Threshold

The time is now, will you come through?

Threshold, a shared program by Claudine Naganuma’s dNaga Dance Co. and choreographer SanSan Kwan, offers a feminist response to anti-Asian violence and Asian American invisibility. This evening of dance ushers audiences into an encounter with the shadows and structures that uphold racial violence and choreographs a space of restoration and liberation. Join us in exploring the kinetics of resilience.

Meet us at the Threshold. Cross through with community and dive into legacies that bring us toward sovereignty over our Selves and into solidarity with the collective.  

For more information visit Mondavi Center/Threshold

Unbound has provided an opportunity to engage in an in depth inquiry about how the uptick in Anti-Asian violence has affected our communities. Informed by a legacy of generational trauma and armed with art as a tool for healing, dance allows us the time and space to delve into the origins and complexities of anti-Asian sentiments. These times require that we build our capacity to transform trauma, cultivate resiliency and thrive together.

Choreographers, Claudine Naganuma and SanSan Kwan, were selected to provide somatic perspectives as part of the AAVOT research initiative.

Anti-Asian Violence: Origins and Trajectories

One predominant narrative of anti-Asian violence posits a unitary historical figure subject to exclusion, drawing a direct line between the historical legal context and the violence of today. A predominant response is to assume that this violence will end through more surveillance, policing, and the designation of cases of anti-Asian violence as hate crimes. These dominant narratives put too much weight on the concept of hate, rendering anti-Asian violence the effect of individual prejudice, leading to limited responses.

The Anti-Asian Violence: Origins and Trajectories (AAVOT) Research Initiative plans to study several historical trajectories of anti-Asian violence across multiple scales, in relation to causes that are local, national, and transnational; to interrogate differences of gender, class, nationality, sexuality, and ethnicity elided in the idea of a unitary “Asian American” victim of violence; and to critically examine how the Asian/American body is mobilized in relation to the carceral state while working to envision diverse modes of sustaining livable communities and forging multiracial alliances.

Unbound

Brief description of the work: “Unbound”, a performance by dNaga dance company explores overcoming Intergenerational Trauma. It inquires into the origins of anti-Asian violence through poignant themes of incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, the impact of patriarchy on girls, and the modern-day repercussions of racist legislation. The piece delves into trajectories of hope through themes of unity and care, drawing inspiration from figures like Yuri Kochiyama and examining the practices that propel us towards collective liberation.

The performance of Unbound at the Paul Dresher Ensemble studio is part of dNaga's research process and is sponsored by the Anti-Asian Violence: Origins and Trajectories Research Initiative (AAVOT) led by Leti Volpp, Susette Min, Laura Kang, and Lee Ann Wang. This research initiative has been generously funded by the University of California Research Grants Program Office. The world premiere of the completed work will be premiered at the UC Davis Mondavi Center.

Artistic Team:

Conceived and Directed by Claudine Naganuma
Choreography by Claudine Naganuma and dNaga Dance Co.
Musical Director and Composer: Joel Davel
Lighting and Technical Direction: Dale MacDonald
Video and Animation: Elmira Bagherzadeh and Solitaire Miguel
Dancers: Catalina Jackson-Uruena, Chaityn Isaacson-Brewster, Gabby Wei, Jhia Louise Jackson, Leila Massoudi, Lihong Chan, Raychel Hatch and Sebastian Le

Actor: Sharon Shao

Creative Consultant: Pamela Wu-Kochiyama

Costumes: Claudine Naganuma with additional T-shirts from the Kochiyama family

Publicist: Rebecca Johnson

Supported in part by Musical Traditions

Fiscally Sponsored by Dancers’ Group

Unbound

Brief description of the work: “Unbound”, a performance by dNaga dance company explores overcoming Intergenerational Trauma. It inquires into the origins of anti-Asian violence through poignant themes of incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, the impact of patriarchy on girls, and the modern-day repercussions of racist legislation. The piece delves into trajectories of hope through themes of unity and care, drawing inspiration from figures like Yuri Kochiyama and examining the practices that propel us towards collective liberation.

The performance of Unbound at the Paul Dresher Ensemble studio is part of dNaga's research process and is sponsored by the Anti-Asian Violence: Origins and Trajectories Research Initiative (AAVOT) led by Leti Volpp, Susette Min, Laura Kang, and Lee Ann Wang. This research initiative has been generously funded by the University of California Research Grants Program Office. The world premiere of the completed work will be premiered at the UC Davis Mondavi Center.

Artistic Team:

Conceived and Directed by Claudine Naganuma
Choreography by Claudine Naganuma and dNaga Dance Co.
Musical Director and Composer: Joel Davel
Lighting and Technical Direction: Dale MacDonald
Video and Animation: Elmira Bagherzadeh and Solitaire Miguel
Dancers: Catalina Jackson-Uruena, Chaityn Isaacson-Brewster, Gabby Wei, Jhia Louise Jackson, Leila Massoudi, Lihong Chan, Raychel Hatch and Sebastian Le

Actor: Sharon Shao

Creative Consultant: Pamela Wu-Kochiyama

Costumes: Claudine Naganuma with additional T-shirts from the Kochiyama family

Publicist: Rebecca Johnson

Supported in part by Musical Traditions

Fiscally Sponsored by Dancers’ Group

Unbound

Brief description of the work: “Unbound”, a performance by dNaga dance company explores overcoming Intergenerational Trauma. It inquires into the origins of anti-Asian violence through poignant themes of incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, the impact of patriarchy on girls, and the modern-day repercussions of racist legislation. The piece delves into trajectories of hope through themes of unity and care, drawing inspiration from figures like Yuri Kochiyama and examining the practices that propel us towards collective liberation.

The performance of Unbound at the Paul Dresher Ensemble studio is part of dNaga's research process and is sponsored by the Anti-Asian Violence: Origins and Trajectories Research Initiative (AAVOT) led by Leti Volpp, Susette Min, Laura Kang, and Lee Ann Wang. This research initiative has been generously funded by the University of California Research Grants Program Office. The world premiere of the completed work will be premiered at the UC Davis Mondavi Center.

Artistic Team:

Conceived and Directed by Claudine Naganuma
Choreography by Claudine Naganuma and dNaga Dance Co.
Musical Director and Composer: Joel Davel
Lighting and Technical Direction: Dale MacDonald
Video and Animation: Elmira Bagherzadeh and Solitaire Miguel
Dancers: Catalina Jackson-Uruena, Chaityn Isaacson-Brewster, Gabby Wei, Jhia Louise Jackson, Leila Massoudi, Lihong Chan, Raychel Hatch and Sebastian Le

Actor: Sharon Shao

Creative Consultant: Pamela Wu-Kochiyama

Costumes: Claudine Naganuma with additional T-shirts from the Kochiyama family

Publicist: Rebecca Johnson

Supported in part by Musical Traditions

Fiscally Sponsored by Dancers’ Group

We are excited to present our new work ‘Bound’ in the 27th annual

United States of Asian America Festival: Be(long)ing Here

Join us on June 23rd on Golden Gate Avenue (between Jones & Hyde Streets), San Francisco from 1-4pm

at the APICC x Sunday Streets Tenderloin Artist Showcase

For more festival information, and to RSVP for this event, please click this link below:

Description of ‘Bound’

dNaga Dance Co. Directed by Claudine Naganuma offers a poignant work exploring the process of liberation through physicalizing the process of being bound and unbound. The work thematically explores the origins of oppression against Women from the Asian Diaspora and is performed alongside the poetry of Genny Lim. Art is a tool for healing, necessary for metabolizing grief and anger which helps to foster a sense of belonging to oneself and belonging in community.

Save the Date!

dNaga will be participating in the 25th Annual Dance-a-Rama on

Sunday, May 5th at 2pm.

This event is a program of performances by a diverse group of talented choreographers, and is presented as part of Bay Area Dance Week, so it is absolutely free! The performance will be followed by a reception which is an opportunity for dancers, choreographers, and audience members to meet, chat, and eat cake!

dNaga performers include: Leila Massoudi, Janey Madamba, and Claudine Naganuma

Come see the latest mishmash of dance styles that dNaga is exploring!

The program will also feature dances by Avilee Goodwin, Carol Kueffer-Moore, Chingchi Yu, Evangel King, Jetta Martin, Liz Anne Roman Roberts, Mary Reid and the Sabah Ensemble.

We hope you will save the date and join us on May 5th!

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, dNaga will not be able to participate in this event.

But don’t worry, dNaga will be performing in Dance-A-Rama next weekend! Join us on May 5th at 2pm for this lovely free performance.

Save the Date!

dNaga will be participating in Tapestry: Weaving The Community of Dance

Saturday, April 27th at 7pm.

This annual concert features professional dance companies, student dance companies and youth groups from the Bay Area. Tapestry provides participants with the opportunity to share performance space in a friendly and supportive environment. This experience is unique and inspiring for the dancer and the audience.  

dNaga performers include: Leila Massoudi, Janey Madamba, and Claudine Naganuma

Click below to purchase your tickets now!

We hope you will save the date and join us on April 27th!

Join us on Zoom for a virtual showing of our Petals and Wings film, created by dNaga Dance Company, and created collaboratively by people with Parkinson’s disease, dancers, musicians, under the direction of Claudine Naganuma.

This event is scheduled for September 30th at 2pm PST. To join the zoom, click here to reserve your spot to receive a zoom link.

for more information about performers & collaborators, click here

Join us on Zoom for a virtual showing of our Petals and Wings film, created by dNaga Dance Company, and created collaboratively by people with Parkinson’s disease, dancers, musicians, under the direction of Claudine Naganuma.

This event is scheduled for September 30th at 2pm PST. To join the zoom, click here to reserve your spot to receive a zoom link.

for more information about performers & collaborators, click here

Save the Date!

Where Am I? (work in progress excerpt)

dNaga’s back in the studio. Claudine Naganuma and Ms. Tarika Lewis received support from the East Bay Fund for Artists to make a new work. Come see what we’ve got so far.

Performance takes place at Western Sky (Address: 2525 Eighth St #13a, Berkeley, CA 94710). No presale tickets or registration required. Come early for a seat.

dNaga will be presenting our latest piece “For John” at this year’s Tapestry: Weaving the Community of Dance

Performance details:

Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 7pm

Oakland Temple Hill Auditorium 4780 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland

“For John” is an interplay between the violinist and the dancers. The work is inspired by the memories of Joan Tarika Lewis of her father and uncle who both grappled with Parkinson’s disease. These memories remind us that with tenacity and levity, we can live a fulfilled life and that the life blood of our ancestors live on through us.

Performance – Luna Launch

Presented by the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center as part of the 25th annual United States of Asian America Festival.

Generations of Power

Asian American Dance Showcase

Love & Unity

Curated by Claudine Naganuma

Featuring Choreographers ChingChi Yu, Danny Nguyen, Yayoi Kambara, and Claudine Naganuma

Announcing Dance-a-Rama 2022, May 1 @ 3 pm!

Please join us as we celebrate our return to LIVE performance in our home studio, Western Sky.

We are thrilled to be returning to the studio for this wonderful yearly event, bringing the community together to enjoy an informal afternoon of dance performances by local choreographers.

dNaga will be presenting a performance with dancers Lauren Aczon, Mana Hayakawa, Shosi Black, Yael Berrol Janine Kovac and Janey Madamba and Cathy Quides.

For the health and safety of all, proof of full vaccination, boosters for those eligible, and masks will be required at the door.

dNaga is excited to be part of the 2022 Berkeley Poetry Festival which is honoring Genny Lim with a Lifetime Achievement Award. dNaga is curating a poetry and dance session on January 22 from 3-4. Learn more about the Festival (Jan 21–23) at the links below:

dNaga is thrilled to be participating in Dance-a-Rama, in a beautiful outdoor setting: Coventry Grove in Kensington.
So please, mark your calendars, Sunday, September 12 at 3p.m for Dance-a-Rama in The Redwoods!

The companies and choreographers that will be performing with us include Ruth Botchan Dance Company, Avilee Goodwin, Shahrzad Khorsandi, Evangel King, Mary Reid, and Chingchi Yu and Dancers.

dNagalers Ellie Kerwin, Yael Berrol, Seosaimhin Black, Jennifer Chan, and Claudine Naganuma will be performing In the Core of the Clouds. Music by Joel Davel on Xylophone and poem by Grace Marie Grafton.

Let light augment hearts archery

sun each day pulls the dark

away from the side of earth

replaces it with airy blue that sprinkles

yellow on to tips of squirrel's fur

Bones of the tree rise out of sand

where they sequestered as

green turned brown

Spider spins touch of wind

the birth pang, the smoke of grief

Fog rests on the plate of the bay

no weight, no color, purposeless

In the core of the cloud, in the clouds core

blue gains, color tightens into blue weight

confusion, contusion, cumulus combine

This day, frogs dream deep

cold's charity opens its fist

and releases rain

- Grace Marie Grafton

Invisible Traces: SF Chinatown

This dance film examines the legacy of racist laws and their effects on the Asian American community.

On Zoom, Saturday, June 12th, at 2pm
Link to RSVP coming soon.

Presented in association with the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center as part of the 24th annual United States of Asian America Festival.

Featured Dancers: Selma Apara, Jennifer Chan, Mel Hilario, Janey Madamba, and Cathy Wake Quides
dNaga Dancers: Yael Berrol, Lucie Jerome, Ellie Kerwin, Erin Landers, and Leila Massoudi
Artistic Director: Claudine Naganuma
Music Composition: Bun Ching Lam, Genny Lim, Jon Jang, and Joel Davel
Designer: Dale MacDonald
Animator: Elmira Bagherzadeh
Video Editor: Marie Santos Fontejon