Culture Cypher

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Arts and culture participate heavily in the way we navigate our lives. The art professionals on our show offer their account on arts impact in the many facets of their lives. From choreographers to art curators they discuss how art and ties to one's culture guide us through each step on our journey.…

Heritage Works


    • Aug 5, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 10 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Culture Cypher

    Black Bodies (with Tanya Wideman-Davis and Thaddeus Davis)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2019 28:03


    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.

    Deeper Than Dance (with Assane Konte)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2019 27:16


    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.

    Multi-disciplinarian (with Holly Bass)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2019 18:19


    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.

    Climbing the Ranks (with Stephanie Hughley)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 29:02


    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.

    Museum Matriarch (with Juanita Moore)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2019 28:05


    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.

    The Big Red Wall (with Erika “Big Red” Stowall)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 23:25


    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.

    Art Adjacent (with Reggie Van Lee)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 28:08


    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.

    Story Time! (with Satori Shakoor)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2019 30:00


    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.

    Art Education and Inspiration (with Keith Wiliiams)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2019 22:38


    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.

    Dance Is Life (with Idy Ciss)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 27:31


    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.

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