Artist Talks with Natasha Calixte is Cumbe’s latest talk show! Yes honey! We are chatting it up with some of our favorite artists, dance industry professionals and more. We’re learning about their lifestyles, their opinions on world events and the art of expression. Join Natasha every second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:00pm ET on Instagram and Facebook @cumbedance.

This week, we’re chatting with the one and only Dani Criss the Artist, known for her provocative freedom loving dance styles and focus on liberation art. She is a multidisciplinary artist, artistic educator and community organizer hailing from Durham, North Carolina and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. She is passionate about the advancement of people of African descent and is driven by her roots and studies of the African Diaspora. Her use of the arts as an educational tool provides a foundational appreciation, acceptance, and historical context for African Diasporic cultures. Dani has trained and performed with numerous artists, companies and festivals including The American Dance Festival, The Honorable Baba Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble, Urban Bush Women’s Summer Leadership Institute, The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, Otesha Cultural Arts Ensemble, Asè Dance Theatre Collective, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy and others. Choreographic works have been shared in various ensembles, theaters, schools, and festivals around the country. Check out www.danicriss.com for more information. 

Natasha Calixte is a Brooklyn based dancer and arts administrator. She received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Purchase College Arts Management program, and is currently working as a leader organizing programs for Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance. Natasha’s interest include exploring world ritual practices/lifestyles, queer Black experiences and advocating for arts programs for vulnerable communities.