Suite Orleans

A chronological homage to the history and culture of New Orleans…

A chronological homage to the history and culture of New Orleans, Suite Orleans subtly examines ideas of culture, history and identity, as well as the impact of cultural displacement. Suite Orleans engages a new vocabulary for southern choreographic storytelling.

Done in six movements, an array of African drum rhythms, jazz, ragtime and classical piano compositions sets the musical background of the piece.

With movement vocabularies consisting of classical ballet technique, contemporary movement and African rhythms, the dancers of Suite Orleans reflect the synthesis of Afro-Caribbean and European culture that is the heart and soul of New Orleans.

The work pushes the boundaries of dance to create a multimedia experience of rich text, visual imagery and music. It displays historical content through a contemporary lens. Suite Orleans promotes and preserves Louisiana culture through dance performance that is interwoven with the essence of New Orleans’ rich history and culture. 

Suite Orleans

2013 | 2016 | 2019

Music: Billy Holiday, Drums of the World, George Lewis, Duke Ellington, Professor Longhair, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

Lighting Design: CAC tech

Costumes: Tianna Pourciau Sykes

Dancers: 6 women

Length: 15 minutes

Photos: Sykes Photography, LLC, Jim Karam 

World Premiere: 2013, SHE Created IT Festival