The Slant Podcast

Connect with USIn this episode of the SLANT podcast, Dana Tai Soon Burgess interviews Jesse Obremski, a dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Jesse reflects on his unique upbringing in an artistic family in New York City, where his love for dance began after a vivid moment at an Alvin Ailey performance. He shares his journey from student to company member at the Ailey School, the mentors who shaped his path, and how his Japanese-American heritage influences his artistry. Jesse also offers insightful advice for young dancers navigating the New York dance scene and discusses his multifaceted approach to teaching and choreographing, rooted in action and collaboration. This episode is a celebration of growth, mentorship, and the power of dance to shape a life.Find us on www.slantpodcast.com and follow us on social media @theslantpodcast

Connect with USIn this powerful episode of SLANT, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess welcomes Vietnamese-American author, activist, and philanthropist Le Ly Hayslip alongside filmmaker Lacey Mackey. Together, they explore the profound journey of documenting the untold stories of Vietnamese women through their new documentary Woman | Phu Nu. Le Ly shares her personal experiences growing up in a war-torn Vietnam and her lifelong mission to give a voice to the women who were often voiceless. Lacey discusses her collaboration with Le Ly and the deep significance of preserving these women's stories for future generations. Tune in to hear how their work illuminates the strength, resilience, and healing of these women through their intimate and groundbreaking documentary.

Connect with USIn this episode of SLANT, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess interviews Mark H. Rooney, master taiko drummer and founder of the annual Sakura Taiko Fest in Washington, D.C. Mark reflects on his biracial Japanese American identity and the complexities of navigating cultural belonging in both the U.S. and Japan. He shares his journey from growing up in Massachusetts to finding his cultural roots through taiko drumming, eventually becoming a prominent instructor and performer in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. Dive into a rich conversation about the history of taiko, its spiritual and historical significance, and the power of cultural arts in fostering connections across continents. Mark also highlights the evolution of taiko as a modern ensemble performance and his ongoing mission to teach and expand the art form.

Connect with USIn this episode of SLANT, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess welcomes acclaimed authors Frances and Ginger Park, two Korean American sisters whose works span novels, memoirs, and children's literature. Frances, author of the recently released novel Blue Rice, and Ginger, known for award-winning books like The Hundred Choices Department Store, reflect on how their Korean heritage, family history, and childhood memories inspire their stories. The sisters discuss growing up in post-war America, their parents' immigration, and the profound impact of Korea's history on their writing. They also share insights into their collaborative process and running their long-standing Washington D.C. chocolate shop, Chocolate Chocolate. Join the conversation as they explore how personal and cultural memory shape their powerful storytelling.

Connect with US Today, we revisit episode two from season one of Slant Podcast. This is an interview with David Henry Hwang. We do this in celebration of the restaging of his musical Soft Power, now playing at Signature Theatre.

Connect with USIn this captivating episode of the SLANT podcast, join Dana Tai Soon Burgess as he sits down with dancer and educator, danah bella. As the founding chair of the Dance Department at the Peabody Conservatory, bella has transformed the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance program with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and social justice. Her impressive career spans over two decades, featuring roles as an artist-in-residence, award-winning choreographer, and artistic director of d a n a h b e l l a DanceWorks.bella shares her journey from her early days learning dance and history to her current work in reclaiming evocative movement as social practice and her connection to her Filipino Heritage. Learn about her unique approach to dance education and her creative practice to break disciplinary boundaries through sound and movement.Additionally, Bella discusses how her Filipino heritage influences her work and shapes all aspects of her life including her perspective on dance and education. She reflects on the cultural narratives that inform her choreography and the ways in which she incorporates her cultural identity into her teaching.Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of dance to foster social change, the importance of interdisciplinary learning, and bella's vision for the future of dance education. danah bella's photo by Salvador Barajas

In this episode of Slant podcast, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess delves into the world of transnational art with Genie Ghim, a fine artist and expatriate from Washington, D.C. Genie's journey from Seoul, Korea, to various regions around the globe has deeply influenced her artistic practice, which spans contemporary screen prints, paintings, sculptures, and laser-cut plexiglass. Join us as we explore how Genie's transnational experiences inform her work and enrich her understanding of regional art history, shedding light on the interconnectedness of art and cultural landscapes across borders.

In this episode of SLANT Podcast, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess sits down with the dynamic Wilma B. Consul for an insightful conversation that spans journalism, culinary arts, education, and culture.Wilma's journey from Manila to San Francisco, her impactful work in radio production, and her commitment to community engagement shed light on the power of storytelling and advocacy. From her experiences reporting on HIV-AIDS in the Asian American community, her experiences in theater, and in her role as a caregiver, Wilma shares her empathy and dedication to making a difference in the world.As they delve into Wilma's career at NPR and her deep dive into gastronomy in Italy, they frame the understanding of the intersections between creativity, culture, and life.Tune in to discover the stories behind Wilma's remarkable journey and the insights she shares on the importance of storytelling, food, and education in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

Join host Dana Tai Soon Burgess in an enchanting conversation as he welcomes the dynamic father-daughter duo, Jon Jon and Isa Briones, to the SLANT podcast stage. Fresh off their enthralling performances in the Tony-award winning Broadway musical Hadestown, Jon Jon and Isa share insights into their acting journey.Jon Jon Briones, known for his captivating performances in Miss Saigon and Netflix's "Ratched," steps into the role of 'Hermes' with undeniable charisma. His illustrious career spans stage, screen, and television, captivating audiences worldwide with his versatility and talent.Isa Briones, making her Broadway debut as 'Eurydice,' brings a wealth of experience from her roles in "Star Trek: Picard" and the Disney+ series "Goosebumps." With a rich pedigree in the performing arts, Isa's star continues to rise as she takes on new challenges and delights audiences with her remarkable presence on stage.Join us as we delve into the Briones family's legacy in the arts, their experiences in Hadestown, and the magic that happens when talent spans generations. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

In the next episode of SLANT podcast, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess engages in a compelling conversation with Luyen Chou, an education technology entrepreneur, and consultant, who shares insights into the remarkable legacy of his father, the visionary composer Chou Wen-chung. From pioneering electronic music to fostering cultural exchange between the US and China, Chou Wen-chung's life beautifully illustrates the power of music to bridge cultures and enrich lives. Join us as we explore the profound impact of Chou Wen-chung's work and his enduring influence on contemporary music and cultural diplomacy.

In this episode of SLANT podcast, join host Dana Tai Soon Burgess as he delves into the captivating world of dance with renowned choreographer Michael Mao. With over 60 works showcased across the globe, including iconic venues like The Joyce Theater and BAM, Mao's creative vision has mesmerized audiences from New York to Beijing. Join the conversation as Mao shares insights into his diverse influences, spanning from his training under Martha Graham to his experiences performing internationally. Discover the intricate tapestry of movement, culture, and creativity that defines Michael Mao's extraordinary career.

Join host Dana Tai Soon Burgess, in a captivating conversation with two exceptional dancers from the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company, Joan Ayap and Christin Arthur. In this episode of Slant podcast, Joan Ayap, born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Manila, Philippines, shares her journey from training at the Hilil-Cruz School of Ballet to performing with acclaimed companies worldwide. Meanwhile, Christin Arthur, hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, recounts her extensive experience in classical ballet and contemporary dance, including her tenure with the Universal Ballet Company in Seoul, South Korea.Together, they delve into the intersection of dance and Asian identity, reflecting on how their cultural backgrounds shape their artistic expression. From their early training to their current roles as seasoned professionals, Ayap and Arthur offer profound insights into the significance of heritage in the world of dance.Don't miss this insightful episode as Burgess, Ayap, and Arthur explore the power of movement in celebrating diversity and fostering cultural understanding.

In this episode, join host, nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess, in a captivating conversation with filmmaker and former journalist Eunice Lau.Eunice Lau's latest documentary delves deep into the lives of rebellious sons of Asian immigrants entangled in the allure of gang life amidst the streets of Atlanta. Nominated for an AMPAS Student Academy Award and recipient of a Spike Lee Fellowship, Lau brings her expertise in storytelling to shed light on the struggle against racism and the weight of unrealistic expectations faced by Asian Americans.Set against the backdrop of Atlanta's rap scene, Lau's film explores themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between cultural heritage and societal pressures. Officially selected for the New York Asian Film Festival in 2023, her documentary offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of hyphenated individuals navigating the complexities of their existence.Join us as Burgess and Lau delve into the nuances of artistry and the experiences of those straddling multiple cultural identities. Tune in to Slant Podcast for an insightful exploration of creativity, representation, and the power of storytelling.

In this captivating episode of the SLANT podcast, choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the brilliant painter SoHyun Bae to unravel the vibrant intersection of art, multiculturalism, and the universal language of imagery. SoHyun Bae is an accomplished American artist based in New York and a recipient of prestigious accolades, including the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in Fine Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship.In this illuminating conversation, SoHyun Bae reflects on her journey as an artist, her creative process, and the ways in which her Korean heritage, American identity, and multicultural experiences influence her artistic vision. Throughout the episode, SoHyun Bae offers profound insights into the transformative power of art in bridging cultural divides.Join us in this episode of the SLANT podcast as we explore the depths of SoHyun Bae's artistic tapestry, celebrating the fusion of diverse cultures and the universal language of imagery. Prepare to be captivated by the intersection of art and multiculturalism, and discover how SoHyun Bae's work resonates with audiences across borders, speaking to the shared human experience.

In this special episode of Slant Podcast, host Dana Tai Soon Burgess is interviewed by Felipe Oyarzun Moltedo (Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company lead dancer) in celebration of the publishing of Dana's memoir, "Chino and the Dance of the Butterfly." Dana has been referred to as the "poet laureate of Washington dance and a national dance treasure" by Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post writer Sarah Kaufman. He is a leading American choreographer and a cultural figure whose artistic focus explores the idea of cultural "confluence" and the "hyphenated person" – someone who is of mixed ethnic or cultural heritage – as well as issues of belonging and societal acceptance.Throughout their conversation, Dana and Felipe discuss Dana's life, his work as a dancer, choreographer, and founder of Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company, and his upbringing as an Asian American Gay male. In this episode, Dana Tai Soon Burgess reflects on his life and career in the arts and shares insights on the power of dance to promote cultural understanding and unity.

In this episode of The Slant Podcast, choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess engages in a captivating conversation with Peggy Choy, dancer, choreographer, and teacher known for her works that explore Afro-Asian fusion and call for social and environmental justice. Peggy is the Artistic Director of Peggy Choy Dance and the founder of The Ki Project, Inc., which supports intercultural performance and creative thinking for future generations.Peggy shares her insights on the intersection of dance, heritage, and activism, drawing from her experiences and cultural exploration. She also discusses her history of work, including Seung Hwa: Rape/Race/Rage/Revolution. Join us in this episode as Dana and Peggy explore the power of dance to transcend cultural boundaries and effect social change.Disclaimer: Please note that this podcast episode includes discussions related to sexual abuse which may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. We want to provide a safe space for our audience, and we encourage you to take care of your emotional well-being while listening to this episode. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact your local mental health resources or organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse.

Join host Dana Tai Soon Burgess, renowned choreographer and dancer, as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Lisa Gold. Lisa Gold is the Executive Director of the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring equitable representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the arts. Lisa brings her over two decades of experience in the arts industry to discuss the importance of equitable representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the arts. In this episode, Lisa shares her insights on how to break down barriers and build bridges for underrepresented artists. Tune in to this inspiring conversation as Dana and Lisa explore the power of art in fostering inclusivity and diversity.

Alicia Austin is a Brooklyn-based costume designer and a recent graduate of the Yale School of Drama. Currently a designer and mentor for young theatre students, Alicia chats with Dana about growing up as the Asian daughter in a white family, the power of investing in personal experiences, and trusting yourself in the path you've decided to take.

Jason Kim is an Emmy-nominated, Korean-born writer and producer who grew up in the Midwest. Known for his work on the television show BARRY (HBO), Kim's new slate of projects include a Crazy Rich Asians spin-off,  an adaptation of Michelle Zauner's bestselling book Crying in H-Mart, and KPOP the musical. Join us for a conversation about writing as a tool for creating a space of belonging, K-POP entering the mainstream entertainment space, and Kim's social experiment to create Asian solidarity between strangers.

Growing up in the internet generation, media strategist Erica Barry watched digital media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok transform the entertainment industry and become a way for talented yet historically underrepresented creators to find their audience and tell their story. Thus, she decided to write her debut book Don't Wait, Create: How to Be A Content Creator in the New Digital Revolution. Join us for an insightful conversation  about how internet culture and content creation has changed  the entertainment space for storytelling, social change, and representation in mainstream media.

In the early 90s, Kevin Stea was hired as associate choreographer to the famous choreographer Vincent Paterson for Madonna's legendary Blond Ambition Tour, where he also quickly became dance captain and dancer. Soon after, his career continued to take off: dancing for Gloria Estefan, Prince, and Michael Jackson, among others. Decades ago, Kevin was actually Dana's high school classmate. Join this conversation between old friends as they unpack their thoughts on growing up and growing older, being an introvert, protecting artistic passions from the rat race, using art as a tool for processing grief, and more.

Adi Shankar is an Indian-American film producer, writer, YouTube personality, and actor—best known for producing Castlevania (2017), Dredd (2012), and his "Bootleg Universe" One-Shot series of unauthorized pop culture satire films.  Having spent a nomadic childhood in cities all around the globe, he was constantly the outsider looking in. Adi reflects on how his work reflected those experiences, subverting stereotypes in media, and the newfound popularity of "niche" genres in mainstream television.

Tim Ma is a critically acclaimed chef and restaurateur, known for several iconic spots in the Washington D.C. area. After an eight year career in engineering, Tim—to the dismay of his restaurateur parents—decided to carry on the family legacy of serving food in a new way. Tim discusses his personal mission to reinvent Chinese Take-Out, a French-Chinese fusion dish called "Tofu Gnocchi in the style of Mapo," and the importance of reducing food waste.

Ken Narasaki is an actor and playwright who has performed in over 70 plays internationally and was the star of a German cop show called ZWEI PROFIS. Narasaki discusses his adaptation of John Okada's novel "NO-NO BOY" into a radio drama, the Japanese American community's conflicting experiences in World War II, and his family's deep commitment to advocacy for the Asian American community.

David S. Leong is a certified conflict resolution trainer and fight master whose fight choreography has appeared in over twenty Broadway, London West End, and New York Metropolitan Opera plays. David shares how growing up in a home with domestic violence, a childhood obsession with Zorro, and the stubborn belief in his own growth lead him to where he is today.

Phil Chan is a co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface, an organization that is decolonizing ballet repertoire through advising performing arts groups on how to maintain the integrity of works from the classical Western canon while updating outdated representations of race and culture.  Chan discusses navigating orientalism in classical ballet performances and outlines an essential path American ballet must take in order to survive a growingly diverse 21st century audience.

Gary Jackson is the author of two poetry collections entitled Origin Story (University of New Mexico Press, 2020) and Missing You, Metropolis (Graywolf Press, 2010), for which he received the 2009 Cave Canem Poetry Prize. Gary discusses the unique experience of growing up in the midwest with Black, Korean, and Indigenous roots; moving to Korea—his grandmother's homeland—as an adult; and the way racial discrimination takes on different forms overseas.

A conversation with Susan Choi, the author of five novels, Trust Exercise, My Education, American Woman, A Person of Interest, and The Foreign Student. Her work has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award and has won the PEN/W.G. Sebald Award, the Asian-American Literary Award, and the National Book Award for fiction. Susan discusses navigating her mixed racial identity growing up in the midwest, her father's experience as an Asian immigrant in America during racial segregation, and the importance of exploring and writing about adolescence.

A conversation with Diep Tran, an arts journalist and editor based in New York City. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, NBC News, Backstage, CNN, and other publications. Diep discusses the limited theatre market for complex, Asian American narratives, the systemic inequalities in journalism, and her growing project, Viet Fact Check—a bilingual fact-checking website that aims to curb misinformation in Vietnamese communities.

A conversation with Ping Chong, an American contemporary theater director, choreographer, video and installation artist who was raised in New York City's Chinatown. Internationally recognized as a director, and a creator of interdisciplinary theater work, Ping discusses the influence of Cantonese Opera,  using the "physical body" as an element of performance in theatre, and his take on the American Dream.

A conversation with Priya Darshini, an Indian American singer, composer, and actress whose debut album titled Periphery  has been nominated for a 2021 Grammy for best New Age Album. Priya shares the difficult cultural and personal questions she undertook in the creation of Periphery, the spiritual experience of recording songs in an abandoned church, and how she ended up running an ultramarathon in the Himalayas.

A conversation with David Henry Hwang, an award-winning Chinese American playwright, librettist, and theatre professor known for his iconic works—M. Butterfly, Yellow Face, and Soft Power—all of which have been finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. David discusses racial roles in American Theatre, the failure of the model minority myth, and almost losing his life as the victim of a hate crime.

Introducing Slant Podcast. Hosted by Dana Tai Soon Burgess, the first choreographer in residence at the Smithsonian, this podcast is an ongoing conversation about art, culture, and belonging in the Asian American experience. Joined by leading voices in the American and International arts, literary, and activism community, this podcast hopes to create a place of generational mentorship, healing, and community—through storytelling.