MONICA SHAH / KANON SUGINO

This show features two choreographers of Asian descent, bringing cultural backgrounds into their work; solo, duet, and ensemble pieces that touch on mental health, identity, and reflections on living in this world; and a live cellist.

MONICA SHAH is an independent dance artist, performing in both classical and contemporary Indian styles. She has trained in Bharatanatyam for over 30 years, with complimentary work in diverse movement forms, and toured nationally and internationally as a senior member of the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company for a decade.  Since then, Monica has performed as a soloist and guest artist in dance productions and festivals across Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, and New York. Monica is also a licensed psychologist, providing therapeutic services to individuals across the age range and helping people build the lives that they want to lead. @monshahdance 

KANON SUGINO (she/her) is a Japanese American dancer and choreographer born and raised in New York. After graduating from Purchase College, SUNY with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Arts Management, she joined Nimbus Dance as a company artist. As a choreographer, she has presented work at the We Belong Here: AAPI Festival, curated by Jessica Chen, as well as the Arts On Site Gala. Her works mainly focus on the uplifting of marginalized voices and the celebration and empowerment of people of color. By prioritizing healthy representation for minority groups, she hopes to utilize the power of art and dance to create a platform for disadvantaged communities. @kanonsugino

Photo of Monica Shah by Chris Randle