Crimson Coast Dance
(Snuneymuxw homelands, Nanaimo)
AJ Megaman will join Crimson Coast Dance in a community based residency with Indigenous and non-indigenous teen participants to create a performance to be held March 18, 2023 at Vancouver Island University Theatre.
AJ will meet with the youth at various times from January to March to discuss the history of Hip Hop Dance, teach movement vocabulary and consider the content of the creation.
AJ will lead the youth through creation, rehearsal and performance, March 13 to 18, 2023.
“This has been an eye-opening experience for me, witnessing the youth engaging with their cultural teachings. It was fascinating to see how the Indigenous artists worked with the youth and brought their teachings to life. It was evident that there was a deep connection between myself, the guest artists and the youth as they interacted and shared their personal experiences. Witnessing the cultural teachings through hip hop come alive in such a vibrant way was a beautiful experience. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving and passing down cultural traditions to the next generation.”
Image description: AJ is pictured outside in a parking lot, leaning on a black car. In the background is a wood fence, a house, and the start of a setting sun. AJ is wearing Nike’s, black shorts, a white and blue jacket over a light blue shirt, a sideways baseball hat and black sunglasses. They are smiling brightly and looking out of the frame. They are holding a cell phone in one hand and a book in the other.
Photo: courtesy of the artist
