Decolonizing Art with Choreographer Alleluia Panis

Art Heals All Wounds

Today, I’m joined by dancer, choreographer, and cultural leader Alleluia Panis. In our conversation, Alleluia expands on the vision behind her captivating performances, many of which are inspired by her lived experience as a Filipina immigrant.

Alleluia describes how many of the indigenous Filipino traditions have been forgotten due to the dark history of colonialism in the country. As the Artistic and Executive Director of KULARTS, Alleluia’s mission is to reintroduce the world to contemporary and tribal Filipino art. In her personal quest to reconnect with her indigenous self, she invites others to question where they might also be estranged from their true identity.

Alleluia’s curiosity has led her to explore more of her lineage and global history. After her research phase, she collaborates with other artists to develop characters, storylines, and corresponding dance pieces. Alleluia shares details of how this process unfolded for performances like for ‘She, Who Can See,’ ‘Nursing These Wounds,’ as well as her current project about the relationship between the US military and the Philippines. She also touches on the retreats and workshops she hosts in tandem with indigenous tribes in the Philippines.

Listen, rate, and review to Art Heals All Wounds on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

● Alleluia’s journey to becoming a dancer and performer

● Why it’s so important to Alleluia to represent the immigrant experience on stage

● Dance as a form of meditation and prayer

● How Alleluia works to find the balance of a piece that communicates her truth, but also invites others to find themselves in it

● What Alleluia notices about the next generation of young artists she works with

Guest Info:

● KULARTS Website

● Alleluia’s Instagram
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