Title: ÌYÁguration
Choreographer & Director: Kara Jenelle Wade
Co-Choreographers: Rachel Hernandez
Performers: Ashley Blanchard (Soloist), Nirine S. Brown, Kara J. Wade, Tulani S. Weeks
Musicians: Kahlil Cummings - Percussionist & Aminata Diop - Singer
Song Writer & Spoken Word: Kara J. Wade
Sound Designer: Alexis Tongue
Videographer & Editor: Simone Santos
Production Assistant: Rashaida Hill
Production Consultant: Tula B. Strong
Program & Additional Show Information:
www.karajenelle.com/iyaguration
TRAILER: https://youtu.be/zg0PWIWuaLo
Choreographer Bio:
Kara Jenelle (KJ) is a 2nd year MFA student in the Department of World Arts & Cultures / Dance at UCLA. For the past decade she has worked professionally as a performer, choreographer and teaching artist based in Los Angeles. Throughout her career she has worked with the likes of Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Jidenna, Khalid, and Will Smith just to name a few; and most recently has appeared in films, Beyoncé’s “Black Is King” and “Coming 2 America”. Her work has been seen on platforms such as BET, Black Girls Rock, NBC’s The Voice, Nike, Lifetime, Essence, Latin Grammy’s and more! KJ works diligently to represent movement practices within the African diaspora in the commercial dance industry and focuses on these cultural genres in her choreographic practice as well. While completing her graduate studies, KJ is constantly creating work which encourages positive imagery as well as opportunities for women of color throughout the landscape of entertainment.
While balancing her responsibilities between academia and advocacy throughout the crisis of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement, KJ’s mission and presence can still be found on the front lines as an activist and representative for her people. KJ’s work as a creative is to manifest content that celebrates beauty and black pride even beyond the struggle.
