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My Black Nose

A work that explores ways in which the physical body can respond to the voice. Three artists embody personal experiences that come from being Black in America to create a collective meditation. This work asks us to remember that as we move through life,
we are not alone, we are deeply interconnected.

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Akoiya Harris (she/her)

Choreographer, Dancer

 

Akoiya Harris was born and raised in the Central District of Seattle Washington. She graduated from The Ailey Schools Certificate Program where she had the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of her body’s relationship to movement through technique and choreography. She has worked as a company member with Donald Byrd’s Spectrum Dance Theater. Akoiya has been able to perform in galleries such as The Henry Art Gallery (Seattle), Seattle Art Museum, The Luminary (St. Louis), and The Frye (Seattle). She is currently a part of several cohorts that deal with cultural preservation. Through her art, Akoiya hopes to unearth and illuminate the stories of her community.

Nile Ruff (she/her)

Dancer

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Nile Ruff was born and raised in Washington D.C.’s “Chocolate City” and began dancing with Kankouran West African Dance Company and Coyaba Dance Theatre. Nile attended Jones-Haywood School of Ballet, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and Point Park University, where they earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Modern Dance. Nile has worked professionally with Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Attack Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Spectrum Dance Theatre. 

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Maven(they/them)

Poet/Performer

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Maven is a three time published poet/creative writer. They are originally from South Seattle though they have bounced all over the city and tend to make a home wherever their boots and books are.  Their work focuses on all things Black. Black love, Black trauma, Black joy and being Black out loud and without shame.

Their goal has always been to make their audience question themselves and/or shift in their seats. And they do.

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