(MC)2: Meaning and Movement, a docuseries

From Our Community to Yours

This 12-part docuseries features interviews with guest participants from the (MC)2 2021 festival, and is made available on our website and social media. We invite you to take a heartfelt journey with us as we delve into the ideas and influences responsible for shaping some of Atlanta's most revered artists, and their uniquely rooted cultural experience.

Through the episodes below, let our guests guide you along their literal and figurative ocean crossing, revealing astonishing insight and breathtaking empathy. Discover the roadblocks and triumphs that drive and inspire their visions.


Episode 1: Cici KellEy

In this episode, there is no denying CiCi Kelley’s contagious joy. Kelley elevates dance to the sublime and helps define the boundary between embracing and appropriating cultures outside our own, all while encouraging us all to MOVE!

Episode 2: Hilda l estrella de lev

Alma Mexicana, danza folklórica is a labor of love for Hilda L Estrella de Lev, and is the golden thread that connects her to her roots in Mexico. This family affair remains buoyant thanks to the notion of identity and longevity she imparts to her children.

Episode 3: Julie Galle Baggenstoss

Navigating an oral tradition such as Flamenco is no small task. Julie Galle Baggenstoss shares her journey toward the intimate and respectful relationship she continues to nurture with this powerful art form.


Episode 4: Kerry Lee

Dancer and Co-Artistic Director of the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company Kerry Lee exalts the generosity of Chinese culture. In this episode, Lee reveals the open door policy to studying and sharing this ages-old dance form.

Episode 5: Lyrik London

Lyrik London is an artist who defies description. The moment you think you have him pegged, his innate, entrepreneurial spirit kicks in, and just like that, he is on to new investigations. Meet the man who is skyrocketing, thanks to a foundation built upon love, beauty and difficult truths.

Episode 6: Kumud SaVLA

Dance from Northern India has been evolving since its inception. Internationally recognized dancer and choreographer Kumud Savla dissects the many layers that comprise this rich and highly sophisticated dance form.


Episode 7: Natalia Perez

Natalia Perez, director of Flamenco Underground is a ferocious performer with a beautiful heart. This week, she unites us with the infinite intricacies that shape the world of Flamenco, illuminating how a dancer’s journey into and through the art, mirrors the art itself.

Episode 8: Sule Welch

take a deep dive into the critical value of movement, and the joys of following a passion while unearthing lifelong connections. Capoeira Professor Sule Welch takes us through his journey of leaving the corporate world to find meaning and purpose inside martial art training. His insight is inspiring!

Episode 9: Ramatu AfegbuA-Sabbatt

A powerful prophecy was spoken over Ramatu Afegbua-Sabbat when she was born. Now, hear the story of a legacy being actualized through her work as the founder of two African dance companies. Also, learn of her innovation in crossing gender boundaries within Djimbe drumming traditions.


Episode 10: XAvier lewis

The multi-talented and entrepreneurial Xavier Lewis speaks to the longevity of the fight for racial equality. As a dancer and musician, he connects us with his familial roots and reveals how his personal journey is another step toward understanding.

Episode 11: Sasikala Penumarthi

Encountering Sasikala Penumarthi’s unbridled passion for teaching, sharing and performing Kuchipudi is always a potent dose of generosity and love. What is revealed in this episode is the immeasurable value of revealing the depths of a culture and the joyous pursuit of harmony.

Episode 12: Tambra Omiyale Harris

The sentient, powerful and impeccably wise Tambra Omiyale Harris touches our hearts and our souls by shedding light on her personal mission. Driven by a profound desire to heal and bridge her communities, we conclude our series with a deep dive into hope, as framed by this loving and captivating artist.

 

All videos in this series are filmed and edited by Andie Knudson.

The next (MC)2 in-person festival will take place May 30 - June 3, 2023. Click here to learn more.


 
 
 

This program is supported by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

This program is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the Mellon Foundation.