Culture Cypher

Each summer we invite an artist to come in and teach our ensemble a piece that was derived from community engagement and dialogue as well as input from the youth. This year’s choreographers are Tanya Wideman-Davis and Thaddeus Davis. During their visit this summer we caught up with them to discuss how they work with two minds to create one masterpiece.

Baba Assane Konte’s mission is to share the traditions of the Motherland to the children who’ve lost them. This led him to found Kankouran West African Dance Company in Washington D.C. where his impact on African American youth is undeniable. We sat down with him to discuss the divide within the definition of culture - the difference between who we are and where we’re from.

One art form just isn’t enough for her. As a multidisciplinary artist, Holly Bass has created work using poetry, photography, and choreography while directing, writing, and performing her pieces. Holly’s work is an exploration of gender, class, and race through visual and performing art. We had to speak with her about how she does it all.

Stephanie Hughley leans into her life’s journey by letting her talent guide her. She started as a dancer and evolved into a Broadway producer. Shows like For Colored Girls and Bubbling Brown Sugar are some of the shows she worked on in her career. Her experience in the arts is sure to motivate aspiring artists of any age.

Being the only boy and the youngest in my family was beneficial to me in many ways, but most beneficial was the experience of having an older sister. Two in fact. Juanita Moore is a Master Big sister and that experience has shaped her into the leader she is today. She joins the Culture Cypher podcast to discuss her journey to leadership positions in Museums across America.

Erika “Red” Stowall is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in the City of Detroit. She’s trained in African, Caribbean, Ballet, and Contemporary dance each one an integral piece of her dance style. She is also the founder of Big Red Wall dance company. On this episode, a new voice will grace the mic. As part of our organization’s goals, we have been working with our youth to expose them to media and communications to develop their ability to express their artistic voice. Cailey Powell and Gabrielle Rayford interview Erika Stowall on this episode.

What would you think if I told you a story about how dance and technology are intertwined? That’s the story of Reggie Van Lee a former technology Consultant. Reggie is chairman of the board of the Washington Performing Arts Center and has worked with President Obama’s committee on arts and humanities. We explore exactly how these seemingly unrelated disciplines can come together.

Evocative, dynamic, and humorous are the words I would use to describe how Satori Shakoor’s stories land on the ear and spirit. She wields her life experiences into poetic performances as a professional storyteller. Satori founded The Secret Society For Twisted Storytellers and has been traveling around the world to share her stories. Our interview discusses her journey to her craft and maybe she’ll give us a story or too while we’re here.

As a dance educator and master of the Dunham technique, Keith Williams understands the commitment necessary for youth to pursue their passions. He has nurtured young dance talent for years at the Grand Center Arts Academy in St. Louis and received the Art Educator of the year award at the 2018 St. Louis Arts Awards. He sits down with us discuss youth development in the arts.

He is a beloved figure in our organization. Baba Idy Ciss has been an essential choreographer with Heritage Works for years. Hailing from Senegal, he holds the titles of dancer, singer, drummer, and teacher. Baba Idy has traveled the world to strengthen cultural ties with dance companies such as Les Ballet Kolaam Serer and the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago. We sit down with him to discuss his personal journey as a Master of African Dance and Drum.