Dance in the Districts 2023/24

Performed by the Afro-Peruvian Experience, Machete is based on the traditional “Festejo,” dance, and highlights traditional instruments such as the Cajon, the Cajita, and the Quijada de Brron (donkey’s jaw). The work celebrates African-descended ancestors in Peru who, with a “Machete” (knife) in hand, fought for their freedom. Nadia Calmet, the executive director of the Afro-Peruvian Experience, is committed to the visibility and sharing of Afro-Pervian cultural traditions through theater, dance, and music.

Music Composition: “Conflict”, Performance & Production by Federico Lanza, Violin Performance by David Morales-Boroff.

“Starchild” Composition & performance Federico Lanuza & Celeste Lanuza. Lyrics & vocals Celeste Lanuza

Dancers: Selah Boyd, Desire’e Simons, Laura Smyth

Turbinado spotlights the underbelly of masculinity: one full of subtlety and sensitivity. The unseen masculinity which gets tumbled, refined, dried as a boy grows up. Focusing on this soft masculinity, along with moments of memory and nostalgia, reveal the love story of two men, full of cracks and complexities. As a passionate proponent of Kathak dance and with a professional background in mental health and dance therapy, Shiv prioritizes exploring the importance of movement in various societal spaces (the museum, the hospital, the corporate space, etc.), and he continues performing dance and leading movement workshops in both the LA metropolitan area and the tri-state area. You can find his work on his Instagram @shivnadkarni and his website www.shiv-nadkarni.com.

Performed by Tanishq Joshi, Assistant Camera – Andrew Duha, Editor/Colorist – Sammy Hunter, Music- Alam Khan, Sound Design – Neil Nadkarni, Director of Photography – Sammy Hunter, Director – Tanima Mehrotra

Lily is a Mexican queer dancer and choreographer now based in Los Angeles, CA. With more than 15 years of experience in dance and training in both classical and street style dance forms, she specializes in the Popping and Whacking, dance forms born in California in the 1970s. She is dedicated to educating, battling, and performing in both the entertainment industry as well as the underground street dance community.

Performed by: Marie Bonnevay, Dassy Lee, Lily Frias

Music by Close, Filmed and Edited by – FD Media

Ricardo “Boogie Frantick” Rodriquez Jr. is a Los Angeles dancer known worldwide for his mastery of “popping,” a street dance style. His journey began in local dance battles at underground clubs in the San Fernando Valley and has led him to prominent stages like the 2010 Academy Awards, the film Step Up 3D, and captivating performances with Miss Prissy’s company, The Underground. He has taught workshops, performed unique solos, and motivated young street dancers in various cities across the globe. Born in the San Fernando Valley, Boogie Frantick found solace in popping, miming, and animation as a defense against the negative aspects of street life. With extensive experience in street dance and a deep knowledge of Hip Hop culture, he has been part of influential dance crews such as MZK, Academy of Villains, and The LXD.

Directed by Jon “Gifted” Jimenez

Camera Operated by Jon Gifted, Edited by GFTDDD

A native of Miami, FL, Caitlin Javech holds a BFA in Dance from the Juilliard School and an MFA in Choreography from California Institute of the Arts. Javech is currently based in Los Angeles, where she is the artistic director of her own project-based company T O R R E N T, creating multidisciplinary choreographic and performance work for stage, film, and installation. T O R R E N T’ S mission is to create experimental choreographic works that draw attention to social challenges, to connect with the local community in Los Angeles through performance, and to provide a dynamic space for collaborating emerging-artists to propel their careers to new heights.

Scientific Research and Text Development – Dominick Dusseau

Dancer – Tetiana Sklyarova, Zhihan Yang, Cinematography/Editing – Rachel Lambright, Music – Tyler Sanders, Voice Over – Justin Nestor, Special Thanks – Yusef Ferguson

A recent recipient of a BFA in dance from California State University Long Beach, Ceylon She now runs the acrobatics for dancer’s training program for all ages at OTE Dance Studio in Culver City, and for Artists Collective nonprofit organization at public schools in the Los Angeles area and surrounding counties. As a scholarship student, she has attended training programs at the Ailey School, Diavolo, Northwest Dance Project, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Dawson Dance SF. At CSULB she has studied with distinguished dance educators Keith Johnson, Andrew Vaca, and Rebecca Lemme. During her years at CSULB, Ceylon completed the BASI Pilates certification with an additional specialization in dance, under Karen Clippinger. She is currently teaching Pilates mat and reformer private/semi private lessons.

Choreography: Ceylon Harris, Ruin, Robert Gilliam, Projecc

Videography and Editing: Robert Gilliam, Music: Fudd

Katisha is Founder and Artistic Director for “Excellence in Arts” award winning dance company, KPA Fusion Dance Repertoire. Originally from Washington D.C., Katisha has continuously performed and toured as a Director, Choreographer, Staging Consultant, Dancer and Singer for over 18 years. Dance Company principal credits include, Lula Washington Dance Theater, Jazzantiqua Dance Ensemble and touring collaborations with Philadanco Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson as IABD(International Association for Blacks in Dance). As former Artistic Director for El Camino College, Katisha continues to teach for Disney Performing Arts, several schools, colleges, universities and is a NASM certified personal fitness trainer and is the head hip hop choreographer for Team ADBA’s competitive dance team.

Music Editor: Sirduson Adams, Assistant Director: Natalie Garcia, Second Assistant Director: Maya Mendoza, Makeup Artist: Genesis Jackson

Cast: Kamiko Adams, Harper Darrow, Raquel Gordon, Megan Park, Leehie Schnitkes, Morgan Vizarra

Marissa Brown is a biracial, Black and Portuguese, Multidisciplinary artist. Her primary language comes from movement of the body and translates into works of live performance, film, installation, photography, and publication. A dance film and Installation, Are you crying? depicts a woman in an ending. It’s the sensation of drifting further and further from a relationship, a home, the known. It’s a desire to make beauty out of a time of grief, processing, and growth.

Cinematography: Max Harper

Kirthika Alwar is a Bharathanatyam dancer and an upcoming choreographer in Los Angeles. She has received training in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music under Guru Sushma Mohan since 2011. As a member of Soorya Foundation ensemble, Kirthika has performed at major dance festivals and events in Los Angeles, Utah, and California. She was chosen to perform at the LA INDIAN DANCE AND MUSIC FEST 2018 as a solo artist. She was a team member of the Soorya Ensemble for the DITD Dance in the district pilot project under Guru Sushma Mohan. Kirthika is preparing for her dance graduation ceremony called ARANGETRAM in India in July 2023. She trains students at Soorya Los Angeles and has worked as an assistant choreographer under Guru Sushma Mohan on all the dance productions of Soorya since 2019.

Composed by Vidwan: Madurai N Krishnan

Concept Guidance, Director: Guru Sushma Mohan / Soorya Foundation for Performing Arts

Music Provided by: Vidushi P. Ramaa Bangalore

Camera: Sounder / Costumes: Revathy