Press
NPR: Komansé Dance Theater Explores Issues Of Social Disparity - Summer Evans
“Dance can spark dialogue, and Komansé Dance Theater is creating a dialogue in the world premiere of “Skid… She wants to celebrate black culture, while highlighting both the vulnerability and strength of humanity. She partnered with the Covenant House, an organization which serves homeless youth, in order to discuss the social disparities that surround homelessness and gentrification in Atlanta.
Lois (Reitzes) spoke with Brown and LaToya Farris, the daily service coordinator at Covenant House, about this new production. “
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Arts ATL: Raianna Brown spotlights social justice with multifaceted “Skid - Candice Thompson
“During a recent rehearsal for Komansé Dance Theater’s Skid, artistic director and choreographer Raianna Brown exuded a calm command over the 29 cast members buzzing with energy. It was 8:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening at a Southwest Atlanta dance studio, just a few weeks out from Skid’s world premiere, January 25–26 at Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center for the Arts. As Brown presided over a room of organized chaos, her tone was even more surprising because of her young age and relative inexperience. And yet, this 23-year-old graduate of Georgia Tech responded to the stress, which the eve of such a big moment necessarily brings, with a precocious confidence and a disarming humor…
This question of intention — asked frequently throughout rehearsal — is integral to Brown’s work and seems to emanate from her character. She made headlines in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and publications like Teen Vogue back in 2016 when…”
Atlanta Intown: Komansé Dance Theater brings ‘Skid’ to Ferst Center Jan. 25-26 - Cleo Creech
“Komansé Dance Theater (KDT) takes it name from the Haitian/Creole word for beginning, as in the beginning of a conversation or dialogue. Creative Director Raianna Brown takes that mission seriously as she brings Skid to the stage at the Ferst Center for the Arts, at Georgia Tech on Jan. 25 and 26.
Inspired in part by the work of writer and social justice pioneer James Baldwin as well as current social justice issues like gentrification and homelessness, Skid explores the effects of societies torn apart and individuals who are tossed aside and have their humanity ignored…
GPB NPR: Atlanta Choreographer Highlights Social Justice Through Movement - La’Raven Taylor & Virginia Prescott
“Sit-ins, marches and rallies often come to mind when people think of activism. Atlanta choreographer and dancer Raianna Brown has another spin on it. In 2016, she gained attention online for kneeling during a college football game. Back then, she was a 22-year old member of the Goldrush dance team at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Now, Brown is continuing her advocacy with movement. She visited “On Second Thought” to talk about her new dance production, “Skid.” It’s a celebration of the vulnerability and strength of humanity. Komansé Dance Theater takes a look at homelessness and gentrification in the metro Atlanta area and beyond.
GPB NPR: Atlanta Choreographer Highlights Social Justice Through Movement - Emilia Brock & Virginia Prescott
“The 2019 festival is curated by the African Disaporic Art Museum of Atlanta and its executive director, and a critically acclaimed painter, Dr. Fahamu Pecou. He joined us in studio to talk about the inspirations, events and conversations behind this year's ELEVATE. Raianna Brown also joined the conversation. She is founder of Komansé Dance Theater, which is behind one of the festival's featured performances…”
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Fresh U: How This Dance Company Uses Artwork for Social Activism - Dorine Tirogene
“We will also be working with members of Atlanta’s homeless population and including their stories into the narrative of the show (with permission) to bring to light the complexity of this important social issue."
When asked what she hopes to gain from her projects and activism, Brown remains hopeful.
"We are really hoping to gain more exposure for this important project. Especially in the time we live in it is important for people to see that young people, especially young people of color, are not just sitting aside and letting things happen, but we are working to be the change we seek in the world."
IN SPACE - Komansé Dance Theater - Floyd Hall
“The Directors of Komansé Dance Theater discuss “Skid”, their new production that tackles issues of gentrification and homelessness.
Recorded live at Gallery 72, they delve into how much they’ve grown since their first production in 2017, the process of collaborating with 3D printed fashion designer Shami Oshun to create costumes for the production, and how writer James Baldwin influenced the language of the performance.
This conversation is presented in collaboration with the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.”
Rolling Out Writes About Art: Georgia Tech dancer Raianna Brown Returns with Show Spotlighting Homelessness - Rashad Milligan
“Brown’s debut show, In Human, was a visual portrayal of the many struggles that people in the Black community face on a regular basis. The playlist during the show spanned from Kendrick Lamar to Childish Gambino, and the curtain call ended with a theaterwide swag surf.
Skid is focusing largely on the homeless population in Atlanta, as well as the rising concerns of gentrification.
“It’s so important to me because I feel like it’s important for us as young people, and as citizens, to acknowledge marginalized communities,” she said. “The arts should be focused on that. I’m heavily invested in this show…”