Story and Photos by Alex Del Cueto
In an effort to uplift Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) voices during trying times, The Conservatory of Dance’s Racial Equality Group (REG) created the “For The People” dance concert.
This year marked the fourth annual show, which consisted of 15 pieces choreographed by BIPOC dance students. The show also served as an immemorial piece for recently deceased dancer, Judith Jamison.
The REG was created in 2018 as a way to showcase and support BIPOC students in the dance conservatory. The group is a diversity group that was made for the conservatory specifically, to prevent discrimination against any person of color in the conservatory, whether it's from faculty, students, or anyone else.
The “For the People” show began in 2020, starting as a series of dances performed in Studio B in the Dance Building. Each year the show has grown to the point where this year they decided to do two days of performances in the Dance Theater Lab (DTL).
“The very first show was my freshman year, and it's incredible to see how much the show has grown,” said REG Co-President Jasmine Alisca. “It’s been a privilege to be a part of it.”
Performed on Nov. 8 and 9, this show has presented the opportunity for many BIPOC students to be able to express their feelings through art and movement in space that allows them to be seen.
“It's beautiful to be able to celebrate life and dance and to still be here,” said sophomore Nathalie Marte. “Not everyone gets the chance to do that.”
The “For the People” show hoped to create a space to lift people up, especially in troubling times.
“Community is something that really carries us through times that are full of injustice and discrimination,” said REG Co-President, Libiya Gray. “We can’t always change the world, but we can do it right here.”
Sierra Moore singing the African American national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Christian Butts performed a self-choreographed piece called “paraNOID.”
From left to right: Lily Patten, Kaya Ilas, Maya Suzuki and Rie Matsumae performed “Swarm” choreographed by sophomore Fouad Farran.
The dancers struck a pose while holding cards in “The Watchers” choreographed by sophomore Zariel Melendrez.
Dancers grabbing at one another in “The Rage of A Black Woman” choreographed by Eva Sulcer.
Jasmine Alisca performed “Shivers” choreographed by Maia Jones.
Two dancers held each other during “Adjusting With Time” choreographed by Allyson Chin.
David Keingatti performed a self-choreographed piece called “Pardon Me.”
Rush Carson and Destin Morisset held on to each other during a self-choreographed piece called “Unreliable Narrators.”
Arielle Telfort smiles as she covers Amanda Goodridge in “Running Away but into Each Other.”
Bianca Calá and Janiye Burnett executed a difficult lift in “SAVANNA” choreographed by Spirit Priester.
Dancers hit a group pose in “Emesis” choreographed by Yanis Valderrama.
Zariel Melendez supported Nathalie Marte in a tilt in “Find your Groove” choreographed by Marte.
From left to right: Jaylene Gardener, Amy Sierra, Camila Cordero Garbanzo, and Maya Suzuki hit various poses in “snare” choreographed by Julia Aguinaldo.
Jael Griffin performing Jasmine Alisca’s piece “Brain Clap: Prelude.”
From left to right: Kai Irby, Kouryan Wiggins, Tamya Stevenson, Libya Gray, Spirit Priester and Niya Smith.
The cast and choreographers of “For The People” had a dance circle after bows. Spirit Priester did a jump split right before the curtains closed.
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