The East Side Freedom Library, Ananya Dance Theatre, and St. Catherine University Center for Mission invite you to “Women of Color in Solidarity: A Case Study of Dancing/Writing in Ananya Dance Theatre” on Wednesday, December 13, 7:00-8:30PM​, East Side Freedom Library.

Join us for a conversation with Ananya Dance Theatre featuring artistic director Dr. Ananya Chatterjea and dance artists Dr. Hui Wilcox, and Dr. Alessandra Williams. Ananya Dance Theatre is the leading creator of Contemporary Indian American Dance in the global arts and social justice movement. (learn more at http://www.ananyadancetheatre.org/)

They will discuss how their company of women of color artists intends to bring about “solidarity” through dance, community engagement, and an in-progress book project Meditation on Dream.

Ananya Chatterjea (2011 Guggenheim Choreography Fellowship, 2012 McKnight Choreography Fellowship, 2016 Joyce Award) is the artistic director of Ananya Dance Theatre. Ananya is Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota, where she teaches courses in Dance Studies and technique. She is the author of Butting Out (2004) and is currently writing her second book to explore politics of “contemporary dance” from the perspective of artists from global communities of color.  Ananya is grateful to her dancers/collaborators for their commitment to excellence and justice, articulated artistically, and to Deej, Raj, and Srij, her loving family, for holding her together through storm.

Hui Niu Wilcox, Ph.D. has been moving and thinking with Ananya Dance Theatre since 2004. She is an Endowed Chair in Women’s Education and Associate Professor of Sociology, Women’s Studies, & Critical Studies of Race/Ethnicity at St. Catherine University. Wilcox is grateful for the privilege of engaging in activism through dance, and for the loving support of her family and friends, especially Elliot, Claire, and Lynn.

Alessandra Williams began dancing with Ananya Dance Theatre in “Pipaashaa” (2007). Originally from Minneapolis, she completed her B.A. in American Studies and Theatre and Dance at Macalester and her community organizing earned her the Grassroots Solutions Organizer of the Year Award. Her culture and performance Ph.D. at UCLA focused on feminist, queer theory and Afro-Asian alliances in dance. She immerses herself in yoga and West African-based movement, the East Side Freedom Library, teaching cultural studies, and space with loved ones in the Twin Cities, Louisiana, Ganta City, Liberia, and LA.

Refreshments Provided!

Free and Open to All.

East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106.

[email protected]   and   651-230-3294