AXIS Dance Company

photo by David DeSilva

Grant Recipient

photo by David DeSilva

Location

Oakland, CA

Digital Presence

Artist Website

Project Title

Roots Above Ground

Fiscal Year Awarded

2021

Grant or Program

National Dance Project Production Grant

Grant Amount

$56,500

Roots Above Ground is a physically integrated dance performance that explores the multiple meanings of home as it peels back the layers to uncover the human need for belonging.

Choreographer Marc Brew delves deep into his own emotional journey as an immigrant, a disabled gay man, a dancer - always moving to follow ambition while longing to belong. Joined by the six disabled and non-disabled AXIS Company Dancers, this piece taps into our essential human need to be accepted– which is so deeply connected to our perceptions and definitions of home

Composer Miles Lassi sets the soundtrack to this production, and is joined by Set & Costume Designer Emma Kingsbury, Projection Specialist Jaco Strydom, and Lightning Designer Walter Holden. The piece honors AXIS’ commitment to full accessibility with Audio Description by Gravity Access Services and ASL Consultation by Urban Jazz Dance Company Access Services.

Estimated Artist Fee: $26,000/performance; $37,000/week.

This project has also received the following funding from NEFA:

Rowan University College of Performing Arts, National Dance Project Presentation Grant, 2022

Artists' Work

Five performers sit at or on a table. Two are in wheelchairs. One prays. Two hold their arms up or out.

Yuko Monden Juma, JanpiStar, Sonsherée Giles, Louisa Mann, and DeMarco Sleeper | photo by David DeSilva

Five performers pose with branches and a couple lay across them, in front of a white backdrop.

Yuko Monden Juma, JanpiStar, Sonsherée Giles, Louisa Mann, and DeMarco Sleeper | photo by David DeSilva

In front of a white backdrop, five performers climb a table and pose by shrubs and large branches that have been placed on the ground.

Yuko Monden Juma, JanpiStar, Sonsherée Giles, Louisa Mann, and DeMarco Sleeper | photo by David DeSilva

Interested in presenting this work?

See other projects with tour subsidy available

Step 1: Contact the Tour Coordinator

Contact the tour coordinator listed below for information on this project’s tour dates, and to discuss joining a project’s NDP tour and receiving a Presentation Grant.

Christopher Ouellette
AXIS Company Manager
companymanager@axisdance.org
Tel. 510-625-0110