Artistic Director Andrew Brother Elk conducted auditions for new dancers in New York City in September. Over 40 dancers auditioned. “I was surprised by the turn out, and very impressed by the dancer’s abilities,” Brother Elk said in a phone call.
During his east coast trip, Brother Elk also led an Earth Dance contingent at the opening of the new National Museum of the American Indian on the Mall in Washington DC. The group consisted of elders from the Northwest who have been supportive of the new dance company. Many have not danced for the general public in years.
“I was very honored to be invited and help represent this exciting young company at such a memorable event,” stated Charlie Jack from Idaho. “And the museum looks real nice too.”
Other local community members in attendance included Julia and Lucy Parker, who were honored by NACC in August. The new museum opened September 21 with a week of performances and public events, highlighted by an All Nations procession on the Mall.
While in New York, Brother Elk also met with musician/composer Moby. Moby is a three time Grammy nominee and two- time MTV Award winner, who has sold over 10 million CDs and 3 million dance singles. He agreed to provide music for Earth Dance Theater choreography. http://www.moby-online.com/index2.html
Choreographer Johannes Wieland and Brother Elk attended the Bessie Awards, which are contemporary dance equivalents to the Oscars. Bay Area native and indigenous dancer Arcell Cabuag, in the work of Ronald K. Brown, won a Best Performer award. And hometown heroes Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman (Kiki & Herb) won a Best Creator award, just prior to their sold out performance at Carnegie Hall. “It was thrilling to see all the San Francisco talent being recognized,” stated Brother Elk.
Wieland’s company performs next in New York at the Diane von Furstenburg studio October 7-10 after a show in Germany. “Of course I’d really like to give Bay Area audiences a chance to see this wonderfully talented team,” Brother Elk remarked.