Black Light Research
Methodology. Praxis. Performance Studies.
This work aids healers and somatic practitioners who want a praxis that is aligned with their values and ethics of justice, self and communal care. Those seeking to decrease physical pain and discomfort. Who are looking for an ontological framework to integrate their light and shadow self. To Who want to increase their body-mind awareness. This practice is great for people who wish to stop swinging from emotional extremes and bring more balance into your life. For overwhelmed parents. And unique for those who suffer from chronic, musculoskeletal pain. Black Light Research is for practitioners who are looking to ritualize their life.
The first hour of Dreamscapes is a movement practice that builds upon postural restoration, classical American modern dance techniques, traditional archives of the Malinké/Manding cultures, Haitian dance, Afro-Cuban dance, and contemporary movement. Much attention will be given to breath work and restorative practice.
In the second hour Alanna will guide participants through aspects of Black Light Research: a methodology for ritualized living and performance practice--a movement practice which integrates body, mind and heart in a sophisticated ways, informed by somatic therapies, analytical psychology, Advaita Vedanta, Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, Black feminist politic, Black political thought, and other frameworks of social and environmental justice. The cohort will work as co-researchers as Alanna guides the building of a ritual dance together. The last day will culminate in a celebration from 2-3 pm!
Video Credits:
1. Black Light a re:Search performance (2022)
Co-presented by the Great Northern Festival, The Cowles Center for Dance, and Northrop
Supported by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the McKnight Foundation, the Great Northern.
Residential support by Second Shift Studio Space of Saint Paul, the Croft Residency, Center for the Performing Arts (Mpls), MOVO Space, the Dance and Theater Department at Carleton College.
Choreography, Solo performance, and Direction by Alanna Morris
Additional performance, coaching and choreography by Djenane Saint Juste and Florencia “Fofo” Pierre
Additional choreography and movement coaching by Patriann Edwards Additional movement coaching and creative consultation by Yesenia Selier and Adam Barruch
A foreword to move forward by Jamie Philbert
Dancers/Movement Coaches: Gabrielle Abram, Andréa Potter, and Imagine Joy (Demetrius McClendon)
Drummers: Charles Wilson and Anilus Beauvois
Music by Ella Andall, Erykah Badu, Susana Baca, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Janet Jackson, Sade, Kees Dieffenthaller, and Nailah Blackman
Voice recording by Mooji
Costume designer: Trevor Bowen
Lighting Designers: Beaudau Banks and Valerie Oliveiro
Photography by Canaan Mattson
2. "Look both ways before crossing the street!" (2022)
Presented by Springboard Danse Montréal (Alanna Morris, 2022 Springboard Fellow), Artistic Director, Alexandra Wells
Direction by Alanna Morris
Choreography by Alanna Morris in collaboration with the dancers
Assistant to the Choreographer: Gemma Isaacson
Sound score: Where is the Love by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway; Area recordings around Montréal captured by the danseurs; excerpt of Chapter 3 of The Nature of Personal Reality by Seth, read by Tim Hart Hart; Interviews with an adult mentor captured by the danseurs; On the Ocean by K’Jon; Don’t Stop Believing by Journey.
Other sounds composed by Nelson Mejia.
Dancers: Zachary Bastille, Donterreo Culp, Hanna DiLorenzo, India Dobbie, Flora Ferguson, Amari Frazier, Sierra Kellman, Joseph Mattar, Shaina McGregor, Nelson Mejia, Aanyse Pettiford-Chandler, Katherine Potz, Allie Renner, Isla Spotswood, Harry Sukonik, Suf Yam and the elders in their lives.
3. Pẹ̀lẹ́ Pẹ̀lẹ́! (2023)
"The 3-Women Project" by TU Dance, Founder and Artistic Director Toni Pierce-Sands
Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Rosemary and David Good Family Foundation, Marbrook Foundation, St. Paul Cultural Star Program and the Minnesota State Arts Board
Choreographic Direction: Alanna Morris
Choreographer: Alanna Morris and dancers
Assistant to the Choreographer: Canaan Mattson
Sound Editing: Alanna Morris and Canaan Mattson
Music Credits / Composers: I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston; Ama Ata Aidoo speaking; Reading of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell; Vibrant color by Chihei Hatakeyama and Hakobune; Your Voice by Caiiro and AWEN; Eartha Kitt interview with Terry Wogan; Aye by Mikaela Brandon and ensemble
Dancers: Gabrielle Abram, Mikaela Brandon, Sa’Nah Britt, Laren Chang, Morgan Cogley, Suzette Gilreath, Kaitlyn Hawkins, Samantha Meryhew, Anna Pinault, Keri Prokopidis, and Elliana Vesely
Lighting Design by Garvin Jellison
Costume Design by Stephanie Karr Smith
Videography by James Peitzman
