Narnia Presents: Program and artist info
The Program
Bolero by Yiran Shu & Nicole Astudillo
fr3e._ by Jordan Brookins
Bitter and Sweet by Pinja Sinisalo & Kaito Kurokawa
The Lung by Jai´Quin Coleman
As Within… by Stephanie Steme
Intermission
Through The Archenland by Capricious Dance Company of Narnia
Invited artists
Stephanie Steme is a New York based performing artist and director/ choreographer of STEME DANCE NYC. Originally from Chicago, Stephanie received a diverse background of training in dance from classical ballet, to tap, to street styles. Her mission with SDNYC is to employ, and be the springboard for, as many local freelance artists as possible, year after year!
About ”As Within…”
In her contemporary performance piece, “As Within…”, the performer is disturbed by the shadow of herself that wrestles for dominance. Who is in the driver’s seat? When a fleeting thought or continued negative action is put onto autopilot, who are you really hurting? Can you become one with your shadow, before it’s too late?
Nicole and Yiran’s freestyle journey began in a house dance session, sparking a beautiful connection. Guided by pioneers in the underground dance community, they’ve cultivated their craft while nurturing relationships within the community. Yiran blends classical Chinese and contemporary dance, while Nicole brings a soulful edge from the house scene in Seoul, creating a dynamic fusion in their performances.
About ”Bolero”
In their duetto piece ”Bolero”, the insistent rhythm in the composition and dance weave into an exploration of the human experience. With each movement, the piece delves into the essence of selfhood across lifetimes, particularly during moments of adversity, serving as a poignant reminder that emotions are transient and do not shape our identity. Instead, it is through our choices that our true essence is revealed.
Jordan Brookins is an emerging interdisciplinary artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His focus includes studying various Africanist and street dance forms, specifically house, with additional experience and interest in contemporary styles. His other skills/interests include visual art, filmmaking, and human psychology.
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In his time dancing at Urbana-Champaign, Jordan has studied many experts in dance; most notably, Dr. Kemal Nance (Kariamu & Company), Roxanne D’Orleans Juste (Jose Limon Dance Foundation), Danzel Thompson-Stout, and Abigail Zbikowski (Abby Z and the new Utility). He is currently exploring working with choreographer Johnnie Cruise Mercer as a dancer and videographer and training in House dance and movement foundation under Sekou Heru.
About ”fr3e._”
The piece Jordan will be bringing on stage is called ”fr3e._”. It focuses on the journey of manifesting internal desires.
Pinja Sinisalo is a dancer, choreographer and teacher originally from Vantaa, Finland. She started her professional carreer in 2017 in Germany with the Ballet of Sorbischies National Ensemble. After two years, Pinja moved to the US and has since then danced with Roxey Ballet Company in New Jersey.
Kaito is a japanese dancer, choreographer, and teacher. He has danced in the States for the past five years with multiple ballet companies including Arts Ballet Theater of Florida, Colombia Classical Ballet, and Roxey Ballet Company.
About ”Bitter and Sweet”
Pinja and Kaito´s duetto piece ”Bitter and Sweet” explores the bitter and sweet sides of a relationship. When is the right moment to leave or stay?Choreography by Pinja Sinisalo and Adson Lipaus Zocca.
Dance for Jai’Quin is something that evolved from her experience being born in Brooklyn, and raised in the hip streets of Harlem. With local community parades, events, as well as amazing professional dance companies, Jai’Quin got the opportunity to explore her artistry. She has competed in national and international competitions like In10sity and Regional Revolution, won scholarships at conventions, and also received a ”Dancer of the year” award.
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As her craft grows with consistency, content, and intention, she is turning dance into a universal language, whether it means traveling to South Africa with the “ Forces of Nature” x Harlem Children’s Zone to perform at the “Playhouse theater” in Durban, or partaking in New York Fashion Week with JahnKoy x PUMA. While also being a dance teacher/choreographer, Jai’Quin continues to explore and expand the world of dance throughout her individual artistry, while occasionally supporting sisterhoods and families such as “The Ladies of Hip- Hop” and “The Full Circle Souljahs”. ”With Masterz at Work Dance Family” she has traveled to Bilbao, Spain, as well as performed at The Guggenheim Museum, and The Lincoln Center. Jai’Quin is gaining knowledge with work that supports and celebrates the arts, and the foundation of dance. These works also include “Jam on Groove” with Adesola Osakalumi in celebration of 50 Years of Hip-Hop, and “Interlaced”, which was a part of Artist at the Center celebration in collaboration with Ayodele Casel, both performed at New York City Center. In its essence, Jai’Quin’s artistry allows her to develop life-long connections that help her in her career passions as she becomes the next dance hood healer, and leader for communities, especially the youth.
About ”The Lung”
“The Lung” is intended to be about breath and release, the freedom of self, and what it’s like to nurture both your light and dark from Earth´s experience. It´s about what it´s like to love again.
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