Exploring the intersection of Indigenous and new performance, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s works feature visually stunning, visceral, and thought-provoking performances created through Indigenous knowledge, process and methodology.

Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Santee Smith, Kaha:wi (Ga-HA-Wee) means “to carry” in the Kahnyen’kehàka (Mohawk) language. Kaha:wi Dance Theatre is located on Six Nations of the Grand River and Toronto, Ontario.

Kaha:wi Dance Theatre supports research, creation, production and dissemination of the work of founding Artistic Director Santee Smith along with inspirational work of collaborators from artists, academics and community knowledge keepers. Smith’s programming fosters creativity; investment in artistic process and dialogue; exploration of Indigenous methodologies; collaboration and inter-cultural exchange with community. Kaha:wi Dance Theatre promotes Indigenous narratives and philosophy through resurgent process and practice.

An embodied incantation Blood, Water, Earthtraverses sacred alignment from cosmos to womb to earth, in a symbolic ritual renewal. Weaving performance, video and music, the performance channels the ancestral, elemental and the dream world. Highly cinematic, the imagery and energies span the wide range of what is woman: warrior, leader, mother, and huntress. Acknowledging inter-connectedness and shared experiences of Konkwehon:we (Indigenous women), Blood Water Earthplaces a Konkwehon:we/Mana Wahine (Maori Women’s) worldview in the vanguard.

Blood Water Earth’s imagery comes from both Aotearoa and Six Nations of the Grand River, uniting artists from Turtle Island (Canada) and Aotearoa (New Zealand) with key collaborators Kahnyen’kehàka artist Santee Smith and Ngai Tahu video/dance artist Louise Potiki Bryant.  A solo re-mix from sourced from Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s triptych series on awakening sacred feminine: Re-Quickening, Blood Tidesand Skén:nen,it also features work of triptych collaboratorsAndy Moro, Adrian Fulop and Cris Derksen.