Big Moves’ own companies, Thick (burlesque) and Caravan of Curves (belly dance).
  •  Sunday, August 5, 2007, The San Francico Zoo, Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell St., San Francisco. emFATic DANCE* performed alongside Rosin Coven in this animal-themed music and dance revue.
  •  Saturday, August 4, 2007, The Animal Masquerade, Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell St., San Francisco. emFATic DANCE* performed alongside Rosin Coven in this animal-themed music and dance revue.
  • May 3-5th, The Big Easy, The Cambridge Family YMCA Theater, 820 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA; The Big Easy featured Amazonian emcee Alicia Greene and Big Moves’ companies the Phat Fly Girls – East Coast, Filling the Stage, Caravan of Curves, and Thick alongside Maine dance artist Robyn LaMarre, and Big Moves’ resident poet Jaclyn Friedman.
  •  April 27-28th, The Big Easy, The Knitting Factory (Old Office), 74 Leonard St., New York City; The Big Easy featured Amazonian emcee Alicia Greene and Big Moves’ companies the Phat Fly Girls – East Coast, Filling the Stage, Caravan of Curves, and Thick alongside Maine dance artist Robyn LaMarre, Big Moves’ resident poet Jaclyn Friedman, Arielle Woah, and Allison Tilsen
  •  April 27-28, 2007, All That Flab, CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission St., San Francisco. Featuring emFATic DANCE* and guests Raks Africa, Dangerous Curves, Lady Monster, San Francisco’s It Girl: The Fabulous Jukie Sunshine, and the Diamond Topsy Curvy. Perennially flabulous Fat!So? author Marilyn Wann emcees.
  •  April 21st, 2007, The Big Easy, The Elevens Nightclub, 140 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA; The Big Easy featured Amazonian emcee Alicia Greene and Big Moves’ companies the Phat Fly Girls – East Coast, Filling the Stage, Caravan of Curves, and Thick alongside Maine dance artist Robyn LaMarre, and Big Moves’ resident poet Jaclyn Friedman.
  •  April 20th, 2007, The Big Easy, Gallery 119, 119 Chelmsford St. in Lowell, MA; The Big Easy featured Amazonian emcee Alicia Greene and Big Moves’ companies the Phat Fly Girls – East Coast, Filling the Stage, Caravan of Curves, and Thick alongside Maine dance artist Robyn LaMarre, Big Moves’ resident poet Jaclyn Friedman.
  •  Saturday, March 24, 2007, TEA & STRUMPETS, Milky Way Lounge and Lanes, 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA. An all-star matinee of some of Boston’s top names in burlesque and drag, including dancers from the Boston Babydolls, Black Cat Burlesque, Babes in Boinkland, and TraniWreck, complete with each troupe’s distinctive Emcee, and Big Moves’ own troupe, Thick with Big Moves emcee Alicia Greene.
  •  Saturday March 10, 2007, A TASTE FOR DANCE, Big Moves’ sixth annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland, CA. Hip hop and jazz performances by emFATic DANCE*, jazz performances by Big Moves soloists, belly dance by guests Raks Africa, a flabulous spring fashion show by local plus-size retailer Go Figure, and live jazz and blues piano entertainment throughout the evening.
  • February 16, 2007, The Boston Burlesque Expo: New England Revue!, John Hancock Hotel & Conference Center, 40 Trinity Place, Boston, MA. Big Moves’ THICK performed at this event.
  • February 16th, 2007, Heavy Rotation : PUT SOME WIGGLE IN YOUR JIGGLE!!!, El Rio, 3128 Mission at 26th Ave., San Francisco. emFATic DANCE* performed at this dance party aimed at creating a safe and empowering space for size rebels, fatties, chubsters, BBWs & body activists of all genders, sexualities, and sizes!
  • February 10, 2007, SWEAT: a big, bodacious benefit for Big Moves Boston, All Asia Bar, 344 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA. Burlesque by THICK, Big Moves’ newest performance project, performances by the Phat Fly Girls (hip hop), Filling the Stage (jazz and musical theater), and Caravan of Curves (bellydance), plus Big Moves poet laureate Jaclyn Friedman and our own Amazonian emcee, Alicia Greene.
  • January 27th, 2007, Fetish Masquerade: Creatures of the Night (a benefit for The Network/La Red) (Big Moves Boston performers come on throughout the evening) The Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel in Danvers, MA.
  • January 19th, 2007 Heavy Rotation : PUT SOME WIGGLE IN YOUR JIGGLE!! El Rio, 3128 Mission at 26th Ave., San Francisco, CA. emFATic DANCE* performed at this dance party aimed at creating a safe and empowering space for size rebels, fatties, chubsters, BBWs & body activists of all genders, sexualities, and sizes!

2006

  • Friday and Saturday, November 3-4, 2006, GARGANTUA: FEAR OF A FAT PLANET: An out-of-this-world sci-fi dance odyssey, Interborough Repertory Theater, 154 Christopher Street, NEW YORK CITY
  • Friday, October 27,2006 ,GARGANTUA: FEAR OF A FAT PLANET: An out-of-this-world sci-fi dance odyssey, 119 Gallery, 119 Chelmsford St., LOWELL
  • Saturday, October 28, 2006, GARGANTUA: FEAR OF A FAT PLANET: An out-of-this-world sci-fi dance odyssey, Smith College, Campus Center 208, NORTHAMPTON, MA
  • Friday and Saturday, October 20-21, 2006, GARGANTUA: FEAR OF A FAT PLANET: An out-of-this-world sci-fi dance odyssey The Theater at First Church (UU), 66 Marlborough St., Boston (in Back Bay) GARGANTUA showcases plus-sized performers doing dance, song, and spoken word that’ll knock your socks off. Unlike previous shows, GARGANTUA is a full-fledged musical, with an original script, fat chicks on rollerskates, and an outrageous military plot that could tear the galaxy apart.
  •  Friday and Saturday, October 6-7, 2006, BODIES IN MOTION VI: past(times) and possibilities, An evening of size-diverse contemporary dance CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission Street, San Francisco . Featuring Mass Movement in the world premiere of “Lonely House” by the award-winning choreographer Maxine Moerman, as well as a return to earlier works by Chris Black and Tara Brandel. Guest performers are longtime Big Moves collaborators Dandelion Dancetheater, performing excerpts from “ANICCA”.
  • Thursday, August 3 * 6 to 8 pm, ON A GRAND SCALE: An art show and sale featuring body-positive art, Farnsworth House, 90 South Street, Jamaica Plain/Boston Visual artists from around the country are donating their body-positive, size-accepting works to this exciting show. The list of contributing artists is growing, with works from Laurie Toby Edison (photographer of Women En Large, Familiar Men, and Women of Japan), Jill Haney-Neal (creator of those fabulous fat-assed Wild Women), Nigel Morgan (Harlem-based graphic designer), chunkebusiness.com (Internet purveyors of fat-pride arts and crafts), and more. Boston-area artist Deborah Dixon is not only donating works, but also creating live gesture drawings of Big Moves dancers for sale at the show.
  • Sunday, April 30, BOUNCE: A benefit for Big Moves in New York The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard St. at Stanton, Lower East Side. Featuring the over-the-top talents of Sweetie, the Glamazons, Nedra Johnson, Janie Martinez, and Seleka, BOUNCE is guaranteed to fill up the Slipper Room.
  • Sunday, February 19, 2006 Big Moves-Boston presents SWEAT The Milky Way, 403-405 Centre St., Jamaica Plain,MA.  SWEAT featured the bellydancers of Hippy Chix,  a new number from Fat: The Musical, with Colette Gagnon stepping out from Filling the Stage for a solo turn, The Phat Fly Girls, and Fly Girl Keku’i is breaking out some hypnotizing hula moves of her own. Spoken-word artist Jaclyn Friedman spills out more hot, hot riffs and  Alicia Greene emcees.
  •  February 3-5, 2006, The 2nd Annual Renaud-Wilson Dance Festival, CSUEB Hayward Campus, Hayward, CA. Mass Movement and emFATic DANCE* will be hitting the stage on Saturday evening, February 4, along with AXIS Dance Company, Dandelion Dancetheater, Danny Nguyen and Dancers, and other great companies incorporating social change goals into their creative process.
  • Sunday, February 5, 2006, A TASTE FOR DANCE, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, doors at 5:30 First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland, CA Performers include Big Moves’ own emFATic DANCE* with hot new members and hot new moves, Big Moves’ Mass Movement, Big Moves dancers in jazz, hip hop, and modern dance solos, live jazz and blues piano entertainment throughout the evening, plus a romantic plus-size lingerie fashion show and a chance to win some cold hard cash in the split-the-pot raffle!

2005

  • December 9th and 17th, 2005 The Big Chill, Spontaneous Celebrations, Jamaica Plain, MA Performers include: The Phat Fly Girls-East Coast, former Fly Girl Latonya Hicks, spoken word by Jaclyn Friedman, the Haiku King (Greg Sensing), Big Moves’ new company Our new musical theater company, Filling the Stage and our Amazonian emcee Alicia Greene.
  • November 26th, 2005 emFATic DANCE* performed at MENSA’s Brilliance by the Bay
  • October 14th-15th, 2005 Bodies in Motion V: Five Year’s Running,CounterPULSE, San Francisco, CA The only dance concert series in the world to showcase plus-sized dancers returned for its triumphant fifth season, with new works by Chris Black and Ann Woodhead set on Mass Movement, Big Moves’ modern dance company, and Alexandra Beller, formerly of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane, appears in her West Coast solo debut, with the world premiere of a set of politically charged solos. Reviews of the show are here and here.
  •  September 30th-October 1st, 2005 Autumn Harvest Choreographer’s Showcase, Dance Mission Theater, San Francisco, CA Mass Movement performed excerpts of Chris Black’s “…the sum of its parts” at this choreographer’s showcase.
  •  August 19-20, 2005 emFATic DANCE*performed at Hot Summer Nights with Big Burlesque’s Fat-Bottom Revue, Theater Rhinoceros,San Francisco, CA
  • August 13, 2005 emFATic DANCE* performed at NAAFA Convention Off-Site actvism event: Fat Fitness Fest, Foster City, CA
  • August 11, 2005 emFATic DANCE* performed at National NAAFA Convention Fashion Show, San Mateo, CA
  • July 24, 2005 Phat Fly Girls-East Coast performed at: Big Burlesque’s Fat-Bottom Revue, Milky Way Lounge and Lanes, Jamaica Plain, MA With special guests: The Femmetastic Fatales, Black Cat Burlesque and La Gata Negra League of Masked Lady Wrestlers; Systyr Act; Phat Fly Girls–East Coast; Rainbow Frite; and MC Heywood Wakefield , plus! dancing after with DJ d’hana
  • July 22, 2005 Phat Fly Girls-East Coast performed at:Big Burlesque’s Fat-Bottom Revue, The Elevens Northampton, MA With special guests: The Femmetastic Fatales, Systyr Act; Phat Fly Girls–East Coast; Rainbow Frite; and MC Heywood Wakefield
  • July 17th, 2005 The Phat Fly Girls-East Coast appeared at: Big Burlesque’s Fat-Bottom Revue, The Knitting Factory, New York, NY
  • July 17th, 2005 Big Moves and emFATic DANCE* appeared at: FAACTION, The Humanist Hall , Oakland,CA Big Moves presented the workshop “LOOKING BEYOND THE LINE: APPRECIATING THE LARGER DANCER” and the Phat Fly Girls-West Coast performed at this performance showcase and community organizing event produced by The Truss Project and Sarah-Luella Baker. Other participants included: The Oxygen Collective, California Prison Focus The Elephant Factory, Parker Leventer, ODC Jellies Kids Company, Jim Maughn, Eat Cake Productions, AXIS Dance Company, Corey Weinstein, Sarah-Luella Baker, Rachel Gibbs, Temescal Arts Center/Dance Elixir, Arizmendi Cooperative Bakery, Christine Garcia, A Living Library, and counterPULSE.
  •  July 15th, 2005 Phat Fly Girls-East Coast performed at: NOLOSE Conference, Newark, NJ
  •  June 30th, 2005 emFATic DANCE* performed at Rosin Coven Dance Revue Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA The Phat Fly Girls perfomed original choreogrpahy to the music of Rosin Coven in this exciting dance revue, along with The Hot Pink Feathers, Liminal, and the Vau de Vire Society.
  •  June 5th, 2005 Phat Fly Girls-East Coast perfomed at:Benefit for Boston Dyke March
  • April 29th-30th, 2005 raw & uncut, Jon Sims Center for the Arts,San Francisco, CA Big Moves’ Mass Movement performed Tara Brandel’s “Be Longings” in this modern dance showcase.
  • April 22nd-23rd, 2005 Big Time, Julie Ince Thompson Theater at the Dance Complex, Cambridge, MA. Spiritual modern dance by Kelley Donovan, jaw-dropping belly dance by Raquel Evita Seidel, world premiere of contemporary work by ReaLdance, spoken word to leave you speechless by Jaclyn Friedman, with the East Coast debuts of The Phat Fly Girls (“keeping the hips in hip hop”), Ms. Deeds (“I’m not an hourglass, honey, I’m a shot glass”) and our own Amazonian emcee, Alicia Greene. PLUS an amazing full-figured fashion revue. W
  • February 18th-19th, 2005 Bodies in Motion IV: Sight Unseen,Temescal Arts Center, Oakland, CA Big Moves’ Mass Movement premeired Tara Brandel’s “Be Longings”, a new site-specific piece. Dandelion Dancetheater and …And Still Dancing also performed.
  • February 5th, 2005 Big Moves 4th annual chocolate tasting fundraiser: A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church, Oakland, CA Performances by emFATic DANCE*s, Mass Movement, …And Still Dancing, Reva Lucian of Big Burlesque, Jessica Judd, Marina Wolf, Michael Grace and a lingerie fashion show.

2004

  • April 24th, 2004 Eat Something Already! Spaghetti Feed and Performance Showcase, CELLspace, San Francisco, CA
  • March 28th Fat Lip Reader’s Theater Reunion Show, CELLspace, San Francisco, CA Fat Lip Reader’s Theater reunited after a seven-year hiatus to perform at this successful Big Moves fundraiser. Big Moves’ dance companies Mass Movement and The Phat Fly Girls also opened the show, along with solo performances by Big Moves dancers Matilda St. John and Katrin Auch.
  • February 8th, 2004 Big Moves 3rd annual chocolate tasting fundraiser: A Taste for Dance, First Unitarian Church, Oakland, CA
  • February 1st, 2004 Mass Movement performs at Dance IS: Social Change, Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley CA. Mass Movement, Big Moves’ modern ensemble, performed excerpts from “Clutch” at the first annual Dance Is festival.

2003

  • October 3rd and 4th, 2003 Bodies in Motion 2003: Freedom to Move, ODC Theater, San Francisco, CA Bodies in Motion returned for a triumphant third season, with the Big Moves modern ensemble performing works by Bay Area choreographers Eric Kupers and Lisa Townsend. FatChanceBellyDance also performed and Lawrence Goldhuber (formerly of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company) makes his Bay Area solo debut as headliner of this size-diverse dance concert.
  • September 10th, 2003 Bodies in Motion: size-diverse dance in action Video Screening and Discussion, Center for New Words, Cambridge, MA Video was shown of “They’ll Eat the Fat Ones First,” a piece from the 2002 Bodies in Motion San Francisco show, plus footage from size-diverse performance works of Gabrie’l J. Atchison Productions. Video screening was followed by discussion with dance lovers, fat activists, feminists, and others about creating a world in which performers are appreciated for the scope of their talent, not the size of their leotards.
  • September 6th, CA Re-Visioning the Body in Dance: A benefit for Dandelion Dancetheater’s “Undressed” Project, Berkeley Moving Arts, Berkeley, CA. Big Moves participated in this fundraiser which featured performances by Dandelion Dancetheater, Della Davidson/SIDESHOW Physical Theater (performing excerpts of the upcoming work, “The Desire to Return to the Safety of Day”), and Big Moves Modern Ensemble (performing excerpts of a newly commissioned work by Eric Kupers) and more. A panel discussion followed the performances exploring issues around the body and body image in modern dance facilitated by dance artist Ali Woolwich; with Della Davidson, Kimiko Guthrie, Frank Shawl, Jessica Judd and others.
  • August 15th-16th, 2003 Fat Fest 2003, Theatre Rhino, San Francisco, CA. emFATic DANCE* performed at this evening of fat entertainment. For photos of their performance click here.
  • July 12-13th, 2003 The Ideal Figure: performance and discussion, Cantor Center for Visual Arts, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. As part of the ongoing “Ideal Figure” exhibit, the Big Moves modern ensemble performed Joe Landini’s “They’ll Eat the Fat Ones First”. A facilitated discussion with the dancers and audience members followed the performance.
  • July 5th, 2003 Twisted Tea Dance, El Rio, San Francisco, CA. Entertainment included performances by Queen Justine and Jezebel Juggs of the Original Fat-Bottom Revue, Big Moves own emFATic DANCE*, singer/performer Kristi Martel, DJ dancing with DJ Beat Boy, and emcee Carolyn King (from the last Fat-Bottom Revue). This was a fundraiser for Bodies in Motion 2003
  • May 18, 2003 Big Moves’ Fourth Annual Day of Dance, Berkeley Moving Arts, Berkeley, CA. At this day-long dance event, students took classes in belly dance, modern, jazz and hip hop. View photos of this event here.
  • May 17, 2003 Re-Visioning the Body in Dance: A benefit for Dandelion Dancetheater’s “Undressed” Project, Berkeley Moving Arts, Berkeley, CA. Big Moves participated in this evening of provocative dance performance, video, live music, and a panel discussion led by dance journalist Sima Belmar, investigating body image in the dance world. Participants included Dandelion Dancetheater, Lori B, John Killacky, Della Davidson, Navarette X Kajiyama Dance Theater, Big Moves, and AXIS Dance Company.
  • May 4, 2003 Project emBody Spring Showcase, Black Box,Oakland, CA. emFATic DANCE*performed at this showcase along with the Body Positive’s Intern Cassandra Hazen, Being Beautiful Performers and Spring Youth Workshops participants, Oakland Slam Poets, Citi-Center Dancers of Alice Arts, and Body-Esteem educators.
  • April 29, 2003 Appreciating the Larger Dancer: Panel Discussion, Footloose Studio, San Francisco, CA. Big Moves organized, hosted, and participated in this panel as part of our participation in Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week. On the panel this year were dancer/choreographer Eric Kupers, photographer Laurie Toby Edison, and dancer/choreographer Katrin Auch
  • April 5, 2003 The Original Fat Bottom Revue: Cabaret, somArts , San Francisco, CA. Big Moves and Big Burlesque brought the biggest Fat-Bottom Revue yet to San Francisco with this elaborate cabaret-style show. In addition to all new burlesque performances by Fat-Bottom Revue members Ms. DeMeanor, Ms. Bea Haven, Jezebel Juggs, Queen Justine, Mia More, and Mochachica Granda, guest artists Sukie Divine and Silkie Siciliana showed us their burlesque style. Performances by The Bod Squad, Big Moves’ emFATic DANCE*, and fat rockers Creamy Goodness rounded out this evening of incredible fat-positive entertainment.
  • March 1, 2003 The Original Fat Bottom Revue: Mardi Gras Party, Luna Sea, San Francisco, CA. Big Burlesque and Big Moves brought another all new Fat-Bottom Revue for Mardi Gras. Ms. DeMeanor, Ms. Bea Haven, Jezebel Juggs, Rudan Rauchee, and Queen Justine all returned to San Francisco for this show with all new performances. emFATic DANCE* added their hip hop stylings to the evening. This show sold-out!
  • February 16, 2003  Big Moves’ Second Annual A Taste For Dance: Chocolate tasting , Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, Berkeley In it’s second year, this fundraiser for Bodies in Motion raised nearly $1,000 and attracted over 75 attendees. Fine chocolate was supplied by bay area chocolatiers Spun Sugar, Godiva, See’s, Scharffen Berger, and Rocy Mountain Chocolate Factory and Peet’s Coffee and Tea provided the coffee. Audience members were treated to performances by San Francisco’s Fat Chance Belly Dance, Big Moves’ emFATic DANCE*, Big Moves jazz dance instructor, Jessica Judd, Big Burlesque’s Heater MacAllister, and a fashion show by San Francisco’s Go Figure.

2002

  • November 9, 2002 Phat Fly Girls perform at embody Bay Area Expressive Artist Showcase and Dance Party Summit,The Black Box, Oakland This multi-media event showcased artists and groups who embody the message of size acceptance. emFATic DANCE* performed along with many other performers from around the Bay Area. This event was sponsored by Project Embody and The Black Box.
  •  October 17-18, 2002 The Original Fat Bottom Revue, Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center , Berkeley (17th) and Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco (18th) Big Moves co-produced these shows with Big Burlesque, bringing burlesque to the East Bay and San Francisco. Ms. DeMeanor, Miss Bea Haven, Jezebel Juggs, and Queen Justine were among the burlesque performers, while emFATic DANCE*s added some hip hop stylings to the evening.
  •  October 11, 2002 emFATic DANCE* perform at embody Body Esteem Community Summit, The Black Box, Oakland
  • September 27-29, 2002 Marin 21st Century Dance and Music Collaboration 2002 , Marin Center Showcase Theater, San Rafael Big Moves dancers performed Joe Landini’s “They’ll Eat The Fat Ones First” (originally commisioned for and performed at Bodies in Motion 2002) at this annual dance festival.
  •  August 24, 2002 emFATic DANCE* performs at I’ll Show you Mine, The Savoy, Santa Clara Phat Fly Girls were the featured performers at this women’s talent night.
  •  July 11, 2002 emFATic DANCE* performs at In Full Swing Customer Appreciation Party , Oakland
  • June 15, 2002 emFATic DANCE* performs at Big Boogie Nights, Main St. Tavern, Martinez
  • June 8, 2002  Ms. DeMeanor’s Fat Bottom Revue, 848 Community Space, San Francisco. Big Moves co-produced this show with the larger-than-life Ms. DeMeanor. We had to turn people away at the door for this one! emFATic DANCE* performed hip-hop at this show. The show was reviewed in the San Francisco Chronicle.
  • May 31-June 1, 2002  Trajectories, Dance Mission , San Francisco Big Moves dancers performed Joe Landini’s “They’ll Eat The Fat Ones First” (originally commissioned for and performed at Bodies in Motion 2002) at this modern dance showcase.
  • May 19, 2002 Big Moves’ Third Annual Day of Dance, Berkeley Moving Arts (Western Sky Studio), Berkeley We offered classes in salsa, jazz, brazilian, and hip-hop at this day-long event.
  •  May 7, 2002  Women’s Work Series, Venue 9, San Francisco Big Moves curated the first half of this show. The Phat Fly Girls performed hip-hop and the Big Moves’ dancers performed Joe Landini’s “They’ll Eat The Fat Ones First”. Raks Al Tasneem performed belly dance and Supa Thick performed salsa.
  • May 6, 2002 International No Diet Day, Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco. emFATic DANCE* performed hip-hop at this anti-diet celebration/demonstration. Some of us even made it on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle and several local news channels.
  •  April 30 Appreciating the Larger Dancer: A discussion/demo for dancers, choreographers, and viewers,Women’s Building, San Francisco Big Moves organized, hosted, and participated in this panel as part of our participation in Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week .
  •  April 20, 2002 emFATic DANCE* perform at Big Boogie Nights , Main St. Tavern, Martinez, CA.
  •  April 12-13, 2002 Bodies in Motion 2002: Back and Bigger than Ever, ODC Theater, San Francisco In its second year, Bodies in Motion was seen by over 250 people and sold out its second night. Canada’s Big Dance headlined the show, whileFat Chance Belly Dance and dancers from Big Moves (dancing under the direction of Joe Landini) opened the show.
  •  March 31, 2002 Latin Dance Party, Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center , Berkeley Salsa dance lessons, DJ dance party, and performance by emFATic DANCE*. Fundraiser for Bodies in Motion 2002.
  •  February 23, 2002 emFATic DANCE* performs at Big Boogie Nights, Buster Daly’s, San Diego
  •  February 16, 2002 emFATic DANCE* performs at Big Boogie Nights, Main St. Tavern, Martinez
  •  February 3, 2002 A Taste For Dance: chocolate and coffee tasting , Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, Berkeley Coffee and chocolate tasting from coffee roasters and chocolatiers around the bay area plus performances by emFATic DANCE* and Raks Al Tasneem. Fundraiser for Bodies in Motion 2002.
  • January 6, 10, 18, and 20, 2002 Any Body Can Dance Video Parties, A’Roma Roasters in Santa Rosa (1/6); Mama Bears in Oakland (1/10); De Frank Community Center in San Jose (1/18); and Cafe Proust in San Francisco (1/20). Video from Bodies in Motion 2001 was shown with group discussion and refreshments afterwards. Fundraiser for Bodies in Motion 2002.

2001

  • November 17, 2001 emFATic DANCE* debut performance at Big Boogie Nights , Main St. Tavern, Martinez
  • July 1, 2001 San Francisco L/G/B/T Dance Festival Body image panel participant , San Francisco L/G/B/T Dance Festival
  • June 23, 2001 Big Moves’ Second Annual Day of Dance, Danspance, Oakland
  • May 18, 2001 Bodies in Motion 2001, Holy Names College, Oakland In its debut year, Bodies in Motion was seen by 145 people. Canada’s Big Dance headlined the show, while Fat Chance Belly Dance and the Kendra Kimbrough Dance Ensemble opened the show.

2000

November 3 Big Moves’ First Annnual Day of Dance, Women of Substance, Redwood City, CA.  Marina Wolf Ahmad founded Big Moves with our first Day a Dance.
*From 2001-2011 emFATic DANCE was known as the Phat Fly Girls/Phat Fly Girls-West Coast.  To learn about our name please go here.