Stroll celebrates the power of blending traditional forms with an innovative, contemporary aesthetic, something we learned from our collaborators, the musical ensemble TAIKOPROJECT.

Originally a video collaboration, this piece is being transformed to a live version of the work where dancers join in over time, journeying onto the stage and welcoming the audience. The movements are inspired by the highly physical art of Taiko drumming, which in itself has movement as a large part of its performance.

Taiko drumming is thousands of years old but the ensemble style we celebrate here, known as kumi-daiko, originated in 1951!  The Mischiefs of Japanese ancestry have offered us insight and the entire company have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to celebrate their heritage and love of Taiko music through dance.

The work also references American dance history through the Vaudeville-era routine “The Walkaround” by The Copasetics.  Renowned choreographer Cholly Atkins worked well beyond the 1920s and is a master of “vocal choreography” for groups like The Supremes and The Temptations, so this is a tribute to his collaboration with musicians as well.