Hi! My name is Akinyemi Blackshear, and my journey navigating diverse cultural landscapes has profoundly shaped my understanding of the indispensable role of community and connection. In a world where belonging can often feel like a search rather than a given, the communities we choose—or that choose us—become our sanctuaries, our spaces of understanding and acceptance.

From an early age, dance became my language of expression and my community—through dance classes, vibrant raves, nightclubs, and rigorous training, I discovered the profound communal power of movement. Dance transcends being merely an artistic activity; it is a physical manifestation of our connection to music, a universal language that binds us all.

Emerging from the pandemic's shadow, the craving for genuine connections has intensified, underscoring the necessity for spaces where individuals can convene, free from judgment, to celebrate their authentic selves through the joy of dance.

This realization birthed the concept of The Disco Lab—a visionary project aimed at forging a sanctuary where our community can gather, dance, and thrive in an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration.

In an era increasingly dominated by digital interactions, where isolation and loneliness are on the rise, the urgency for physical, tangible connections becomes ever more pressing. The Disco Lab aspires to counteract this trend by offering a for fostering meaningful interactions and shared experiences. Our mission is to create not just a dance complex but a vibrant cultural hub that champions inclusivity, artistic exploration, and the healing power of communal dance.