Ordway Presents OYATE OKODAKICIYAPI: An Evening of Native Contemporary Dance

Continuing its 2016-17 season focus on the artistry and culture of Native communities, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present Oyate Okodakiciyapi: An Evening of Native Contemporary Dance on Saturday, March 4. The one-night-only performance is part of the Ordway's World Music & Dance Series sponsored by Target. Tickets start at $19 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in person at the Ordway ticket office.

Oyate Okodakiciyapi, which means "people coming together" in the Dakota language, was named by Dakota educator and writer Gwen Westerman. This unique showcase of Native contemporary dance companies is co-curated with Twin Cities choreographer Rosy Simas and will feature three pieces: "P?haku" by native Hawaiian Christopher K. Morgan; "NeoIndigenA" by Santee Smith from Kaha:wi Dance Theatre; and "...SEEDS : RE GENERATION..." by Dancing Earth Indigenous contemporary dance ensemble and local Native guest artists, choreographed by Rulan Tangen in collaboration with the cast.

"It has been a tremendous joy for me to be able to work with choreographer Rosy Simas to co-curate this showcase, and we're both so proud to present this work by these three innovative choreographers," said DaynA Martinez, Ordway's artistic director of World Music & Dance. "This is the first time the Ordway has presented multiple dance companies in a showcase format, and I can't think of a better group of artists to highlight."

The performance is part of Oyate Okodakiciyapi: A Unique Celebration of Native Music and Dance, an Ordway community engagement series guided by community coordinator Christal Moose and an advisory council of Native and Indigenous community leaders. More information about the series of events can be found at www.ordway.org/oyate-okodakiciyapi.

The Ordway's World Music & Dance Series is sponsored by Target. For tickets and more information, visit www.ordway.org.

ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. Together with Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. For more information, visit www.ordway.org.

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