Press

[Harvard Gazette] The art of the real: Seven visiting artists leave their marks on campus
Nate Herpich/Harvard Correspondant, 12/10/21

[Harvard Crimson] ‘Initiation: In Love Solidarity’ Uses Dance to Reclaim Power
Brady M. Collonny/Harvard University, 11/30/21

[Dance Informa] The spirits of places: Nailah Randall-Bellinger’s ‘Initiation — In Love Solidarity’
Kathryn Bolan of Dance Informa, 10/21/21

Included in the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery’s Walking Tour
We encourage you to explore these resources in the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery website.

Testimonies

Words on Reconsidering…
“Wow wow wow wow! That was incredible. I felt it in my whole body and being. It was one of the most powerful art pieces I have ever experienced. I am so very grateful to have been able to see it.”

- audience member, Jennifer Coon

Words on Reconsidering…

“We can’t say enough about how great it was to have RootsUprising and Theater for The People bring their powerful "Reconsidering" to the New Rep Theatre. Nailah's talented troupe was met by an enthusiastic sold-out house in our Black Box Theater. The use of different media, the power of the modern dance coupled with the audience engagement (dancing patrons and standing ovations!) made this ensemble the perfect partner as New Rep moves forward with a vision to leave no one behind. We look forward to working together again soon!” 

- the team at the New Rep Theatre

“It sometimes just takes listening closely enough that we can hear the leaves rustle and the waves crash — to feel the spirits of places, whatever they may have to share with us: joyful, somber or painful. Deep gratitude to Randall-Bellinger and collaborators for reminding us of these important truths with the layered and resonant In Love, Solidarity.”

- Kathryn Boland of Dance Informa

Words on #shesstillbreathing and Women’s Work…

“If there was one takeaway that Randall-Bellinger left the audience with, it was that dance is, and will always be, relevant and necessary. “Artists are going to create regardless. Instead of shutting down because of the pandemic, nope, we now have to dance with the pandemic,” she concluded. No matter the obstacle or limitations, artists will produce art given whatever materials are graspable within a given time and space, so long as the experience they express in their art remains true. As the pandemic has forced us all to work outside of our comfort zones, artists are embracing the challenge of expanding inclusivity –– working within new barriers to break down others.”

- Harvard Crimson

“The wonderful honor of being the cinematographer was bringing Nailah’s vision to life in a way that feels visceral and immersive,” Belinsky said. “In a way that feels like you are not just a spectator of the piece but you are actually a part of the piece.”

When asked about the most impactful part of the piece, Tarikh Campbell, an attendee and hip-hop instructor at the Harvard Dance Center, said, “For me, it was just the realization of how much of the piece, both visually in terms of cinematography, choices down to details, and accessories and such just all connected.”

- Harvard Crimson

“The work is an invitation to enter a dialogue on the journey of African Diaspora people, as it connects to the whole of humanity, through reflection, reclamation, and regeneration, moving from trauma to resilience in love solidarity.”

- The Baha’i Center of Learning

“Working with Nailah Randall-Bellinger and RootsUprising is a revelatory and joyous affair! At once curious and startling in the honesty and intimacy of their performance, RootsUprising is magnificent to experience. Watching Randall-Bellinger both in rehearsal and on stage, she approaches her work with clear-eyed vision and deep sense of care for her fellow dancers. The result is a shared language through movement where RootsUprising provokes and invites audiences to explore their own experiences of the world and to join in a shared understanding of equity and social justice.”

- Jason Weeks, Executive Director
Cambridge Arts