Join us for a pre-performance conversation on Afro-Diasporic movement practices! Featuring a panel of local artists and practitioners, alongside company members of Rennie Harris Puremovement, we will explore how Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Vogue, House, Drag, and more are in conversation with each other. From their historical roots to contemporary practice, these very different styles remain influenced and inspired by Black/African aesthetics and value systems. Moderated by Dr. Adanna Kai Jones, this panel ultimately seeks to reveal the vital ways in which these contemporary artists are using these various dance practices to uplift and connect our communities today.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
5:30-6:30 PM at Westbrook Performing Arts Center
Free, no registration required
ACCESSIBILITY
ASL available upon request.
ABOUT DR. ADANNA KAI JONES
Adanna Kai Jones (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Dance and Dance Studies in the Department of Theater and Dance at Bowdoin College. She received her Ph.D. in Critical Dance Studies at the University of California, Riverside, and her BFA in Dance from Mason Gross School of the Arts—Rutgers University. As a scholar, her research generally focuses on Caribbean dance and identity politics within the Diaspora, paying particular focus to Trini-styled Carnivals and the rolling hip dance known as winin’. Nicknamed the “Doctor of Winin’,” her artistic and scholarly work remains rooted in the many dances of the Caribbean, paying particular attention to the multiple ways we roll our sweet waistlines! With regards to her own creative pursuits, she has choreographed dance-theater pieces that were not only based on her research but were also used as tools for generating more research questions. Lastly, as an educator and member of the Un/Commoning Pedagogies Collective, she remains committed to anti-racist pedagogic praxes and works to tackle, endure, unravel, and combat the pangs of white supremacy within academia and beyond.
By the age of 12, Veeva’s dedication paid off when she was awarded a scholarship to join a dance company, where she expanded her repertoire to include hip hop. She later auditioned for the dance program at Portland Arts and Technology High School, eager to deepen her knowledge and expertise. There she learned beginner ballet. Despite her exploration of diverse dance styles, Veeva’s heart remained rooted in her heritage, driving her to reconnect with her African Dance roots and share the beauty of her culture with the world.
Veeva is a passionate advocate for dance and cultural expression. She co-founded the group Sudo Girls with fellow Sudanese girls in her community while in high school. Together, they held rallies and performed throughout Maine, bringing their vibrant culture to life. After graduating, Veeva transitioned her career to teaching African dance across nearly all schools in the Portland area, gaining recognition for her talent. Being invited to teach at the prestigious Harvard for an event. Being awarded residencies with Indigo Arts Alliance. introducing Afro Beats to esteemed institutions such as Bowdoin College and Waynflete School, all while dedicating herself to sharing stories, empowering immigrants, and expanding her artistry. Learn more at www.veevabangadance.com.
Their work has been shaped by the practices and traditions of vogue ballroom, neo-burlesque & drag, esoteric spiritual practice, and political performance art. They are deeply influenced by Black culture, Afrofuturism & Afrosurrealism, avant garde fashion, sci-fi, speculative fiction, house music culture, and their own queer lived experiences.
Aquarius is a 15-year pioneer of queer underground culture in Portland, and they are committed to creating spaces for free expression both on and beyond the dance floor. They are currently developing a new body of work that bridges their experiences as a Mainer with their spiritual journey living in Mexico for 9 years. This work includes writings, new media, audio recordings, workshops, healing arts gatherings, public installations, and community-centered events. Learn more at www.aquariusfunkk.com.
