March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Local Artists Relay American Roots in Dance at The Miles:

By Samuel Harwood

Cross country travel is one of America’s cultural staples, especially in Santa Monica, the end of Route 66. Novels and films reinforce this fact, but it’s not every day that the story of such a trip is relayed through dance. Then again, Santa Monica is not a place for the everyday.

In the summer of 2015, dance instructor and former chair of Santa Monica’s Arts Commission Suchi Branfman and her daughter Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo, also an artist, toured 30 states as part of a seven-week mobile residency called Rooted America, hoping to explore communities that have withstood oppression, both historically and currently.

Branfman choreographed her take-away from that trip into a dance performed at the Miles Playhouse on February 19th and 20th.

“I’m interested in [telling] multiple stories, looking at points of cultural resistance and survival,” Branfman told The Mirror.

“I want to tell stories of people who’ve survived through continuity of culture, as well as I’m interested in issues of power that run through the history of our country,” she said.

Branfman’s dance, which was performed by current and former students as well as her daughter, incorporated Native American movements, audience interactions, and visual and spoken word pieces, relaying different stories heard throughout the residency.

An especially powerful segment involved two dancers moving as Branfman read the transcript of Sandra Bland’s arrest in South Texas.

Two other dances opened the evening leading up to Branfman’s. The first, choreographed and performed by renowned dancers Roxanne Steinberg and Oguri, was built around slow movements and performed mostly without music. The second by young LA-based dancer Tom Tsai, called “A Calm Place At Sea,” strung together a series of hands dances, exploring the boundaries between Breaking and Modern Dance.

“I thought all the work had something to do with how we exist together,” Branfman, who curated the entire evening, said. “How we as humans live together and treat each other.”

For more events at the Miles head to smgov.net/Departments/CCS/MilesPlayhouse.

in News
Related Posts

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...