“Tokoliana” is a contemporary African dance work inspired by the Congolese experimental music group KOKOKO!'s song "Tokoliana" meaning "we are devouring each other" in Lingala. This song is a reference to the daily struggle and greed that has engulfed the country. Their powerful message is met with an upbeat track that also captures the hope and optimism of the people. Taking the lead from KOKOKO!, this dance work uses upbeat tracks combined with vigorous African-inspired dancing to juxtapose the bluntly spoken text concerning the harsh truths of America. This work aims to capture the hope and ancestral connection infused in the Black community.
Art Installation
This art installation aims to grasp the spiritual energy connected to Black people. Each structure is made from gold rings- gold being a prestigious metal signifying wealth and luxury. There are three different-sized rings to represent the divine trinity. The rings, adorned with green, yellow, and red flowers along with black African masks, represent the colors of the Pan-African or Black Liberation flag. The selected colors truly capture the make-up of the Black community: red for the violence/ sacrifice, yellow for the optimism/ rebirth, green for the spiritual growth, and black for our skin. These colors are represented through flowers as a way to give homage to our ancestors.
Choreography and Art Installation by Indya Childs
Dancers:
Dia Adams
Danni Clark
Malia Craft
Charray Helton
Dom Kinsey
Kaela Lawrence
Adrienne Abdus- Salaam
Jordan Steve
Support for the development of Tokoliana was provided by Dance Canvas and Atlanta Contemporary.
Photography by CreativiTEA
Performance Dates:
September 11, 2021 at 6:30pm
Dance Canvas + Atlanta Contemporary Summer Choreographic Residency
Location: Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
535 Means Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30318
September 18, 2021 at 6:00pm
Peace One Day with Can I Color Now Studios and Cherish Dance
Location: Aatma Dance Studio
3308 Laventure Dr, Ste 170
Atlanta, GA 30341
Send your payments below. Be sure to list Peace One Day and Your Name with your payment. For virtual tickets, include your email! All ticket sales will go towards supporting the global Peace One Day movement.
$15 IN PERSON/ $10 VIRTUAL
Venmo : @Rene-Nesbit
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PayPal : canicolornowstudios@gmail.com
October 17, 2021 at 3pm
ELEVATE Atlanta- "A Dance, Reunited"
Location: Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
535 Means Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30318
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
October 24, 2021 at 3pm
ELEVATE Atlanta- The Praise House Project - Preview Event by Charmaine Minniefield
Location: South- View Cemetery
1990 Jonesboro Rd SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
October 29 & 30, 2021 at 8pm
ELEVATE Atlanta- Zachary Todd + Artists presents "In the Face of Fear"
Location: B - Complex
1272 Murphy Ave SW
Atlanta, Ga 30310
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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