Interview with Natasha Powell on BHM
We spoke with Natasha powell, toronto based choreographer/dancer/teacher, about the significance of Black History MOnth in the Arts and how it impacts her artistic practice
Photo credit: Kendra Epik
“Being from Caribbean culture, music and dancing are treasured parts of my family’s livelihood....”
What does Black History Month mean for your art as it is practiced in Toronto/Canada?
It's interesting...over the past several years I haven't "celebrated" Black History Month in the way that I used to. I recognize the need for reflection and acknowledgement of the artists that paved the way for me to be able to do the work that I do today. But the ways in which the month has become very corporate-led, has left me feeling uncomfortable. But black history is embedded in my dance practice. Since primarily focusing my practice towards jazz dance and other African-American vernacular dance forms over past several years, I'm always considering the history of these forms and their continuum to the present day. This has been vital and has helped me feel connected to a history, and to people that created these dances and this culture. So basically black history month, is every month for me.
How has your ethnic identity shaped your personal practice?
I am a daughter of a Grenadian mother and Jamaican father. Being from Caribbean culture, music and dancing are treasured parts of my family’s livelihood. Basement parties and backyard barbecues for family gatherings always involved the two as a way of celebrating and to connect with each other. Everything from funk, reggae, soca, disco, and soul music was played. I am the youngest of four, which meant that I had older siblings that were growing up in the golden era of hip hop in the 80s and 90s, and they too would spin the latest in hip hop and R&B of the time while doing the latest dances. It was in our home where I experienced the potency of dancing from this spirited environment, and the vast variety of music that allowed you to free yourself. These experiences with my family are the soul of who I am as an artist, leading me to found my company, Holla Jazz. The propulsive energy and values of jazz, hip hop, house, with the story-telling of the blues are what fuel my creativity. The rich history of these forms and their qualities are what move me to create work that uses these practices, while being inspired by current societal issues and how they shape our generation.
What does the ideal observance of BHM within the arts sector look like to you?
I’m not sure what the ideal observance of Black History Month could look like, but I would love for the month to also amplify the voices of now. How are we engaging the young people in our community - understanding where they are and what the needs are, while also passing on stories and traditions and how they relate to them in their daily lives. Ultimately I'm interested in Black Futures - imagining and creating the world where we thrive rather than just survive, and where we centre our focus on what it is we want to aim for.