There is power in gathering. Storytelling, sharing ideas and laughter are tangible things. Currently, we are lucky to have virtual means to connect, yet there is no substitute for people sharing space and intention. While it remains uncertain when we will meet in groups again, I’m honored to reflect on a meaningful gathering that took place on November 6, 2019. The event, People of Color in Contemporary Circus, was a Long Table discussion hosted by Gibney Dance, a prominent dance institution in New York City. Core participants were Kiebpoli “Black*Acrobat”  Calnek, burlesque performer Denae “Ravenessa” Hannah,  Paris the Hip Hop Juggler, and Susan Voyticky, Artistic Director of Loki Circus Theater. 

This is the third and final article of a series that is meant to continue the conversation. As Monique Martin, the event’s host and Director of Programming at Harlem Stage, said as we settled into the room, “There is no end, but there will be a conclusion.”  Earlier in the evening, we talked about the black body in public space, ...