“A Story Before Time…” is a multi-disciplinary performance piece incorporating dance, music and theatre created by Artistic Director/Choreographer Santee Smith (Mohawk) of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. The content is directly inspired by the narrative translation of the Iroquois Creation Story. The Creation Stories of a people often provide a gateway to understanding a culture’s ethnosphere; this is true of understanding Haudenosuanee cultural consciousness and perspectives. The Iroquois Creation Story speaks metaphorically about the world view and philosophy of its people. The magical story carries metaphors and images that are powerful and meaningful. The narrative expresses insight into a world that incorporates a Sky World and a Spirit World, acknowledges women as prime creators and explores the balance between positive/negative and male/female forces of the universe

“A Story Before Time…” is an artistic project that places utmost importance on artistic vision while focusing on a target audience of youth ranging in age from 5-12.

About Kaha:wi Dance Theatre
Brief History

Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (KDT) was formed around the talents and accomplishments of Artistic Director, Santee Smith, who has built her reputation as a performer, choreographer and producer over twenty years. Smith bridges the gap between contemporary and traditional dance in Canada, creating an innovating trademark style for KDT which allowed the company to grow from its most formative stage. Operating as an artist run sole proprietorship since 2001, KDT officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in June 2005. KDT’s head office is located on Six Nations reserve with a secondary office and studio space at the National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto.

Creating a story before time...

An interview with Santee Smith

Cast and Crew
(to date):
 

• Santee Smith
  Artistic Director /Choreographer
• Donald Quan
  Composer
• Harry Frehner
  Lighting designer
• Linda Leon
  Costume designer
• Drew Hayden Taylor
  Writer
• Tantoo Cardinal
  Narrator

A Story Before Time is part of the Banff Summer Arts Festival. See when it's playing.