VLA DANCE

Directed by Victoria Lynn Awkward, VLA DANCE seeks support for a new work, “For Nina.” We believe that performance arts are uniquely positioned to help people embody freedom and Nina Simone is one of the most beautiful Freedom seekers. Her work paved the way for Black artists and underrepresented voices to claim self love as an act of self liberation. This piece is titled “For Nina” as a thank you letter for the work she has done and as a reflection on the lineage - old and young - of artists like Nina Simone. “For Nina” will celebrate the songs of Nina Simone through contemporary dance by Victoria Lynn Awkward, live singing by Desiré Graham, piano by Hua Ye (Jane) and will include guest youth dancers. It will include lighting design by Elmer Martinez and sets by Mikayla Williams. “For Nina” will have its first showings this November 30 at VLA DANCE’s resident location, Hibernian Hall and December 12 at The Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center.