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Exploring the Celestial Connections in Terrestrial Footprints Part 2 Through Dance and Dub Music

  • Writer: Cherie Hill
    Cherie Hill
  • Jun 17
  • 3 min read

Dance has a unique ability to tell stories and express deep emotions that words often fail to convey. Cherie Hill’s latest work, Terrestrial Footprints Part 2 (TFP2), choreographed and performed alongside talented artists like Emmeline Gonzalez-Beban, Andreina Maldonado, Hope McManus, and Rose Rothfeder, showcases this art form beautifully. This evening-length premiere captivates audiences with its mix of dynamic dance, creative choreography, and the compelling sounds of live dub music by Brizion Dubwize.


TFP2 takes viewers on a captivating journey through themes of time, space, and connection. The performance tells the story of five female constellations descending to Earth. Hill's choreography weaves a rich narrative filled with movement that resonates with the powerful vibrations of dub reggae music. This connection between sound and human experience is not just artistic—it's transformative.


The Journey of Dance and Music


Cherie Hill's journey into the world of dance began in 2011 when she first experienced the vibrant rhythms of dub music at the USA Roots Reggae Dub Expo. This event had a profound impact on her, inspiring her to embody the music through dance. In 2012, she founded the Dub Dance Project, creating a series of site-specific dance videos that captured her unique interpretations of dub rhythms.


TFP2 represents a bold step forward in Hill's ongoing exploration of this art form. It serves as a prequel to the original Terrestrial Footprints, which premiered in Oakland in June 2015. By collaborating with Brizion and reimagining sounds through Peter Lionheart’s artistic vision, Hill introduces a fresh blend of contemporary dance with African aesthetics. This allows the choreography to reflect the very rhythms of dub music, transforming the dancers into instruments of storytelling.


Dancers L to R: Cherie Hill, Emmaline Gonzalez-Beban, Rose Rothfeder, Andreina Maldonado.
Dancers L to R: Cherie Hill, Emmaline Gonzalez-Beban, Rose Rothfeder, Andreina Maldonado.

The Influence of Dub Reggae Music


At the core of TFP2 is the significant influence of dub reggae music. Renowned for its deep bass lines and intricate rhythms, dub acts as both a backdrop and a catalyst for the choreography. Hill emphasizes that this genre has a unique capability to convey emotions and awaken cosmic awareness.


Incorporating elements like vibration and echo—hallmarks of dub—into her choreography enriches the sensory experience for the audience. For instance, during performances, dancers often sync their movements to the playful echoes and deep beats, creating an emotional bond with viewers. Studies have shown that music can increase emotional responses by up to 38%, and TFP2 harnesses this powerful potential effectively.


Five Female Constellations


The concept of five female constellations is a central metaphor within TFP2. Each dancer embodies a constellation, reflecting distinctive traits and energies that resonate throughout the universe. For example, one dancer may move with grace and fluidity, representing the nurturing aspects of a constellation, while another embodies strength and power, showcasing resilience.


This portrayal invites the audience to appreciate both the individual and collective spirit of these celestial entities. The choreography illustrates their struggles, their interconnections, and the harmony they achieve as they navigate life’s challenges.


The Movements of Feminism and Abstraction


Hill's choreography is deeply rooted in a feminist perspective. TFP2 champions female narratives and promotes the idea that women are the key architects of their own stories. The innovative choreography channels the collective energy of the dancers, allowing them to break free from stereotypes. This celebration of their experiences showcases multifaceted identities.


Additionally, the abstract elements in the choreography create a dreamlike atmosphere, encouraging audiences to engage more deeply with the performance. Hill expertly intertwines sound effects with movement, allowing spectators to interpret the performance through their own experiences and perspectives.


Dancers from L to R: Emmeline Gonzalez-Beban, Hope McManus, Rose Rothfeder, Cherie Hill. Photo by Don Albonico
Dancers from L to R: Emmeline Gonzalez-Beban, Hope McManus, Rose Rothfeder, Cherie Hill. Photo by Don Albonico

Creating Connections


TFP2 is more than a dance; it is a meaningful exploration of connections. It bridges sound and movement, the cosmic and the earthly, and unites audiences with performers. Hill exemplifies the power of collaboration, where dancers unite to create something greater than themselves. This collective spirit transcends individual identities, enhancing the emotional experience.


Brizion Dubwize’s live music significantly contributes to this dynamic. His performances flow seamlessly throughout the production, heightening emotional resonance and audience immersion. By aligning these hidden forces, the production becomes transformative, illustrating how powerful connections can enhance artistic expression.


Dance, Dub Music, & Storytelling


In Terrestrial Footprints Part 2, Cherie Hill and her talented collaborators have created a stunning experience that artfully examines the intersections of dance, sound, and storytelling. By embracing the vibrant qualities of dub music, Hill not only pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance but also pays homage to its rich traditions.


As we follow the journeys of the five female constellations, we are reminded of the profound connections among ourselves, the universe, and the rhythms that guide our lives. TFP2 is not merely a performance; it is an invitation to explore our own stories and connections, leaving a lasting imprint of sound and emotion long after the final note fades.

 
 
 

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© 2023 by Cherie Hill Surya Devi, MFA

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