A Choreographer’s Banjo Journey
October 7, 2020
TESTIMONY
Premiered March 2022
About the Show
Premiering in Women's History Month 2022, TESTIMONY is a dance & music experience centered around a community of Black women & their journeys through healing, trauma, and faith.
What to Expect?
Throughout the month of March, TESTIMONY audiences will experience 2 Dance Films, 1 EP, & 3 Weekends of Special Premiere Events
About the Show
Premiered in Women's History Month 2022, TESTIMONY is a dance & music experience centered around a community of Black women & their journeys through healing, trauma, and faith.
What to Expect?
Throughout the month of March 2022, TESTIMONY audiences will experience 2 Dance Films, 1 EP, & 3 Weekends of Special Premiere Events
Support & Recognition
TESTIMONY has received recognition and support from the National Black Arts Festival’s Artist Project Fund, Manhattanville College’s Ella Baker Day, Arts Connection Arts Innovator Micro-Grant, Artists as Second Responders Award, and the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute’s DEAR Artist Retreat. In addition, we had an opportunity to secure a year-long partnership with the popular media company, Blavity, to stream two of the TESTIMONY dance films on their media platform, BlavityTV.
I tried so hard for you
It’s a tale of matrilineal cycles, healing, and heritage. A dance film that takes a look at the multi-generational dynamics of African American women. We try our best for the ones we love, but we don’t always get it right. I tried so hard for you. Conceptualized by Marcus Norris (Music Composer), Neima Patterson (Director/Choreographer), & Tula B. Strong (Director/Choreographer). Movement composition crafted in collaboration with choreographers & cast.
There is a River
A dance film following two women's journeys to a mystical River as they search for healing -- Healing from the void of a lost loved one, and rediscovering the strength that comes through community. There is a River is a dance film inspired by heavenly imagery of the River of Life, praying women, and tangible encounters with the Spirit of God. Directed by Tula B. Strong. Choreographed by the director in collaboration with the cast. Composed by Marcus Norris & Musical Duo, JORDAN.
The TESTIMONY EP
Influenced by Gospel, Soul, and a Woman’s Testimony, The TESTIMONY EP is a short album of Traditional Gospel and Original Music designed to lift the spirits of those who listen. The work is conceived by Tula B. Strong. Songs written by Elsie Dortelus, Ana Rodriguez, Keala Watson-Wheaton, & Treniece Ward. Performed by a cast of 7 talented Black women.
I tried so hard for you
It’s a tale of matrilineal cycles, healing, and heritage. A dance film that takes a look at the multi-generational dynamics of African American women. We try our best for the ones we love, but we don’t always get it right. I tried so hard for you. Conceptualized by Marcus Norris (Music Composer), Neima Patterson (Director/Choreographer), & Tula B. Strong (Director/Choreographer). Movement composition crafted in collaboration with choreographers & cast.
There is a River
A dance film following two women's journeys to a mystical River as they search for healing -- Healing from the void of a lost loved one, and rediscovering the strength that comes through community. There is a River is a dance film inspired by heavenly imagery of the River of Life, praying women, and tangible encounters with the Spirit of God. Directed by Tula B. Strong. Choreographed by the director in collaboration with the cast. Composed by Marcus Norris & Musical Duo, JORDAN.
The TESTIMONY EP
Influenced by Gospel, Soul, and a Woman’s Testimony, The TESTIMONY EP is a short album of Traditional Gospel and Original Music designed to lift the spirits of those who listen. The work is conceived by Tula B. Strong. Songs written by Elsie Dortelus, Ana Rodriguez, Keala Watson-Wheaton, & Treniece Ward. Performed by a cast of 7 talented Black women.
