PERFORMANCE: KAPEMNI – DANCE 2023
South High School Performance – January 26, 2023
Native Skywatchers-Kapemni Dance Performance – is a celestial performance design that supports high school dance students at South High School to lead narrative change through movement, visuals, and audio in a multi-dimensional, experiential, live production. Premieres Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, 7 pm cst. Led by Annette S. Lee and Nancy Nair.
ANNETTE S. LEE & NANCY NAIR, GRACE GNRONFOUN, KSINYA DANIELS, JAVIER HEISLER-RAMIREZ, TARYN PRESTON, NANA BANGOURA, JADE MASIEE-ALBERS, SUZETTE GILREATH, EDWARD LEE, RAMONA KITTO STATELY, SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL, MINI SOTA MAKOCE (MINNESOTA), U.S.
TARYN PRESTON:
KSINYA DANIELS, NANA BANGOURA, JADE MASIEE-ALBERS:
“The performance reminded me of what it means to be human in the most profoundly positive way. Pure creative spirit.”
GRACE GNRONFOUN:
JAVIER HEISLER-RAMIREZ:
Native Skywatchers – Kapemni Dance – What is it?
A storytelling motion media dance performance featuring D(L)akota and Ojibwe Indigenous Astronomy in connection with the D(L)akota teaching Kapemni which translates ‘As it is above; it is Below’ (Ref. Albert Whitehat Sr). Immersive, experiential, interactive animation projection art along with sky and earth soundscapes tells the story through movement that ‘We come from the stars’ and ‘Kapemni -As it is Above; It is Below’. Also translated Waŋkátaŋhaŋ (As Above) Khútanhan (is Below).
A unique Native Skywatchers project supporting collaborative work between, Artist/Astronomer/Indigenous Knowledge holder Annette S. Lee, South High School Dance Instructor Nancy Nair, and the South High School Dance Students.
Native Skywatchers Presents… “Kapemni – Dance Animation”, Motion Performance
Based on an existing collaboration between South High School and Native Skywatchers. Proof of Concept work done in Spring 2021 and Spring 2020.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Concept by: Annette S. Lee
Choreography by: Taryn Preston, Nana Bangoura, Jade Masiee-Albers, Grace G., Javier Hesler-Ramirez
Directed by: Nancy Nair
Visual Animation by: Annette S. Lee
Animation Software: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro
Sound Design by: Annette S. Lee in collaboration with dancers
Audio Software: Ableton Live 11, Abobe Audition
Lighting by: Edward Lee
Stage Manager: Suzette Gilreath
Advisor: Ramona Kitto Stately