Almost a decade later Tangen was invited by Anish- naabeg/Metis grandmothers to research the Indigenous perspectives on water issues in conjunction with the Indig- enous Performance Initiative at Trent University in Can- ada. This led to the development of Walking at the Edge of Water , described by Dancing Earth as a “multi-dis- ciplinary expression of arts dedicated to the healing of water,” created by 17 dance artists and cultural advisors. In 2012 the production premiered at the Lensic Theater in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Continuing Dancing Earth’s grass roots of working with what you have, sustainability and repurposing, this eco-production used costumes and props created from repurposed materials. Walking at the Edge of Water brought awareness to water issues, sharing stories through movement, sound and visual art. Jennifer Foer- ster, Muscogee poet and audience member, commented on the hope the work installed: “…Truly inspiring about the humanity and potential of all people.’’ Dancing Earth worked with multiple communities gathering indigenous perspectives and stories about water. What made this production a pivotal moment in the company’s growth was the shift from introspec- tive artist-driven stories to community members, elders, collaborators and peers being moved to share their sto- ries after experiencing Dancing Earth’s work. The mul- titude of stories provided a wider scope of perspectives and detailed experiences, ideas and embodiments of their relationship to water, ultimately creating a flow of reci- procity between Dancing Earth and communities. In the company’s ninth year they shared Walking at the Edge of Water on an international tour to Aotearoa (New Zealand) for the Kowhiti Festival. The experience of sharing, creating, and exchanging between indigenous artists/organizations lead to building and maintaining global friendships. Dancing Earth continued to expand through international tours while balancing engagement in local communities. “Every time we offer a dance it changes depending on where we are and who is with us,” Tangen explains. Adaptability and sustainability are iden- tified as core values of the collective. Groundworks Alcatraz was a project developed by Dancing Earth in collaboration with California Native communities in 2018, delivering a message of urgency for land acknowledgement in the form of relationship building. Wherever you are right now, take a moment to feel the ground beneath you. Do you know the original name of this land? Or the name of the peoples who are the caretakers of this land? Groundworks Alcatraz cen- ters the untold stories and creative contributions of cul- tural collaborators of Pomo, Ohlone, Wappo, Tongva, Paiute of California First Peoples. Gatherings took place during winter, spring and summer, culminating in a per- formance on Alcatraz after the Indigenous People’s Day Ceremony in the fall. Dancing Earth describes the work:
Groundworks Alcatraz
BTW US
HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED AT THE VEINS BENEATH YOUR SKIN AND WONDER WHAT STORIES RUN THROUGH YOUR BLOOD? WHAT ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE IS INFUSED IN YOUR BONES?
44
in dance WINTER 2021 44
WINTER 2021 in dance 45
I
|
|
rs r
. r
In Dance | May 2014 | dancersgroup.org
u n i f y s t r e n g t h e n amp l i f y u n i f y s t r e n g t h e n a p l i f y
44 Gough Street, Suite 201 San Francisco, CA 94103 www.dancersgroup.org
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online