From the Village to the World and Back
Nikhita Winkler profiles Vetunjona “West” Uarije, a Namibian dancer and cultural practitioner who shares how dance connects him to his roots to heal a painful past and reintegrate a strong cultural identity.
Nikhita Winkler profiles Vetunjona “West” Uarije, a Namibian dancer and cultural practitioner who shares how dance connects him to his roots to heal a painful past and reintegrate a strong cultural identity.
Risa Jaroslow, a choreographer based in the Bay Area, discusses how her upcoming piece “Talking Circle” imagines a turning point in the life of a small community, as well as how her interest evolved to include nontrained performers in her choreography.
Snowflake Arizmendi-Calvert, a performance artist based in the Bay Area, discusses the problem of pretendians (people pretending to be Indians) in dance, and how folks can learn to advocate for Indigenous artists.
Dr. Yashoda Thakore, a Kuchipudi dancer and scholar in India, researches the Kalavantulu, the women temple dancers from Telugu-speaking areas. She describes their historical significance and why she is trying to erase the stigma around them through education.
Michelle Chaviano, a ballet dancer with Ballet North Texas, reflects on her harrowing journey with body dysmorphia and disordered eating as a young student at English National Ballet School.