Kaha: wi

From Six Nations - Thoroughly modern Mohawk: a sensual expression of culture in evolution.

“All past experiences come to a meeting point,” says dancer-choreographer Santee Smith, referring to her varied performing history that now merges in a blend of the traditional and contemporary. Smith was born a member of the Turtle Clan of the Mohawk Nation in Six Nations, Ontario. Her formal dance training began at the age of three and eventually led to six years at the National Ballet School, followed by university studies in kinesiology and modern dance. But a turning point came when Smith was invited to choreograph a National Film Board documentary, The Gift. She was asked to represent Native corn ceremonies, although out of respect, the rituals themselves could not be filmed. Meeting that challenge convinced her to combine her two previously separate worlds into one distinctly her own. “I base the work on the essence, power, and beauty of our traditions,” says Smith, “and tie that to the contemporary stage.”

Kaha: wi, Mohawk for “she carries,” is the name of Smith's grandmother as well as her daughter. Working with a soundtrack by an eclectic group of Iroquoian singers, and featuring a cast of ten dancers, the piece traces the circle of life through three generations of women-yielding a sensual celebration of contemporary aboriginal performance.

 

 

 

Jan 20 - 22, 2005 at The Vertigo Playhouse Theatre, 7:30pm Nightly
Tickets: Jan 20 - $18

Tickets: Jan 21 - 22 - $20

Ticketmaster: Buy Online

Kaha: wi Cast

Choreographer/Dancer: Santee Smith
Dancers: Carla Soto, Tatiana Ramos, Rulan Tangen, Alejandros Meraz, Anthony “tosh” Collins, Raoul Trujillo

Set/ Costume Design: Cheryl Lalonde
Lighting Design: Ron Snippe
Stage Manager: Jackie Carpenter
Mentor: Alejandro Ronceria
Administration: Katharine Harris - Dance Umbrella of Ontario
Tour Coordination: Sue Edworthy - Dance Umbrella of Ontario
Image Design: Robert Ruby
Photography: Cylla Von Tiedemann

Kaha: wi Musical Production:

Musical Productions: Santee Smith, Bob Doidge
Music Arrangements: Donald Quan with Brian Nevin @ Q-Music
Post Production: Paul Reimens