We are a project-based dance theater company dedicated to using art as activism.
Pronounced “Karma” because it guides our lives.
Chris and Ama Law
Born and raised in the DMV metropolitan area, Ama and Chris Law are co-founders and co-directors of Project ChArma who have been dancing together since high school. Combined, their expertise reflects the expanse of their training in a wide range of movement styles and foundations. Both Ama and Chris completed undergraduate and graduate studies from the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP), both receiving MFAs in Dance and Choreography. Ama has decades-long training with Kankouran West African Dance Company (of which both of her parents were founding members) and completed a rigorous internship at Broadway Dance Center. Chris’ movement practice is based on principles of hip hop, roller skating, martial arts and modern dance technique. They both dedicate their careers to the creative possibilities of intersecting dance traditions to facilitate important conversations about social change. They have taught and choreographed at various institutions including the Kennedy Center, Dance Place, Howard University, UMCP, American University, Howard Community College and Bates Dance Festival.
Together, the Laws create work as Project ChArma, a project-based dance theater company dedicated to using art as activism; pronounced "karma" because it guides their lives. Project ChArma helped to plan the most recent National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. The company will be presented at the Kennedy Center in April 2024 as the newest recipients of the Local Dance Commissioning Fund!
As devoted teachers and students of their craft, their extensive knowledge of West African dance, martial arts, vogue, modern dance, hip hop, and self-taught urban movement, uniquely allow them to guide diverse students and audience members through a combination of different movement forms. They are alumni of Dynamic Hip Hop Dance Team, Culture Shock DC and have showcased their work at cyphers, pop-up performances and creative concept videos in the DMV area. They hope to continue their quest as teaching artists by providing inspiration for future generations of dancers to become fierce and community-engaged individuals.
Who We Are
We aim to make change with our work. Create conversation. Inspire someone to dig deeper. Explore something they may not have considered before.
As parents, we are always concious of our impact on the next generation. We encourage pushing the envelop and taking responsiviblity for your actions.
What's next?
The Local Dance Commissioning Project (LDCP) centers the artistic and professional advancement of the local dance community by providing resources and support to a locally based artist with the goal of serving as a stepping stone for artists to reach the next step in their artistic trajectory. Through LDCP, the Kennedy Center will support the production of the artist’s work in our venues and will work closely with the awardee to further advance that individual’s professional and artistic goals throughout the duration of the award year.
Our Partners
Chronicles of Nina… What now?
Chronicles of Nina… What now?
Chronicles of Nina… What now?
Terrace Theatre at The Kennedy Center
2024
Collaborators
Sound Design
Ama Law and Sam Crawford
Video Design
Kylee Loera
Choreographers
Ama and Chris Law
Lighting Design
Peter Leibold
Musical Direction
Kingsley Jarrett Jr.
Performing Artists
Emerald Holman, Ama Law, Chris Law and Malari Moore
Rhythmic Exploration
Emerald Holman and Malari Moore
Costume and Fabrics team
Greg David and Faryn Kelly
Chronicles of Nina...What Now? is a captivating exploration of the human experience in the face of loss and examines the longing to establish an everlasting connection with our ancestors. Ama and Chris Law, co-founders, and co-directors of Project ChArma, bring their unique dance fusion to the stage, blending funk, soul, and classical music with street and modern-based movement styles; accompanied by rhythmic elements from Malari Moore and Emerald Holman. Through their choreography, they delve into themes of resilience, ancestral connection, and the quest for enduring legacies, foregrounding movement, and dance as a bridging point for audience members to find release.
ZOMBIE
ZOMBIE
ZOMBIE
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
2017
Collaborators
Sound
Interview with Kumari Suraj & 'Zombie' by Fela Kuti
Choreography
Ama Law
Lighting Design
Peter Leibold
Are we becoming technology zombies? This immersive dance explores intersections of technology & attentiveness. These screens bring us together and tear us apart.
Full Circle: Bridging the Gap
Full Circle: Bridging the Gap
Full Circle: Bridging the Gap
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
2016
Collaborators
Set Design
Tyler Herald
Choreography
Ama & Chris Law in collaboration with the movement artists
Sound Design
Jeffrey Dorfman
Video Design
Mark Costello
Lighting Design
Brandi Martin
Through the perspective of a young person of color trying to join a new and intriguing community, Full Circle addresses cycles of violence recurring throughout American history since Congress’ abolishment of slavery in 1865. The work is influenced by Chris Law's upbringing as a black man during hip hop's explosion in the 1990s and it features an innovative blend of modern dance and hip hop movement. The piece evolved as Chris and Ama Law both became frustrated with the volume of police brutality being reported in the news.
Full Circle allows audiences to explore issues that are affecting American citizens. It is our intent that this production empowers both the youth and adults in our community to feel welcome to share their views regarding our heavy social and political climate. We are encouraging dialogue that will lead to a better future.
Tides
Tides
Tides
Dance Place Virtual Presentation Series
2020
Collaborators
Choreography
Ama Law in collaboration with the movement artists
Media Design
Matt Reeves
Sound Design
Ama Law
Costume Design
The movement artists with inspiration from original design by Channing Tucker
Lighting Design
Jonathan Hsu
TIDES interrogates legacy and how one stays connected to ancestral knowledge in the face of generations of grief and trauma. The theme of water as a passageway and vehicle for movement of the African diaspora brings together collaborators to create a distanced site for resistance, renewal, and rebirth.
Rooted
Rooted
Rooted
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
2019
Collaborators
Choreography
Chris Law in collaboration with the movement artists
Sound Design
Ama Law & Paul Jackson
Lighting Design
Brandi Martin
An examination of lineage from the perspective of diverse artists navigating the "New America". This collective of movers intersect street and club dance styles to share their stories.