Studio Theater in Exile @ Hudson Valley MOCA Artistic Director Mara Mills announces the return of The Other Side of Hate, a suite of dances, on February 14th and 15that 3:00PM, choreographed by Sharon Simmons Wright and her A.F.R.O. Dance Company (Authentically Formed Rhythmic Offerings). A Peekskill resident active in our community, Sharon Simmons Wright’s mantra “There Is a Message in Our Movement” is clear in The Other Side of Hate into which Sharon Simmons Wright weaves dance with storytelling, spoken word, music, projection, and the inspiration of V.L. Cox’s DOORS. Simmons Wright describes The Other Side of Hate as a Dance Journey towards healing and unity…We’ve felt the weight of hate, but on the other side there is hope, there is healing, there is movement, and in that movement, there is a message…”
The Other Side of Hate was originally produced at STIE in September 2025 and is returning thanks to requests from the community. The work was inspired by visual artist V.L.Cox’s DOORS, part of her End Hate Project, which has been on-site in the STIE’s black box theater since June 2025 with thematically events taking place using the DOORS as set and substance. Cox’s Conscience of a Nation exhibit was upstairs at HVMOCA. The exhibit closed December 13th, but the Doors will return with The Other Side of Hate including a new additional dance piece choreographed by Sharon Simmons Wright celebrating Social Justice and those art activists who work to preserve democracy. “Come” said artistic Director Mara Mills and,“Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with love.”
Tickets for The Other Side of Hate are available at afrodance2026.eventbrite.com, $25 general admission, $20 seniors, students and faculty of Just the Place.
Sharon Simmons-Wright, M.S.Ed., the dynamic force behind"Just the Place, Inc. Cultural & Creative Arts Center." With a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications & Dance, A Master's Degree inEducation, and an electrifying 33 years in the education realm, she is not justa dance studio owner – she is a visionary. Sharon’s dance journey began as a dance student at the age of 10, she transitioned into a passionate instructor,and evolved into a dance education powerhouse.
Breaking the mold, she founded "Just the Place, Inc. in 2001," where every pliéand pirouette is infused with creativity and character. Sharon’s approach isnot just about dance; it is about unleashing the artistic spirit within. Herstudio is not a mere space; it is a vibrant community hub, buzzing with workshops, performances, and outreach programs that break down barriers and make dance accessible to all.
In the pulse of the community, Sharon’s legacy is not justmeasured in years, but in the rhythm of countless lives she has touched. Hermission goes beyond dance steps; it is about igniting a passion for lifelong learning and self-expression. If you are ready to dance to the beat of your own drum, step into "Just the Place" – where Sharon turns every dance into an exhilarating journey of self-discovery.
