COCO DANCE FESTIVAL 2023: “Ori” Review

By A’Keitha Carey

Jaruam Xavier. Photo by Karen Johnstone’s Motiontography.

Kieron shared the first time he saw Jaruam perform “Ori” at The University of Iowa where Jaruam is a graduate student, and how he was immediately intrigued by Jaruam’s physical prowess and the context of the piece. They discussed the premise of the work which focuses on the seven sketches and the similarities between Brazilian Candomblé and the Orisha’s in Trinidad. Together, a partnership was developed. Kieron offered his insight, helping him abstract elements of the work and assisting with choreographic sequencing.
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COCO DANCE FESTIVAL 2023 Review (Part 1): Kieron Sargent

By A’Keitha Carey

Kieron Sargeant. Courtesy Photo.

Professor Kieron Sargeant invited me to the 15th annual COCO Dance Festival in Trinidad and Tobago as the Dance Writer in Residence, a position made possible by the Skidmore College Travel to Read Grant. Kieron and I spoke in June about the possibility of me reviewing his work at the Festival. During the conversation, we addressed the state of dance writing in the United States, which included 1. the lack of quality dance pre/reviews that articulated the breadth, depth, and nuances of dancers/dances of the African Diaspora and 2. the complete avoidance and erasure of the work of these artists by local/regional reviewers. Read more.