eye.of.redd Photography
ABOUT CURE-8
Cure-8 is an 8-week creative experience that pairs local dance makers with leading industry experts to produce new original works that will premiere at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Through these mentorships, artists will weave community engagement and advocacy for pressing social issues into their creative process. Choreographers will collaborate with local social service organizations, crafting works informed by topics paramount to the community. By presenting works that call attention to specific social issues, the audience's experience is more than passive observation; it catalyzes active engagement and dialogue for social change.
Cure-8's vision aims to increase networking opportunities, enhance artistic development and community engagement, and drive social impact, ultimately leading to growth in the local dance ecosystem.
CURE-8 images courtesy of eye.of.redd photography
What People Are Saying
“I loved it! It was so comforting to be in a space addressing real issues. It was amazing to see these young talented artist[s] get an opportunity to be supported to turn their ideas into reality. It did feel inclusive, loved seeing a mix of gender, ethnicity, and body types. We need more of this hope it continues.”
— ANNONYMOUS
“I loved the diversity of the choreographers as well as their experiences. Making space for multiple disadvantaged communities in dance representation is important. I saw the performance with people who aren't very fluent in the language of dance, and they connected immediately and deeply with the storytelling and thematic nature of the pieces. It made these subjects more tangible to my friends. Some of the subjects pertained to me quite painfully and beautifully, and my friends got to see a visual representation of what those things look and feel like to me. It was wonderful and helpful all around for us as the audience.”
— MEAGAN
“I really appreciated the unique nature of this program, the utilization of dance to articulate concepts that are difficult to express in words was enlightening. I absolutely loved it..”
— ANNONYMOUS
cure-8
artists
Natasha Abu-Fadel | @natashaabufadel
Jessica Cajina | @okcajina
Harper Harris | @harperjewelharris
Alex Schooling | @aschooli
Nathaniel Tylor | @thee_chezsterfield
cure-8
mentors
Kirven Douthit-Boyd | St. Louis, MO
Mike Esperanza | New York, NY
James Gregg | Los Angeles, CA
Ashley Tate | St. Louis, MO
Kelly Ann Vitacca | Houston, TX
cure-8 selection committee
Marie Casimir | Washington D.C.
Cameron Graham | Los Angeles, CA
Austin Hartel | Oklahoma City, OK
Alexander Olivieri | Oklahoma City, OK
Destini Rogers | New York, NY
Erika Vasquez | Oklahoma City, OK
cure-8 community PARTNERS
Toon Nguyen
Jerome Braggs
Kylan Durant
Jabee
Aaron Wilder
Jeff Dismukes
Cure-8 is presented in partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and is made possible through a grant funding from OK Let's Dance, an initiative of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund,
and is excited to serve choreographers across Oklahoma for its inaugural event in 2024.
