ELISE BEERS AACHIX̂QAĞADUUG

Darkness dominates the day through winter seasons in the Aleutian Islands. Occasionally the northern lights make a visit on clear nights, revealing our ancestors. This glimpse of hope and beauty can only be experience in the midst of darkness. Light cast down from the stars and dancing color through the sky is what inspires Aachix̂Qağaduug’s dance. As a community, indigenous peoples have struggled to still be. Through understanding, we have a glimpse of hope. The hope to grow and re-establish pride; This spreads the light within dark times. Aachix̂Qağaduug’s dance will explore nature’s celestial integration and movement forms.

DANCERS

Ieva Braciulyte, Sara Caplan, and Nikki Flores

Photo by Elise Beers

ASHLEY MENESTRINA

The origins of female-identifying people have constantly been on an evolutionary trajectory of claiming space. Inspired by artwork from Julie Mehretu, this project aims to explore the complexities behind untangling the undeniable presence of women. The formation of personal and collective identity is hindered by not being able to walk alone at night, believe survivors of sexual abuse, have full autonomy over our bodies, receive the same pay as men, or exist without extreme body image expectations. Women hold an unfathomable amount of power. As each woman learns of her/their own strength, we rise.

DANCERS

Photo by Allina Yang